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Fred makes final

Marlborough rower Fred Vavasour reached the A final in the men’s four at the first World Cup regatta in Spain at the weekend. He and crewmates Campbell Crouch, Harry Fitzpatrick and Josh Vodanovich competed in their first A final at this level. World champions Great Britain put on a masterclass to take the gold in 5.54.46. New Zealand was sixth in 6:09.19.

Cooper called up

Former Marlborough Boys’ College First XV player Cooper Roberts made his debut off the bench for the Crusaders on Friday night. The 21-year-old, who made a strong impression for the Tasman Mako in last season’s NPC has been in the Crusaders’ wider training group but was given a chance in the final round of Super Rugby before the play-offs. He did not disappoint, looking menacing with the ball in hand and showing some silky passing skills after coming on just after halftime. A day later Cooper’s Mako and NZ under-20 team mate Eli Oudenryn made his debut for the Blues, against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

India selected

Marlborough water polo player India Nathan has been selected in the New Zealand under-16 team to attend the World Aquatic women’s under-16 championships. The worlds will be staged in Zagreb, Croatia in late July.

Tim back with Mako

Former Waitohi and Mako player Tim O’Malley will be part of the Tasman Mako men’s coaching team for the 2026 NPC season. Tim will fill the dual roles of Mako Manager and Assistant Skills Coach. He made 50 appearances for Tasman, becoming Mako #152, and was a member of the back-to-back NPC Premiership-winning teams in 2019 and 2020.

Life member

Former Marlborough Red Devils halfback and administrator Wayne Young was honoured with Life Membership of the Tasman Rugby Union at the recent AGM. The award recognised his 13 years of service on the Tasman board, including two stints as chairman during some particularly challenging times.