The Canta Goes Wild: Issue 7
Ben O’Keefe received significant online hate after the Chiefs lost in the Super Rugby final to the Crusaders. Photo: Mai FM.
Ryan Reynolds expands sporting investment empire
Following the $2.5 million takeover of Welsh soccer team Wrexham AFC in November 2020, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have now set their sights on Formula One.
The pair became minority investors in Alpine F1 Team as part of a group of investors that acquired a 24% stake in the team. This group includes Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments, led by Reynolds.
Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly both expressed their enthusiasm about the A-List investors at the Austrian Grand Prix media conference, with Gasly fan-girling over Reynolds stating, “I must admit I am personally a fan of Reynolds and his work. He is definitely one of my favourite actors […] definitely super excited to meet him at some point during the season.”
Alpine currently ranks 5th in the Constructors’ Championship, sitting comfortably above McLaren and Alfa Romeo.
Goodhue to leave New Zealand Rugby
Joining Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Aaron Smith in leaving New Zealand rugby after 2023 is midfield favourite Jack Goodhue.
The announcement comes after the Crusaders’ thrilling 25-20 win against the Chiefs in the 2023 Super Rugby Final. Goodhue has signed a two-year deal with French club Castres Olympique following 81 games in the Crusaders’ jersey and 19 tests for the All Blacks.
Crusaders coach Scott Robinson said that Goodhue, “epitomised everything we champion as a team and an organisation.” Goodhue and his wife Sophie have expressed their excitement for a new adventure and are looking forward to their time in France.
Netflix releases full season of ‘Break Point’ in time for Wimbledown 2023
Netflix continued their onslaught of sporting docu-series as they released the final five episodes of ‘Break Point.’ The show features in depth insights into the illustrious world of elite tennis, with interviews from all-time greats such as Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to name a few.
Taylor Fritzs’ dedicated episode managed to capture his iconic win at Indian Wells against Rafael Nadal. The new episodes include highlights on Nick Kyrgios’ 2022 Wimbledon scandals and Ajla Tomljanovic’s struggles after breaking up with tennis pro Matteo Berrettini. Conveniently released before this years’ Wimbledon tournament, the new episodes surely ignite viewers once again in the hope of increasing viewership of the tournament.
Netflix’s docu-series like Formula One’s ‘Drive To Survive’ and hit show ‘Cheer’ have opened up an accessible way to gain new, and notably younger viewers, into ageing sporting populations. In the past year alone, Netflix has released three new sporting docuseries covering tennis, golf and the Tour De France, aiming to replicate the success of past series.
Football Ferns Fifa squad announced
Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková released her squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, featuring ten players who will make their World Cup debut.
The 23 player squad includes experienced players like Annalie Longo and Ria Percival, but also balances that with fresh talent from 17-year-old Wellington Phoenix striker Milly Clegg. The tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, kicks off July 20th where the Ferns match up against Norway at Eden Park.
Kiwi Golfer wins British Masters
Porirua golden boy Daniel Hillier claimed his maiden DP World Tour Title at the British Masters, finishing 10-under-par for the tournament.
Hillier reached the turn in just 35 strokes, thanks to two birdies and a bogey on the front nine and finished his round with finesse hitting an eagle-birdie-eagle from the 15th to open up a two-shot lead.
The 24-year-old will walk away with a pay cheque of $970,000NZD and a spot in the British Open at Royal Liverpool in late July.
O’Keefe receives hate after Super Rugby final
New Zealand rugby referee Ben O’Keefe received an onslaught of on and off-line abuse following the Crusaders’ victory over the Chiefs.
O’Keefe spoke out about the hate on his Instagram, saying he is so accustomed to it that it barely affects him, but doesn’t condone it in any way. Other game officials as well as O’Keefe were loudly booed by supporters during the post-match presentation after several controversial calls during the game.
New Zealand Rugby have expressed their support for O’Keefe, saying that “New Zealand Rugby firmly stands behind Ben and all referees who are involved in our game. Ben is a hugely respected member of our rugby community and an outstanding match official.”
