Stephanie Olney is training to be a chef. But her real love is more on the hoof than a hot grill - her spare mornings are spent track riding for veteran Rotorua trainer Lyn Skinner.

Rotorua's two Bay of Plenty District Rugby League premier competition hopefuls find themselves in contrasting situations heading into the opening weekend of the playoffs.

Two New Zealand sporting greats have been photobombed by a royal at the Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games doesn't have the spectator grandeur of the Olympics or the fever of the Football World Cup and for the past few years commentators have questioned its significance in the modern sporting world.

Whakarewarewa lost an epic grand final to Mount Maunganui 26-23 at Tauranga Domain. Plenty of Whaka supporters travelled to Tauranga to watch the Baywide final.

A former Whakatane carver and artist has had his worked displayed in front of millions at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Whakarewarewa would play their grand final against Mount Maunganui today if they could, according to coach Ngarimu Simpkins.

Kawerau's Sarah Walker will look to recapture some form when she takes part in the 2014 UCI BMX World Championships.