Julie Brougham eligible for World Equestrian Games

GOOD SPORTS: Julie Brougham has hit her mark to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in September.

The Palmerston North dressage rider and mount Vom Feinsten recorded their final required score at the New Zealand Dressage Championships at Manfeild on Thursday.

Brougham is the second Kiwi rider to qualify for the event, along with Hamilton’s John Thompson.

The trio hoped to use the World Equestrian Games to qualify a New Zealand dressage team for the Olympics for the first time.

See Page 3 for more.

Armstrong debut

Fraser Armstrong’s long wait for a Super Rugby debut appears likely to be over.

The Manawatu¯ prop was included in the Hurricanes’ travelling 27 for their matches against the Bulls in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sunday and the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 4.

Armstrong has been on the fringe of the squad for the past two years, but after a strong preseason could benefit from Reggie Goodes’ retirement from rugby due to concussions.

There are five props in the travelling team, which also includes Turbos halfback Jamie Booth and midfielder Ngani Laumape.

Emery out

Manawatu¯ midfielder Jason Emery has signed with the Sunwolves for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

The 24-year-old’s contract means he will not be available for the Turbos’ season.

He was signed to the Highlanders in 2013 and racked up 35 games for the Super Rugby franchise.

Rising coach

Miles Pearce has been named an assistant coach of the New Zealand Under 19 basketball team as they build towards the FIBA Under 19 World Cup in 2019.

He is joined by head coach Gavin Briggs and assistant coach Leyton Haddelton.

The side will take a young squad to the Under 18 Asia Championships in Thailand in August, targeting a top-four finish as part of their preparation for the 2019 event.