Super rugby starts in 27 – yes 27! – days
Here’s a look at the key sporting days to mark in your diary for 2020
January 31
Blues v Chiefs, first game of Super Rugby Granted, the start of a yearly competition might not be the most exciting thing to circle on the calendar, but being in January — in the height of the summer heat — brings plenty of intrigue. Will there be more injuries? How will players respond to playing a winter sport in the middle of summer? Will the crowds show up to enjoy some rugby in the sun? We’ll start to get an idea at the end of this month.
February 21
Black Caps v India,
First test, day one
Okay, the Australian series has turned into a bust but this is where the Black Caps thrive, a two-test series in home conditions. India first play five T20s and three ODIs before the Basin Reserve finally gets to host some cricket this summer before the second test at Hagley Oval which ends in autumn.
February 22
Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury II Their first bout in December 2018 was one of the events of the sporting year as it ended in a draw despite Fury being knocked down twice. If both fighters are in shape, this should be another entertaining affair.
February 23
UFC Fight Night Auckland: Dan Hooker v Paul Felder
After a monumental year for New Zealand mixed martial arts in 2019, a strong Kiwi contingent will look to kick off 2020 the right way with the UFC returning to Auckland for the first time in three years. Local stalwart Dan Hooker headlines the card against fellow top ranked lightweight Paul Felder, with the winner one step closer to a 2020 title shot. Other Kiwis on the card include Brad Riddell, Kai Kara-France and Ben Sosoli, while a host of Australian fighters will also feature.
March 8
Twenty20 World Cup final Hopefully the White Ferns will be there at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They are in a tough group with hosts Australia and India.
March 16
First day of Corona Piha Pro Some of the world’s surfing elite will descend on Piha Beach north of Auckland in the first World Surf League event on Kiwi shores since 2015. The event, which is part of the WSL’s elite challenger series, will be a vital one for those looking to qualify for the 2021 Championship Tour. The field is yet to be announced but some of the biggest names in the sport are expected to make their way to New Zealand for the inaugural contest.
April 5
Liverpool v Manchester City
The title is already Liverpool’s. Well, that’s what everyone is saying with the exception of Liverpool. After this game in Manchester, Liverpool will have just six Premier League matches left in the season. This could be the fixture that effectively ensures their 19th league title (leaving them one behind Manchester United) but first for 30 years.
April 13
Final round of the Masters Come on. It’s an automatic entry no matter which year it is. Though hard to see it topping the 2019 edition.
July 4
All Blacks v Wales, first test
The Ian Foster era officially begins with a three-test series against their bronze final counterparts. Anything other than a 3-0 series win and the heat will quickly go on the new coach.
July 13
Euro 2020 final
Wembley Stadium hosts the final of a tournament that features 12 host countries. No big nations missed out on qualifying and the 24-team tournament features an intriguing pool of death which includes Portugal, France, Germany and a playoff winner.
July 24
Tokyo Olympics begin
Opening ceremonies can be dull and drawn out but we got a glimpse of what could be on offer at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium four years ago when Japanese PM Shinzo Abe dressed up as Super Mario at the Rio closing ceremony. More of that please.
July 29
Olympics action
The All Blacks Sevens could be featuring in the playoffs, while women’s double sculls world champions Brooke Donoghue and Olivia Loe may be racing for gold.
July 30-31
Olympics action
There are men’s and women’s rowing finals in the pairs and lightweight double sculls, followed the next day by the single sculls and eights — surely a few golden moments in there. On the 30th, expect to see gymnast Simone Biles dominate again.
August 1
Olympics action
The Black Ferns Sevens will look to go one better after silver in Rio. Expect to see American swimming star Caeleb Dressel, who won six golds at the world championships, to pick up another medal in the 100m butterfly final.
August 3
Olympics action
Final day of the eventing, while Blair Tuke and Peter Burling are expected to feature in the 49er medal race.
August 4
Olympics action
Lisa Carrington goes for the threepeat in the K1 200m final in Tokyo. She’s also expected to race in the K2 500m final the same day. At the velodrome, the men’s team sprint finals take place where four years ago the New Zealand trio fell just short of gold.
August 6
Olympics action
Tom Walsh should feature in the men’s shot put final, with Eliza McCartney potentially in the women’s pole vault and Lisa Carrington in the K1 500m.
September 28
Final day of the Ryder Cup There is guaranteed drama at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin. Europe have won four of the last five Ryder Cups.
November 6
Black Caps v Australia, MCG
This time, it’s in the coloured clothing as they face off in a T20 World Cup pool game just a couple of days after the Melbourne Cup. Expect another strong Kiwi crowd.
November 8
All Blacks v England
First meeting since a certain World Cup semifinal. There will be plenty of interest in this test.
December 20
America’s Cup World Series
We get our first look at the boats competing in the 2021 America’s Cup on April 24 in Cagliari, followed by another event in Portsmouth in June. And then they dock in Auckland in preparation for next year’s event with a World Series regatta.