It's Only Sport podcast | The Platform The Platform

Peter Hillary - New Zealand mountaineer and son of Sir Edmund Hillary - joins Martin Devlin in a very special interview on It's Only Sport. 29th May 2024 marks 71 years to the date that Sir Edmund and Tenzing Norgay became the first two to reach the top of Mount Everest. Peter Hillary himself has climbed the mountain twice - he and Devlin discuss the significance of Sir Edmund's ascent back in 1953, what it's like climbing Everest including the toll it takes on your body and the feeling you get when you reach the top, and much more.

On today's podcast, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin focusses on two topics of differing themes - the upcoming New Zealand Rugby special general meeting (SGM) around its governance, and Sir Edmund Hillary's ascent up Mt Everest on this day in 1953. First off, Devlin delivers a sermon talking about the NZR SGM and predicting that despite a meeting of much significance, nothing will change anytime soon around how the governing body is run.

Then, Moana Pasifika coach and former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga looks ahead to their Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Crusaders while also reviewing their 2024 season, David Pilkington - who was part of the panel that undertook a review into NZR's governance last year - discusses all the important information to do with Thursday's meeting, Peter Hillary - son of Sir Edmund - goes in-depth on what it's like climbing Mt Everest, and Miles Davis shares his thoughts on the NZR SGM and the Hurricanes' Super Rugby title chances. All that and much more!

Tana Umaga - former All Blacks captain and now coach of Moana Pasifika - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport ahead of the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season. Moana Pasifika mathematically have a chance at qualifying for the finals but need to win away to the Crusaders and hope other results go their way. Umaga talks to Devlin about their season and the improvements on their 2023 campaign, how Moana Pasifika differs from other Super Rugby sides in how it operates, how they can become an enticing franchise that attracts and retain players, and more.

On today's podcast, It's Only Sport host Martin Devlin puts his versatility to the test, with a handful of guests joining the show to debate and pontificate rugby, the NBA, Grand Slam tennis, and more. First off, Devlin delivers a sermon dedicated to the brilliance of Rafael Nadal. The 22-time major winner and 14-time French Open champion is out of the second Grand Slam of the year, after a first-round loss to Alexander Zverev. Speculation is growing that he may have played his last tournament at Roland Garros.

Then, longtime tennis journalist Chris Jones shares his thoughts on Nadal's early exit and what this future holds, New Zealand rugby great Todd Blackadder discusses his Toshiba Brave Lupus side winning the Japanese Rugby League One competition, Mark 'Watto' Watson talks the Blues' loss to the Crusaders and Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková taking a leave of absence, and Dallas sports radio's Gavin Dawson chats the Mavericks' exploits in the NBA playoffs.

Plus, Devlin and producer Lachlan Waugh analyse and argue over the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake's future at the Warriors, and the Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific playoff chances on the Tight 5 and What Has More Chance Of Happening. All that and much more!

Todd Blackadder - former All Blacks and Crusaders captain, and Crusaders coach from 2009-2016 - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport, after guiding his side to victory in the final of the Japan Rugby League One competition. Blackadder's Toshiba Brave Lupus defeated the previously unbeaten Panasonic Wild Knights - who are coached by Robbie Deans - 24-20 in a tightly contested decider, handing Blackadder his first ever trophy as a head coach. The 52-year-old talks to Devlin about how sweet victory feels, the impact of former All Blacks Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell who both joined the team ahead of the season, how Blackadder as a coach has improved over the years, other rugby coaching jobs he has his eye on, and more.

Tony Kemp - ex-Warriors coach, Kiwis representative and co-host of the Rugby League Hour - joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport to recap all the main results and storylines from the NRL's 12th round of 2024. An undermanned Warriors made it back-to-back wins, coming from behind to beat the Dolphins 24-20 in Auckland, and now sit just three points outside the top eight. The Penrith Panthers, Manly Sea Eagles, Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs were among the weekend's other winners. Kempy and Marty go in-depth on the Warriors' win and how impressive their last two results are, as well as discussing the likes of the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm suffering surprise losses, and whether or not the Parramatta Eels' top eight hopes are done.