Rio 2016 Olympics

The New Zealand Sevens Olympic trial squad has been confirmed with 16 players to fight for spots in Rio at the final two legs of the World Series in Europe.

The Black Sticks men will play Australia on the opening day of the Olympic hockey competition, while the New Zealand women play Korea a day later.

Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa has become the latest leading golfer to opt out of this year's Olympics in Rio.

NZ Rugby's general manager of rugby says they are disappointed Ardie Savea has pulled out of contention for the Sevens Olympics team.

Kenya's parliament has passed an anti-doping bill, required to avoid a possible ban from the Rio Olympics, with the president expected to sign it into law this week.

The Wellington Phoenix have signed striker Hamish Watson on a one-year contract after the 23-year-old impressed as an injury replacement for front-line forward Roy Krishna.

One of New Zealand's leading equestrian hopes in Rio, Tim Price, has had to withdraw his 13 year old horse Wesko from the Olympics.

Ten New Zealand athletes have been named in the initial track and field squad for the Rio Olympics.

The New Zealand sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have won their 25th successive 49er regatta with victory at the European Championship in Barcelona.

The New Zealand women's football team couldn't have been dealt a tougher Rio Olympic draw, says midfielder Analie Longo.

Experienced canoe slalom paddlers Luuka Jones and Mike Dawson have joined the New Zealand Olympic team for the 2016 Rio Games.

The New Zealand women's football team will play France, Colombia and four time champions the United States in pool play at this year's Rio Olympics.

Three New Zealand shooters have been selected to compete at the Rio Olympics.

World champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have made a flying start to the European sailing champs in Barcelona.

Eight swimmers will nominated by Swimming New Zealand for the Rio Olympics.

Cycling New Zealand is playing down any concern over its Olympic track cycling team not being able to test ou the velodrome ahead of August's Rio Olympics.

New Zealand is forecast to win an unprecedented 23 medals at the Rio Olympic Games in August.

Jamaican super sprinter Usain Bolt will start the Olympic season at a May 14 meet in the Cayman Islands.

Official advice to athletes or travellers going to the Rio Olympics in August will not change despite Brazil's Zika outbreak, the Health Ministry says.

Golf's major championships threw their support behind the sport's return to the Olympics, offering exemptions for gold medal winners this year to all grand slam events.