Iain Payten
Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.
‘I hold no grudge’: Why Australian rugby’s newest rock star had to leave Sydney to get a gig
Finally free of injury, athletic Brumbies back-rower Charlie Cale is setting Super Rugby alight in 2026. On Friday, he’ll take on the team that didn’t want him, the Waratahs.
- Iain Payten
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‘When are we going to learn?’ McKellar fears Wallabies hype could derail Brumbies bolter
Little-known Declan Meredith is in form and being talked up as a Wallabies prospect. But ahead of the Brumbies-Waratahs showdown, both coaches want to pump the brakes.
- Iain Payten and Jonathan Drennan
The Waratahs’ season is hanging by a thread. One alarming statistic may explain why
Since starting strongly with a big win over Queensland, the Waratahs have taken a major nosedive in a crucial area of the game.
- Iain Payten
Wallabies turn to former All Blacks defensive guru to bolster coaching staff
The Kiwi behind one of the most famous defensive efforts in World Cup history will be on deck for the Wallabies at next year’s tournament.
- Iain Payten
Luc Longley played with Jordan and Rodman. He’s never seen anyone with more fire than Delly
After a polarising NBA career that still generates headlines, Matthew Dellavedova has led the Sydney Kings to a grand final series. And he’s lost none of the drive that made him a cult figure.
- Iain Payten
He’s the ‘winningest’ coach in Aussie sport. Does Brian Goorjian get the respect he deserves?
In his fifth decade as an NBL coach, the 72-year-old is on the cusp of another NBL crown with the Sydney Kings. And Goorjian has no plans to slow down.
- Iain Payten
The Slipper conundrum: How do you celebrate a guy who breaks every record but hates the spotlight?
James Slipper will tick off yet another milestone with a record 203rd Super Rugby appearance on Friday night. It caused a minor headache for competition officials.
- Iain Payten
Pacific leaders lobby Australia for rugby cash splash after NRL deal
The $150 million sports diplomacy deal is being sought by Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as the Albanese government bankrolls rugby league in the region to counter China.
- Chris Barrett and Iain Payten
This Kings star says he was robbed of MVP award. He’ll now battle the winner for an NBL title
Politics, bad blood and a white-hot rivalry between the game’s two biggest superstars. The NBL grand final series couldn’t have been scripted better.
- Iain Payten
McKellar questions no-try ruling after Gordon seals thrilling wins for Reds
The Waratahs’ drought in Brisbane has continued after the Reds scored a handful of tries late to beat their rivals.
- Iain Payten and Nick Wright