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Stacey Waaka of the Black Ferns Sevens. Photo / Getty

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World Rugby boss claims women will match the men

22 May, 2019 11:30am
4 minutes to read

Brett Gosper says developing women's rugby is the biggest opportunity for the sport.

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Hot and cold: All Black's mixed bag a World Cup worry

21 May, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: At times he is untouchable. At others mental lapses prove costly.

Codie Taylor of the Crusaders runs with the ball during the Super Rugby match between DHL Stormers and Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.

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Blame ill-discipline: Victory slips from Crusaders grasp in dramatic draw

19 May, 2019 6:12am
4 minutes to read

A dramatic draw is not how the Crusaders envisioned the final leg of their SA sojourn.

New Zealand boxer David Nyika pictured during training at his gym in Hamilton. Photo / Alan Gibson

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80 wins and counting: Kiwi boxer strides toward Olympic dream

18 May, 2019 6:55pm
4 minutes to read

Double Commonwealth Games gold medallist continues his success on path to Olympic Games.

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Liam Napier: Future of world rugby faces defining moment

15 May, 2019 10:45am
4 minutes to read

Nations Championship seems destined to fail unless Six Nations produce major backflip.

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Liam Napier: The All Blacks' ultimate insurance policy

14 May, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

If Kieran Read were to fall over between now and the World Cup, the ABs have their man.

Sir Ben Ainslie will skipper the Ineos Team UK boat. Photo / Ineos Team UK

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'Programmed to win': 110 million reasons Team NZ should be worried

14 May, 2019 5:30am
8 minutes to read

Bankrolled by a billionaire, Ben Ainslie's Team UK are out to steal the America's Cup.

Jamie George of Saracens lifts the trophy whilst teammates celebrate following during the Champions Cup Final match between Saracens and Leinster. Photo / Getty Images.

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Rugby: Saracens sink Leinster in European final

12 May, 2019 6:46am
3 minutes to read

For the third time in four years, European glory belongs to Saracens.

Sir Ben Ainslie team principal and helmsman of the British Americas Cup team INEOS Team UK. Photo / Getty

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America's Cup: Ben Ainslie casts doubt over challengers

11 May, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

The Team UK skipper believes three late entries won't make the start line in Auckland.

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Mo'unga the man: Crusaders thrash Bulls in Pretoria

11 May, 2019 5:05am
4 minutes to read

Follow live updates as the Bulls host the Crusaders.

Hadleigh Parkes of Wales throws a t-shirt into the crowd as he celebrates his side's victory during the Guinness Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland. Photo / Getty Images.

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Unlikely hero: The Kiwi who is rugby royalty in Wales

10 May, 2019 11:03am
6 minutes to read

Hadleigh Parkes opens up on his rise from unwanted NZ midfielder to rugby royalty in Wales

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Curse of 27: The age great All Blacks backs expire

9 May, 2019 2:00pm
4 minutes to read

As we've seen with Usain Bolt, fast-twitch fibers slow even for the best athletes.

Time is still on Steve Hansen's side. Photo / Getty

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'Good people will miss out': Hansen on challenges of World Cup year

4 May, 2019 11:30am
5 minutes to read

Despite recent setbacks, time is still on Steve Hansen's side as the World Cup looms.

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Luck of the draw? Crusaders avoid shock with last-gasp try

3 May, 2019 9:38pm
4 minutes to read

Maybe the Crusaders aren't so invincible after all. Not when they rest three All Blacks.

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Sweet sabbatical: $3.4m per-season payday impossible to turn down

3 May, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

"Everyone wants our coaches and everyone wants our players," says Steve Hansen.

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Rugby's new battleground: The tactic that is emerging before the World Cup

2 May, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

For the past three years rush defence has been king but there are signs change is coming.

Sio Tomkinson of the Highlanders dives to score his side' eighth try during their lopsided win over the Sunwolves. Photo / Getty

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Highlanders shut out Sunwolves in stunning romp

26 Apr, 2019 11:50pm
4 minutes to read

Highlanders shackles well and truly broken with steamrolling of Sunwolves.

Former Warriors prospect Sam Lousi joined the Hurricanes two years ago. Photo / NZME

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Napier: The huge problem with the Hurricanes

13 Apr, 2019 2:00pm
5 minutes to read

It's clear the Hurricanes' recruitment has not kept pace with the exit doors.

Israel Folau of the Waratahs looks on during the side's loss to the Blues. Photo / Getty

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Unprecedented standoff: All eyes on Kiwi in latest Folau scandal

11 Apr, 2019 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Israel Folau is a proven liability and it is time for Raelene Castle to act.

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Comment | Brutal reality awaits rejected All Blacks

10 Apr, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Steve Hansen will leave some devastated souls behind for this year's World Cup.

Jonathan Joseph of Bath escapes the challenge of Luke Daniels of Bristol. Photo / Getty

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English rugby have it spot on: What NZ should learn from the North

9 Apr, 2019 2:00pm
4 minutes to read

In terms of atmosphere and genuine, passionate support, English rugby has spot on.

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Hurricanes edge Highlanders in last-second thriller

5 Apr, 2019 9:32pm
4 minutes to read

As with all games under the Dunedin roof, this one did not disappoint.

Former All Black prop Carl Hayman snow trekking in Nepal in 2019.

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Challenge that's claimed 40 lives: Former All Black's terrifying climb

5 Apr, 2019 11:42am
8 minutes to read

Carl Hayman will attempt to go where even the great Sir Ed has not been before.

Willis Halaholo in action for the Cardiff Blues. Photo /Getty

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'Complete joke': Kiwis tied up in Welsh rugby 'scandal'

4 Apr, 2019 9:56am
4 minutes to read

Former Welsh star says more foreigners in red jersey is an 'absolute scandal'.

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The Silver Dragon or Welsh Kiwi? More Kiwis set for Wales

3 Apr, 2019 12:11pm
5 minutes to read

Gareth Anscombe could be one of four Kiwis in the starting Welsh backline next year.

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The Hurricanes tight five stocks just took another hit

3 Apr, 2019 5:38am
3 minutes to read

Hurricanes stocks further stripped with Sam Lousi to join Welsh club Scarlets.

Ulster's Jacob Stockdale at the end of the European Champions Cup quarter final match at Aviva Stadium Photo /Getty

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'Unforgivable': The blunder that dominated European rugby's big weekend

2 Apr, 2019 6:01am
4 minutes to read

Cards, blunders, magic tries - European rugby's quarterfinals had a bit of everything.

Adam Hastings of Glasgow is tackled by Schalk Burger during the Champions Cup Quarter Final. Photo / Getty

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Dave Rennie's Glasgow bundled out of European finals

31 Mar, 2019 7:48am
4 minutes to read

Glasgow bundled out of European finals as Owen Farrell misses match for fatherhood duties.

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The team to beat: Crusaders blow away Hurricanes

29 Mar, 2019 9:25pm
4 minutes to read

Back to business for the Crusaders, as they hammer the Hurricanes in Wellington.

England's Jonny May scores a try in his side's Six Nations' draw with Scotland. Photo INPHO/Ryan Byrne

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World Rugby challenge England criticism

28 Mar, 2019 4:01am
4 minutes to read

World Rugby hits back at England criticism of Nations Championship plans.

Owen Farrell, the England captain, looks dejected after their to Wales. Photo / Getty

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'Catastrophic': England won't support rugby's big changes

27 Mar, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

England rugby boss sums up Six Nations views by suggesting relegation is a no go.

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Tom Robinson, Blues cult hero in the making?

27 Mar, 2019 5:28am
4 minutes to read

Is Tom Robinson the Blues cult hero in the making?

Marty McKenzie in action against the Bulls. Photo / Getty

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Finally! Chiefs pile on points to end dire drought

24 Mar, 2019 4:18am
4 minutes to read

Finally relief for the Chiefs, as they break two lengthy winless streaks at once.

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All Blacks beware: The real King in the North

21 Mar, 2019 5:05pm
5 minutes to read

Wales are grand slam champions but aren't the All Blacks' biggest World Cup threats.

The Sunwolves players form a huddle ahead of their Super Rugby game against the Reds. Photo / Getty

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Comment: Sunwolves' axing could not come at a worse time

21 Mar, 2019 4:55am
3 minutes to read

Looming axe of the Sunwolves once again shows Sanzaar's lack of long term planning.

England captain Owen Farrell and coach Eddie Jones. Photo / Getty

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Copying the All Blacks: England's plan to fix major World Cup flaw

18 Mar, 2019 8:00pm
4 minutes to read

"We've got to do it in half the time it took the All Blacks," says Eddie Jones.

Sean Maitland of Scotland is tackled by Henry Slade of England. photo /Getty

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Maitland feels close connection to Christchurch shootings

18 Mar, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

New Zealand-born Scotland wing feels closely connected to the Christchurch shootings.

England's Jonny May jumps to score a try during the Six Nations rugby union international between England and Scotland at Twickenham stadium in London. Photo / AP

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Six Nations: Stunning Scottish comeback ends in draw with England

17 Mar, 2019 8:00am
5 minutes to read

A last minute try has salvaged a draw for England after an epic Scottish comeback.

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From AB to Ireland coach: How Greg Feek helped transform the game

16 Mar, 2019 6:00pm
7 minutes to read

When Greg Feek signs off after the RWC, he will leave Ireland with a sense of fulfilment.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew. Photo / Getty

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NZR boss: Clock is ticking for World League

16 Mar, 2019 1:15pm
5 minutes to read

NZR Rugby boss admits many barriers remain to agreement being reached.

Schoolboy rugby has been rocked by claims of unethical recruitment and the threat of boycotts. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

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Auckland school rugby boycott drama to 'explode' again

16 Mar, 2019 6:20am
5 minutes to read

New bylaws tabled for schools rugby that would limit recruitment.

Kieran Read of the All Blacks warms up ahead of The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa. Photo / Getty Images.

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'Billions invested': New twist in World League proposal

15 Mar, 2019 5:11am
4 minutes to read

World Rugby finds money tree for Nations Championship but strong opposition remains.

Luke Whitelock of the All Blacks charges forward during last year's test match between Japan and the All Blacks at Tokyo Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

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Signed! Another All Black heading to France

15 Mar, 2019 1:04am
Quick Read

French club Pau continues their raid of All Blacks with Highlanders star joining Smith.

Manu Tuilagi of England celebrates with team-mate Henry Slade after he scored against Ireland in their Six Nations clash. Photo /Getty

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Six Nations deal threatens to kill off Nations Championship

14 Mar, 2019 5:09am
4 minutes to read

Six Nations deal threatens to kill off Nations Championship before it gets off the ground

NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Photo / Getty

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Liam Napier: Why all sports fans should listen to NBA boss

13 Mar, 2019 6:15pm
5 minutes to read

NBA commissioner breaks ranks to highlight mental health issues across all sports codes.

Wales fans celebrate a try during their Six Nations win over England. Photo / Getty

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Breaking down the fascinating finale to the Six Nations

12 Mar, 2019 8:24am
7 minutes to read

Liam Napier runs the rule over what promises to be a fascinating Six Nations finale.

England's Brad Shields celebrates after scoring a try during the Six Nations rugby union international match between England and Italy at Twickenham stadium. Photo / AP

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Six Nations: England unleash hulking wing in win over Italy

10 Mar, 2019 7:37am
5 minutes to read

Eddie Jones is slowly and surely beginning to build depth – and genuine firepower.

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Hurricanes heroics! Last-gasp penalty seals thrilling win

8 Mar, 2019 9:37pm
3 minutes to read

The Hurricanes backline got them out of jail against the Highlanders - just.

Kieran Read of New Zealand celebrates with the Webb Ellis Cup. Photo / Getty

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What legacy will Kieran Read leave?

7 Mar, 2019 5:15am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks captain has confirmed his departure but what legacy will he leave?

The pressure may by showing on the Ireland and England rugby teams ahead of the World Cup. Photo /Getty

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Hansen heaps pressure on Six Nations sides

6 Mar, 2019 5:53am
5 minutes to read

Steve Hansen believes Ireland and England have struggled to cope with favouritism of late.

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NZ Rugby considering radical options to halt player exodus

17 Feb, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

New Zealand Rugby are struggling for solutions to rapidly changing times.

Kiwi rugby coach Joe Schmidt - another Blues castoff - has led the Leinster and Irish golden age. Photo / Getty Images

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The incredible numbers behind Kiwi rugby's coaching dominance

16 Feb, 2019 3:30pm
7 minutes to read

Success in European rugby nations places Kiwi coaches at the head of recruitment queue.

Gareth Anscombe and George North of Wales celebrate victory over France. Photo /Getty

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Liam Napier: Why Wales aren't World Cup contenders just yet

13 Feb, 2019 4:35am
6 minutes to read

Wales must defeat England in Cardiff next week to prove they are World Cup contenders.

Kiwi Italian Jimmy Tuivaiti, working out at a gym in Rome, has sacrificed much time and energy to become a test rugby player. Photo / Getty Images

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Rugby: Long shot's paying off for Spaghetti Kiwi

10 Feb, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Playing rugby for Italy has been a long journey for Jimmy Tuivaiti.

Jordan Taufua was named in an All Blacks squad but has yet to make his debut due to injury. Photo / Getty

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'Steve was disappointed': All Black signs in England

9 Feb, 2019 12:00am
5 minutes to read

Crusaders veteran sets sights on making World Cup squad before leaving New Zealand.

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'On borrowed time': Blues top brass in firing line

8 Feb, 2019 8:40am
4 minutes to read

The Blues have a new coaching team, board, and chairman. But they're not done just yet.

Brodie Retallick breaks with the ball during a test against England. Photo / Getty

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New twist in mad scramble for top All Black's signature

7 Feb, 2019 3:12am
2 minutes to read

Japanese club Kobe are leading the charge to lure Brodie Retallick next year.

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Six Nations takeaways: The problem with England's World Cup hype

5 Feb, 2019 6:00pm
5 minutes to read

England have found their attacking blueprint but it's premature to talk World Cup success.

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Uncertain future for All Blacks coaching staff

3 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

"I'd love to stick around, continue to try enhance the legacy and history of the group."

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Fringe ABs earning more than captain: Why NZ has 'no hope' of retaining talent

2 Feb, 2019 9:15am
5 minutes to read

A fringe All Black is set to earn $958,000 annually from next season playing in UK.

Football Ferns captain Ali Riley is passionate about pushing women's football as well as being a Chelsea star, food blogger, book club member and podcast host. Photo / Getty Images

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Kiwi Girls with Balls pushing forward

2 Feb, 2019 5:30am
7 minutes to read

Ali Riley, the US-born Football Ferns skipper, has many balls in the air.

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Coaching showdown for the ages awaits Six Nations

31 Jan, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Schmidt, Jones and Gatland face off in possibly their final Six Nations tournament.