Liam Napier is the Chief Sports Writer and Rugby Correspondent for New Zealand's Herald.
I’m Liam Napier and I have been a journalist since 2010. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved sport. My grandfather was a champion boxer and journalist. Childhood memories are filled with him listening to cricket at the beach, watching old boxing fights, All Blacks tests and attending rugby matches that dad coached. I've dabbled in all codes and contests since the age of four – from athletics to cricket and rugby – and now have the scars and dodgy knee to prove it. As my writing developed through high school in Foxton, it merged with my passion for sport. After completing a Bachelor of Communications and Graduate Diploma in Journalism at Massey University, I landed my first job as a journalist at a Waikato suburban newspaper. Journalism has allowed me to travel the world, savour many memorable experiences and meet exceptional people along the way. Nothing matches the addictive buzz of attending major sports events, and I love the freedom of expression our industry provides. Sport, for many, is an escape from the real world. It is a privilege, therefore, to play a small part in capturing and sharing those moments that spark wild emotions within fans. Telling athletes' personal tales is another special part of my role. While rugby is a big beast in New Zealand, I’ve been fortunate to cover World Cups in netball and cricket, boxing world title fights, league tests, as well as the Commonwealth Games and Olympic athletes. Long may it continue.
Hurricanes hand Crusaders historic defeat
Sound the alarm. Panic stations have officially set in for the Crusaders.
Kiwi Super Rugby teams ‘on notice’ after early Aussie revival
Blues wary of the threat the Waratahs pose after resurgence from Australia teams.
How Joseph Parker is preparing for 'most crucial fight of my career'
One more head turning victory will move Parker from sleeping giant to live title threat.
Symbols to statements: Haka stands for more than rugby, as politics enters the game
The powerful haka challenges New Zealand's political landscape, writes Liam Napier.
German-born loose forward knocks back rival offers to commit to Blues
Anton Segner is a man on the move.
Dropped All Black sets tone in Blues win
There is nothing subtle about Vern Cotter’s Blues.
'Rotations all the way': Blues signal intentions with player management
Former All Blacks blindside is eager to impress after missing opening win through injury.
Former contender emerges as potential Rebels replacement
As the Melbourne Rebels stand on the verge of folding, their replacements have emerged.
All Blacks & Springboks set to resurrect iconic tours
Discussions advance for the All Blacks and Springboks to stage reciprocal tours.
'Step too far': Smart mouthguards spark controversy
Several players were ordered from the field due to measurements recorded in their mouths.
Chiefs deny Crusaders in brutal thriller
The Chiefs edged the Crusaders with two late penalties.
Lonergan and the rich listers: Inside top Kiwi boxers' switch to Aussie promoters
Successful boxers free to link up with Australian promoter.
'Straight into 15 against 15': How ‘Stern Vern’ is imposing a harder edge on Blues
New Blues head coach lifts the lid on changes for this season.
Revealed: The fish hook that maps out Joseph Parker's future
Parker could be forced to face dangerous opponent twice after agreeing to one-way rematch.
All Black wing's off-season physical transformation
All Blacks wing hopes his physical transformation helps him impress Scott Robertson.
A new hope? Six talking points ahead of Blues season
Will a new coach inspire the Blues to shake the finals blunders?
All Blacks hopeful shines in Blues' final pre-season hit out
All Blacks hopeful showcases strong form ahead of the Blues season opener next week.
Blues suffer another injury setback
A former All Blacks loosie is expected to miss the first two Super Rugby Pacific games.
Five players knocking on the All Blacks' door
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will be on the hunt for new talent from next week.
Rebels' woes cast dark cloud over Super Rugby Pacific's future
Rugby bosses can't commit to a 12-team future with the Rebels on the brink of folding.
How Brad Shields rose from collapsed club to Hurricanes captaincy
Hurricanes centurion returns home after horror experience with insolvent English club.
All Blacks schedule confirms no honeymoon for Razor
Fourteen tests - six against the world's top five nations - will be a huge ask.
Exclusive: The surprising rugby position most likely to be affected by brain disease
A world-leading study has, for the first time, linked brain disease with NZ rugby players.
Papalii brushes off relinquishing Blues captaincy, hails Schmidt influence
Dalton Papalii is comfortable talking the pressing issues.
Liam Napier: How Ian Foster could have been the big winner from All Blacks mess
OPINION: Five of the top columns of the year from Liam Napier.
What global sports event will New Zealand host next?
The calendar is bare but the new sports minister is promising to deliver major events.
Govt push to ban transgender athletes from all women's sport
Government funding could be withheld if trans athletes aren't separated from competitions.
'It gives me more fire': Parker seeking to expose Wilder’s vulnerabilities
Joseph Parker believes Deontay Wilder is underestimating his ability to knock him out.
Govt backing new test cricket venue for Auckland
Plans are progressing to develop a new home for Auckland cricket and regain test status.
Good Evans: Retired lock final piece of new-look Hurricanes staff
Two-test All Black latest addition to complete the revamped side's coaching team.
Which departing All Black leaves the biggest hole?
The All Blacks lost eight influential players post World Cup. Who leaves the biggest hole?
From the All Blacks to the Blues: Coach's new 'exciting' role
One of the departing All Blacks coaches is joining the revamped Blues team.
Revealed: Parker's massive payday for career-defining bout
Only two men have survived Deontay Wilder's right hand.
Ian Foster's complicated legacy, free agent status and fractured relationship with NZR
A full analysis of Foster's tenure with the All Blacks and his thoughts on his legacy.
Foster's parting plea on last day as coach
Ian Foster is calling on World Rugby to make a crucial change to the game.
Sam Cane: Red card 'something I have to live with forever'
The emotion was clear in the All Blacks camp following their loss to the Springboks.
Boks make history: 'Devastating' defeat will haunt courageous All Blacks
After shocking the world to reach the final, the All Blacks fell short in the pinnacle.
Balance between head and heart key for All Blacks
“Fire in the belly, ice in the head,” All Blacks loose forward Dalton Papali’i said.
Fairytale finale? Departing All Blacks legends grasp end of careers
The All Blacks are determined to stay true to their living in the moment mantra.
The pressing All Blacks selection question
The All Blacks face one pressing selection question, while there is an injury whisper.
All Blacks shed tears on eve of World Cup final
The All Blacks banished stereotypes to deliver a series of heartfelt speeches.
How horror show will fuel All Blacks' World Cup final
The record loss to South Africa at Twickenham could prove invaluable.
Why a World Cup win this week would trump the others
OPINION: New Zealand has won three World Cups but this one would mean more than the rest.
ABs v Boks: Stakes never been higher for rugby's greatest rivalry
This final has makings of an all-time classic, with enough plotlines to stoke any braai.
'No personal agenda': Foster keeping his powder dry with World Cup final ahead
Ian Foster’s side steps personal vindication as the All Blacks surge into World Cup final.
Onto the final! All Blacks march into final with impressive display
Ian Foster’s All Blacks stand on the precipice of completing their great redemption tale.
Where All Blacks-Argentina semifinal will be won
A seismic World Cup shift descends upon the All Blacks semifinal.
All Blacks deliver stinging World Cup warning
All Blacks attempt to harness the hurt and heed lessons from last exit.
Liam Napier: How will France's exit affect the World Cup?
As interest among locals inevitably plummets, this tournament won’t be the same.
Selection headache hovers over All Blacks' semifinal
The All Blacks have a fully fit squad to pick from to face Argentina.
The huge hurdle All Blacks face to reach final
The All Blacks must first overcome sport’s greatest mental hurdle.
In an ABs triumph filled with heroes, one stood taller than the rest
Sam Cane delivered a rampaging trail of defensive destruction.
Look out world! All Blacks triumph in one of the great World Cup tests
Revenge is sweet for the All Blacks as they stride one step closer to World Cup glory.
'Totally different team': Why the Irish series defeat might not matter
Changes in the wake of last year's defeat have significantly strengthened the All Blacks.
'Facing the best team in the world': All Blacks on history, hurting, and Ireland
Is the All Blacks' killing-with-compliments approach some sort of cunning plot?
All Blacks side revealed, Telea stood down for disciplinary reasons
Ian Foster has named his side to face Ireland.
Who to pick? Here's the likely All Blacks quarter-final line-up
The All Blacks have delicate selection decisions to confront.
All Blacks fully loaded for Ireland showdown
For the first time at this World Cup the All Blacks have a full squad to choose from.
Inside the mind of the man who looms large over World Cup quarter
Joe Schmidt's presence could help decide the World Cup quarter-final.
How All Blacks planned ahead for Ireland showdown
The All Blacks' planning for Ireland began long ago.
All Blacks to give key player time to prove fitness
The All Blacks are giving Tyrel Lomax every chance to prove his fitness.
'This is our final': Why Ireland were preferred opponent for ABs
Ireland it is. And the All Blacks wouldn’t have it any other way.
All Blacks to do or die their way
Liam Napier: Breathless freedom is behind the All Blacks at this World Cup.
All Blacks injury: Crushing win could come at significant cost
All Blacks win over Uruguay could come at a significant cost.
A tale of two halves: What the All Blacks must refine after Uruguay win
After a clunky start, the All Blacks found their mojo and put on a strong performance.
Ian Foster makes changes for final All Blacks pool match
New Zealand will play Uruguay in their final World Cup pool match on Friday.
Liam Napier: The likely changes for All Blacks v Uruguay
This is the time for the All Blacks to shift gears - not park in neutral.
How All Blacks duo can transform World Cup campaign
Jordie Barrett and Shannon Frizell could prove transformational figures for the team.
'Incredibly frustrating': Sam Cane's return comes with timely message for All Blacks
The All Blacks captain says pool performance will not inflate internal perceptions.
Inside a head-turning night in Lyon: All Blacks unleash World Cup blueprint
Rampant side showed the foundations upon which their World Cup campaign must built.
Statement made: All Blacks send a message with Italy thrashing
The All Blacks reminded everyone they remain a ruthless beast in full flight.
How All Blacks can get the fear back
There a chasm emerging between respect and fear of the All Blacks.
No room for emotion as record-breaking Whitelock starts from bench
Sam Whitelock is breaking records faster than the French trains.
ABs team naming: Pecking orders revealed
The cavalry returns in contrasting capacities for the All Blacks.
'Time to go to work': All Blacks prop set for World Cup debut
This week the World Cup truly comes to life for the Crusaders prop.
'Buzzing': All Blacks sent strong World Cup message
The All Blacks received a crystal-clear depiction of the elite standards they must reach.
The Kiwi in charge of ending the All Blacks' hopes
“We’ll be having a crack. We’ll give it everything and see what happens.”