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Latest FromLiam Napier

Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara with the Rugby Championship trophy. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Revealed: The Rugby Championship plan that could hurt the All Blacks

23 May, 2020 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

A plan has been hatched for the Rugby Championship, but it might not suit New Zealand.

Referees at grassroots level have borne the brunt of New Zealand Rugby's financial woes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Red-carded: Another 'big hit' for NZ rugby

22 May, 2020 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

More across the sport are feeling the pinch of New Zealand Rugby's financial crisis.

Taranaki, Northland, North Harbour and Southland may be forced to pull out of this year's Mitre 10 Cup. Photos / Getty

SPORT

Rugby revolt: NZ sides threaten to quit top comp

20 May, 2020 6:30pm
5 minutes to read

Four sides hold serious fears they will not be able to pay their players.

SPORT

The Barrett effect: Blues in awe of AB star's early efforts

20 May, 2020 4:17pm
5 minutes to read

First-five's impressive fitness numbers have immediately gained teammates' respect.

SPORT

Grant Robertson takes aim at Wallabies - and reveals plans for All Blacks' return

19 May, 2020 10:00pm
4 minutes to read

New Zealand's Covid-19 fight 'like a Rugby World Cup', says Ashley Bloomfield.

Joe Marchant of the Blues makes a break during the round 3 Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.

SPORT

A healthy dose of perspective: English star's uncertain Blues future

18 May, 2020 3:48pm
5 minutes to read

English import may return home before the end of Super Rugby's Aotearoa competition.

SPORT

Kiwi rugby star's miracle recovery: Michael Fatialofa's inspiring story

18 May, 2020 5:00am
9 minutes to read

Told he may be wheelchair-bound for life, he has achieved much in just four months.

SPORT

The fight for rugby's future: NZ's broken professional model

16 May, 2020 6:00am
11 minutes to read

In the second of a three-part series, we look at the shape of professional rugby in NZ.

SPORT

The fight for rugby's future: NZ Rugby's big All Blacks problem

15 May, 2020 6:00am
9 minutes to read

The first in a three-part series looking at the future of rugby in a post-pandemic world.

SPORT

The massive insurance costs facing returning All Blacks

14 May, 2020 12:00pm
5 minutes to read

Huge insurance sums are preventing returning All Blacks from re-joining Super Rugby.

SPORT

Agustin Pichot quits World Rugby following election defeat

13 May, 2020 4:30pm
3 minutes to read

Passionate Argentine walks away from rugby following election defeat to Bill Beaumont.

SPORT

'Top priority': Government make promise for women's sport

9 May, 2020 6:00pm
4 minutes to read

Grant Robertson signals women's sport will receive targeted funding to save its future.

Team New Zealand's test boat Te Kahu. Photo / Team New Zealand

SPORT

Team NZ test Level 3 rules to gain competitive advantage

9 May, 2020 7:00am
5 minutes to read

Team New Zealand are pushing the Covid-19 boundaries as they return to on-water testing.

SPORT

Exclusive: NZ Rugby's multi-billion dollar move could see them leave World Rugby

9 May, 2020 6:00am
7 minutes to read

Revenue crisis hits home as NZ Rugby could break free from World Rugby.

SPORT

Bosses not safe: Big impact of NZ Rugby's mass job cuts revealed

8 May, 2020 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Exclusive: Mass redundancies at NZ Rugby expected to claim members of the executive team.

SPORT

NZR boss' warning about rugby's return

7 May, 2020 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

NZR could be the first union in the world to return to action - but it remains cautious.

SPORT

'Grave threat': How women's sport in NZ may not survive

7 May, 2020 4:50pm
4 minutes to read

Leaders have outlined grave fears for women's sport, with generations of athletes at risk.

SPORT

Ian Foster: Why I picked Captain Cane - and the dilemma it creates

6 May, 2020 4:35pm
5 minutes to read

Ian Foster fronts the All Blacks captaincy implications for Sam Whitelock and Ardie Savea.

SPORT

Family secret: Cane on keeping quiet over new role

6 May, 2020 9:30am
6 minutes to read

Sam Cane hopes to be a tough but inclusive All Blacks captain.

SPORT

When the dark times hit: Rugby's open battle with mental health

5 May, 2020 7:00am
8 minutes to read

Everyone looks from the outside in believing professional athletes have it made.

The All Blacks perform the Haka during the 2019 Rugby Championship Test Match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images.

SPORT

The winners and losers from World Rugby election

4 May, 2020 2:56pm
5 minutes to read

A look through the winners and losers from the World Rugby chairman vote.

SPORT

'We'll be gone': NZ Rugby's dire warning to World Rugby boss

3 May, 2020 3:33pm
3 minutes to read

NZR chairman says change must happen in the next four years.

SPORT

Failure to unite: What election result means for NZ Rugby

3 May, 2020 10:43am
5 minutes to read

NZ Rugby plans to mend bridges with Fiji and Samoa after they sided with the Six Nations.

SPORT

Exclusive: NZ Rugby's plans for the All Blacks - and a new competition

1 May, 2020 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Plans are formulating for a reshaping of New Zealand's rugby landscape.

SPORT

NZ Rugby demands change: Chairman hits out at rival nations

30 Apr, 2020 3:20pm
4 minutes to read

NZR has unequivocally outlined its voting stance for the World Rugby chairman elections.

SPORT

NZ Rugby's financial crisis revealed: Huge losses - but some positives

30 Apr, 2020 1:39pm
5 minutes to read

New Zealand Rugby reports a multi-million dollar loss and makes three board changes.

Security officers take quarantined hotel guests for exercise. Photo / Michael Craig

SPORT

A Herald journalist is in quarantine. Here's what it's really like

27 Apr, 2020 5:00am
9 minutes to read

Herald sports journalist Liam Napier reveals what life is like in quarantine.

Raelene Castle and Dave Rennie. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Liam Napier: The ugly truth from Castle's exit - and why Rennie should quit

24 Apr, 2020 2:30pm
5 minutes to read

Forcing out Raelene Castle could evoke a change of heart from Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.

Agustin Pichot and Bill Beaumont. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Exclusive: Stunning late twist in World Rugby war

22 Apr, 2020 6:30am
4 minutes to read

The fate of the next World Rugby chairman sits in the hands of one man.

SPORT

Interview: The man NZ are backing to take over World Rugby

20 Apr, 2020 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

Agustin Pichot opens up on rift in governing body and what it means for NZR.

Bill Beaumont (left) and Agustin Pichot (right) are battling to become World Rugby chairman. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Revealed: The nations deciding next World Rugby boss - and who NZ will vote for

18 Apr, 2020 4:35pm
4 minutes to read

Several nations hold the balance of power in determing World Rugby's future.

SPORT

Liam Napier: Why rugby's July tests must move permanently

18 Apr, 2020 9:30am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: To achieve meaningful change, World Rugby must go one step further

SPORT

'Not good news for anybody': NZ Rugby explain massive pay cuts

16 Apr, 2020 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

NZ Rugby's $25 million player payment freeze details the worst-case scenario for 2020.

SPORT

From coach to couch: James Franklin's coronavirus evacuation

11 Apr, 2020 6:00pm
5 minutes to read

The former Black Cap was forced into a dramatic preseason U-turn.

SPORT

Liam Napier: How rugby's North vs South match should work

8 Apr, 2020 6:30am
5 minutes to read

All Blacks express a keen interest in the North v South match but how would it work?

SPORT

'Club World Cup': French boss' radical proposal to save rugby

7 Apr, 2020 7:20am
4 minutes to read

French rugby president proposes radical World Club league involving six Super Rugby teams.

The situation is grim, and will be for a while, but New Zealand has reasons to be cheerful.

BUSINESS

Liam Dann: 8 reasons NZ is in good shape to get through this

6 Apr, 2020 6:00am
5 minutes to read

The situation is grim, and will be for a while, but NZ has some big things going for it.

SPORT

America's Cup drama: Ben Ainslie opens up on Team UK's stressful setback

4 Apr, 2020 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

Ben Ainslie and his team endured a stressful few weeks as Covid-19 rapidly took hold.

SPORT

State of Origin for rugby: NZR reveals 'exciting' new plans to resume play

4 Apr, 2020 9:30am
6 minutes to read

New Zealand Rugby boss confirms reviving fan-favourite clash is on the agenda.

England coach Eddie Jones during a press conference after naming their team to play New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final, Tokyo, Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

SPORT

New contract: Eddie Jones 'honoured' by extension

3 Apr, 2020 6:16am
4 minutes to read

Eddie Jones will be England's longest serving coach in history after agreeing extension.

SPORT

Inside NZ Rugby's fight for survival: Wage cuts, $100 million losses

1 Apr, 2020 6:00am
6 minutes to read

In a frank interview with the Herald, Mark Robinson details NZ Rugby's survival battle.

SPORT

Rugby crisis: Eddie Jones agrees massive pay cut, $100m loss predicted

27 Mar, 2020 5:47am
4 minutes to read

England head coach Eddie Jones has agreed to an immediate pay cut "in excess" of 25%.

Former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

SPORT

'There was a lot of anxiety': Wayne Smith thankful to make it home in time

27 Mar, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith is thankful his Kiwi players made it home in time.

SPORT

'It's a crazy time': Lima Sopoaga ponders life after rugby

23 Mar, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Lima Sopoaga has been forced to ponder life without rugby in the wake of the coronavirus.

Lima Sopoaga of the Wasps. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Rugby in crisis: Kiwi stars hit by huge pay cuts

21 Mar, 2020 6:30am
5 minutes to read

European rugby hanging by a thread after mass cancellations and significant pay cuts.

SPORT

Shock report: Kiwi rugby stars face massive pay cuts

20 Mar, 2020 1:30pm
3 minutes to read

Kiwi rugby players may face pay cuts as drastic measures are taken due to coronavirus.

The Stormers and Bulls in action earlier this season. Photo / Getty

SPORT

South African rugby to follow New Zealand's derby plans

19 Mar, 2020 5:25am
4 minutes to read

South Africa plan to follow New Zealand to stage local derbies - but not before May.

SPORT

Liam Napier: Scepticism should greet proposed Kiwi derby plans

18 Mar, 2020 8:30am
5 minutes to read

Everyone wants more New Zealand derbies but these circumstances change the picture.

SPORT

Tyson Fury faces eight year ban in drugs case twist

17 Mar, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

WBC heavyweight champion could face eight year ban if farmer's claims are proven correct.

SPORT

Liam Napier: Why Mark Robinson faces a tougher job than Ian Foster

15 Mar, 2020 6:00am
6 minutes to read

NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson faces one of the toughest jobs in world rugby. Here's why.

SPORT

RFU condemn Eddie Jones for tirade at Kiwi referee

13 Mar, 2020 10:45am
3 minutes to read

England rugby union issue Eddie Jones with a slap on the wrist for attacking Kiwi referee.

Otere Black lines up a kick at goal in the match against the Bulls at the Loftus Versveld Stadium. The Blues won 23-21. Photo / Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix

SPORT

Liam Napier: Have the Blues found their cue?

13 Mar, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Comment: Hosting the Lions at Eden Park this week, Blues are almost in unknown territory.

France and Ireland in action during last year's Six Nations. INPHO/James Crombie

SPORT

Six Nations talking points: Third match called off due to coronavirus

10 Mar, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Joe Marler cited for groping incident as the coronavirus claims a third Six Nations match

SPORT

Kiwi boxer ends drought with Olympic qualification

9 Mar, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

David Nyika becomes first Kiwi male boxer to qualify for the Olympics in 16 years.

SPORT

From black to green: AB hopeful's journey to Irish debut

9 Mar, 2020 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Kiwi James Lowe is set to embark on rugby's biggest stage - but in an emerald green jersey

England coach Eddie Jones. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

SPORT

'Absolute rubbish': Eddie Jones slams Kiwi ref after Six Nations win

8 Mar, 2020 9:47am
3 minutes to read

Jones took aim at the Kiwi ref with comments which may see him fined.

England's Joe Marler took an unusual approach to tackling the opposition at Twickenham. Photo / Twitter.

SPORT

Not funny: English prop faces lengthy ban for genital offence

8 Mar, 2020 8:41am
3 minutes to read

This was perhaps the most bizarre moment in Six Nations history.

England's Manu Tuilagi in action during the Six Nations international rugby union match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium. Photo / AP

SPORT

Red card drama: England wash hands of Wales in thriller

8 Mar, 2020 7:50am
4 minutes to read

England washed their hands of Wales to keep their Six Nations hopes alive.

Anton Lienert-Brown of the Chiefs celebrates scoring a try against the Waratahs. Photo / Getty

SPORT

'Super Rugby on notice': Chiefs run riot in Waratahs destruction

6 Mar, 2020 11:10pm
4 minutes to read

Chiefs piled on 38 unanswered points in the second half to destroy the Waratahs.

France rugby player Charles Ollivon, left, and Italy rugby player Abraham Jurgen Steyn compete in the line out during their Six Nations international rugby union match. Photo / AP

SPORT

Coronavirus: Postponed matches leave Six Nations in disarray

6 Mar, 2020 7:10am
3 minutes to read

Two postponed games means Six Nations champion may not be crowned until October.

Bristol's Steven Luatua (left) hands off Bath's Ruaridh McConnochie during the Gallagher Premiership match. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Kiwis in Europe: How former Blues have transformed English club

3 Mar, 2020 8:25am
5 minutes to read

Steven Luatua and Charles Piutau inspire Bristol to historic win while Joe Schmidt returns

SPORT

Top five columns of 2019: Liam Napier

1 Mar, 2020 1:09pm
2 minutes to read

These were the most read columns by sports writer Liam Napier in 2019.