Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist 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.
All Blacks vs France: Where the second test can be won
Ardie Savea assumes the captaincy, and one of the most anticipated AB debuts awaits.
What it’s like staying at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva
The five-star Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva offers the perfect blend of old and new.
Why All Blacks changed selection tactics for French rematch
From bold and brave to pick and stick, the All Blacks must repay the faith in Wellington.
All Blacks face changes as injuries loom for France rematch
Sevu Reece's head knock and an injury cloud over Scott Barrett could force changes.
'They all stepped up': Robertson celebrates debutants but All Blacks eye fixes
Four new faces earned their first caps in Dunedin, but fixes will be needed in Wellington.
All Blacks hold on, end France losing streak to open 2025
A weakened French side put up a serious challenge under the Dunedin roof.
'Exceeded my expectations': Barrett on transformative Irish rugby journey
Jordie Barrett will seek to showcase his Irish intelligence for the All Blacks on Saturday
Where the test will be won: Why France's rookies give All Blacks an edge
France have named eight rookies, with five starting against the All Blacks.
Why switching Ioane and Vaa'i could redefine All Blacks' strategy
Four debuts grab attention but two other switches carry more weight for the All Blacks.
How Robertson plans to tackle year two with the All Blacks
Year one proved testing but Scott Robertson is ready to show what he learned.
How Savea's position shapes the All Blacks' loose forward strategy
Three rookies are poised to debut as All Blacks ponder a reshuffle for first French test.
All Blacks prop out of France series with knee injury
Questions raised over whether injured All Blacks prop should have played Super Rugby final
Moana Pasifika's future in doubt as key funding contracts end
Rugby in the red: Moana Pasifika's revenue, loans and losses cast dark cloud over future.
Why the All Blacks are shifting gears in midfield selection
The All Blacks are clear in their prototype for powerful second fives.
Power and versatility: All Blacks selection shake-up
Scott Robertson's second year sparks a notable selection shake-up for the All Blacks.
New All Blacks squad: The four rookies who could get call-up
As many as four rookies could force their way into Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad.
Liam Napier: Super Rugby final redemption and agony in equal measures
OPINION: Sport, with its fine margins such as this, can be beautiful and brutal.
Liam Napier: Where the Chiefs could edge the Crusaders in Super Rugby final
OPINION: Breaking down just where the decider can be won.
Exclusive: Claims NZR tried to discourage Ardie Savea joining Moana Pasifika
Investigation reveals financial hurdles and resistance the star overcame to lead Moana.
Super Rugby semi: Crusaders edge Blues in thriller
Rob Penney's men advance to the final at the expense of their Auckland rivals.
All Blacks add new coach to Scott Robertson’s team
A former All Blacks lock will work on improving the lineout.
Super Rugby: How the Blues can beat the Crusaders
ANALYSIS: The scrum will be crucial in the Crusaders-Blues semifinal showdown.
'Real driver for us': Blues inspired by Suafoa's brave battle
The Blues are harnessing emotional motivation to end the Crusaders' 30-match playoffs run.
Mark Robinson’s exit: Assessing a tumultuous NZ Rugby tenure
Robinson's tenure included negotiating a controversial deal with Silver Lake.
Blues stay alive with last-gasp win over Chiefs
Josh Beehre stretched out after the hooter to book the Blues' ticket to the semifinals.
Why the Blues' playoffs hopes hinge on an emotional farewell game
Mark Tele'a hopes to extend his Blues and All Blacks career before moving to Japan.
How All Black's return to NZ could solve the No 6 dilemma
Former All Blacks loose forward likely to return home and target World Cup.
Blues blitz Waratahs to keep playoff hopes alive
A Rieko Ioane hat-trick powers the Blues to a dominant bonus-point win.
How Dutch-born lock's All Blacks dream is within reach
Fabian Holland is on the cusp of realising his dream after shifting to NZ as a teenager.
Breakthrough Blues star who could seize All Blacks vacancy
Exciting propping prospect Josh Fusitu'a is challenging for national honours.
'Not weak to ask for help': All Black shares mental health journey
All Blacks prop is sharing his anxiety struggles to help others.
'The card is a banger': Nyika on SBW v Gallen and his boxing return
David Nyika's return to the ring on the SBW-Gallen card is his first since his KO defeat.
Why the Blues against Moana is more than just a game
Patrick Tuipulotu admires Moana Pasifika's growing cultural impact.
'Fans will be fans': Ioane on joining Leinster amid Irish rivalry
All Blacks centre well aware he won't be an instant fan favourite in Ireland.
The All Blacks starting XV: How Razor will pick his team and who's vying for spots
Liam Napier analyses last year’s team and looks at where changes will come in 2025.
Blues slump to frustrating Reds defeat
A seventh loss leaves the Blues' title defence in tatters.
'More of a global game': Former All Black backs Barrett, Ioane’s Leinster stints
'To be precious about it and try keep every player in, it’s not going to work.'
Former All Black hails 'game-changing' brain test
'It will offer a lot of peace of mind, which is something that’s desperately needed'
Beauden Barrett states definitive case for All Blacks' No 10 jersey
His rich vein of form comes not long after Damian McKenzie re-signed through to 2029.
All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane to make shock move
Rieko Ioane will attempt to switch from foe to friend by joining Irish club Leinster.
Liam Napier: Why the All Blacks will miss Mark Tele’a
OPINION: The All Blacks and Blues wing will leave NZ at the end of this year for Japan.
Why Fiji must be on your rugby bucket list
Attending a rugby match in Fiji is to experience an atmosphere like no other.
Rugby’s newest rivalry prepares to ignite this weekend
Moana Pasifika could change the complexion of their sibling rivalry with the Blues.
Inside the Chiefs’ plan to replace Clayton McMillan as coach
The Chiefs' plan to replace Clayton McMillan revealed – and his likely successor.
Hoskins Sotutu on All Blacks omission and potential England switch
The former All Blacks No 8 is eligible for England and Fiji in November.
The next ABs No 7? How Kirifi became NZ’s top breakdown operator
The Hurricanes captain is doing everything possible to grab the All Blacks jersey.
Liam Napier: The numbers that reveal what's going wrong with the Blues
OPINION: From dominant champions to a low-table shambles. What's wrong with the Blues?
Blues crushed by Crusaders to leave title defence teetering
Last year’s dominant surge to their breakthrough title is rapidly fading from view.
Kick in the teeth: Chiefs fined for interference in win over Blues
The Chiefs were fined after their medic twice interfered with Blues' conversions.
‘Baptism by fire’: Robertson on lessons from first All Blacks season
With his first season behind him, Scott Robertson believes the All Blacks are well placed.
How history could repeat to hand Parker second world title shot
OPINION: The reality is the Parker-Usyk fight may not get that far.
Razor's eligibility U-turn: All Blacks coach at peace with no overseas players
The All Blacks coach accepts he cannot select overseas players, ruling out Richie Mo'unga.
Liam Napier: Why Super Rugby expansion should be shelved
OPINION: The competition has found a successful sweet spot this year.
10 or 15? The position Perofeta sees himself having 'more influence' in
An All Blacks utility hopes his return can revive the Blues' stuttering title defence.
Peek behind the curtain: How I failed rugby’s head injury test
Take a look at what's involved in rugby's head injury assessment test.
Juggling act: Blues' playmaker dilemma as Barrett starts at No 10
Stephen Perofeta's return next week adds more playmaking options for the team.
Liam Napier: Money can’t buy true fandom in Saudi boxing
OPINION: It's now considered the new de facto home of boxing. But does it deliver?
Blues coach takes aim at cheating ‘insinuations’
Blues coach sets record straight after claims he tried to cheat the replacement system.
Liam Napier: Who can grab All Blacks' No 12 jersey in Jordie Barrett's absence?
OPINION: Two contenders have sent messages to All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
‘It doesn’t feel right’: Parker frustrated as title shot remains elusive
Parker may need another fight before a title shot due to boxing politics.
Watch: Joseph Parker knocks out Martin Bakole, puts world on notice
The Kiwi needed little time to claim victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Parker’s pivot from title challenger to defender in last-minute change
'What I can control is resting tonight and smashing his face in tomorrow,' Parker said.
Parker gets new opponent after heavyweight champion falls ill
Daniel Dubois fell ill and will be unable to defend his IBF heavyweight title.
Parker’s world title fight in doubt as Dubois falls ill
Reports suggest a replacement is being sought should Dubois be unable to defend his title.
Leon MacDonald to land first job since leaving All Blacks
The 47-year-old left the All Blacks just five tests into Scott Robertson's reign.
Dalton Papali’i welcomes fresh start and fatherhood
Blues openside must stamp his mark to regain starting All Blacks status this season.
NZ Rugby sues sponsor for alleged breach of contract
NZR says Ineos failed to pay first instalment of 2025 sponsorship deal.
Nyika cleared of serious damage after KO loss
Trainer confirms no serious injury; Nyika heads to Mexico for break.
Sevens facing fraught future as World Series suffers multi-million dollar losses
Something must change to stop the Sevens World Series suffering massive financial losses.
Watch: Nyika falls to scary KO loss in world title fight
Nyika lay prone on the canvas for several minutes but was able to walk out of the ring
‘Get your popcorn ready’: David Nyika promises fireworks in world title shot
Kiwi cruiserweight says he's ready to shock the world in title shot against Jai Opetaia.
Eddie Hearn predicts David Nyika, Joseph Parker title fights
'David Nyika is good enough but is he ready.'
Date with destiny: David Nyika confirmed to fight for world title
The Kiwi cruiserweight steps in at late notice to challenge Jai Opetaia for the IBF belt.
'Process has been challenging': Female NZ Rugby board member rejected by provincial unions
Eight of the nine new board members were voted through but one is rejected.
ABs forced to return vehicles as sponsorship deal ends
Ford's 30-year sponsorship of NZ Rugby is ending, forcing All Blacks to return vehicles.
Stevenson's NZ Rugby future in balance, seeks early release for Japanese move
Reports the one-test All Black has already signed are premature.
'I felt I wasn't going to get a shot': Why Plummer decided to leave NZ
One-test All Black playmaker outlines his reasoning for a surprise exit next year.
'This time is very different': Parker plots path to second world title
Kiwi heavyweight opens up on his second shot at a world crown.
Liam Napier reveals his best All Blacks XV for 2025
OPINION: Casting ahead to see how the All Blacks should look in 2025.
'Brilliance and deflation in equal measure': Rating the All Blacks and Razor's rocky ride
Playing 14 tests, nine away from home, is tough. But this is the All Blacks.