France will host the All Blacks for the second straight year after announcing their home tests schedule for the end of the year. France

Richie McCaw may be a hard man on the field, but as the woman who would be his wife walked towards him, he admits he "choked up a wee bit''.

Richie McCaw and his sporting sweetheart Gemma are celebrating their union with friends and family at a low-key after function.

Former All Black Nick Evans admits he fears for the future of rugby under the controversial new tackling laws.

Richie McCaw swept hockey sensation Gemma Flynn off her feet when he proposed to her early last year - and again when they wed yesterday.

North Harbour sevens coach Allan Pollock says coaches should not worry too much about stopping offloads but focus on chop (low) tackles.

Richie and Gemma finally say "I do" surrounded by friends and family in Wanaka.

Wild weather threatens to dampen the wedding of the year in Wanaka, with gusty winds and rain forecast.

It seems someone important is getting married at the Olive Grove venue in Wanaka this weekend.

All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu will take on a fresh challenge in the new year, having been named a family chief in Samoa this week. The

Passionate French rugby supporters save their greatest admiration for the men in the front row, writes Wynne Gray.

Charlie Faumuina will play for French club Toulouse next year.

New Zealand Rugby will need to write out million-dollar-a-year cheques to keep Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden and Israel Dagg here.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expects other senior players to follow Owen Franks in inking new contracts with NZ Rugby.

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has denied reports that his club are trying to sign All Blacks fullback Ben Smith.

The second most capped All Blacks prop of all time and one of the best players in world rugby, Owen Franks, has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby.

How do you try and convince a committee you're not guilty of using performance enhancing drugs? Compare yourself to the All Blacks of course.

New Zealand Rugby are open to the idea of giving All Blacks skipper Kieran Read a Richie McCaw-esque sabbatical before the 2019 World

Beauden Barrett hadn't spent this much time with his brothers since they were in primary school.

One of the major sponsors of the All Blacks admitted last night that they have 'despaired' at the controversy that has enveloped the sport in 2016.

The world's best rugby player is now confirmed as New Zealand's best rugby player - Beauden Barrett.

An elite group of All Blacks are in line to join the millionaires club following moves by New Zealand Rugby to give players a significant rise in pay.

Prominent former players around the rugby globe are saying the game is about to realise Tana Umaga's fear and be transformed forever.

Beauden Barrett is expected to make an impressive sweep of tonight's NZ rugby awards, nominated for two of the most prestigious accolades.

As expected the All Blacks won't face England until November 2018 at the earliest.

COMMENT: Steve Hansen said he'd be happy to keep two of three off-contract All Blacks. But he can't be confident two will stay.

New Zealand's professional players have scored a massive windfall after signing a new pay deal a big raise in total cash payments.

The All Blacks coach accepts he might lose one of big three players he wants to retain and that England is likely to steal the record for longest unbeaten streak in test rugby.

South African rugby referee Craig Joubert has offered insight into the process of refereeing tight games.

COMMENT: No one in their right mind would take on the Springboks as a coaching venture right now, writes Paul Lewis.