Latest from New Zealand Rugby Union

Wynne Gray: Beast yet to be unleashed

COMMENT: Anticipating Billy Vunipola's return, while he continues to heal after knee ligament surgery, writes Wynne Gray.

Shelford backs online rugby network

sup110217nadtrio.jpg - this pic is for cyber only Getting into the tour safari spirit are from left, IRC co-founder Tristan Tuckey

Rugby: Parsons has mind and body in good nick

The return of Blues co-captain James Parsons from a concussion injury suffered five months ago has been both frustrating and rewarding.

Rugby: Lowe among Canes talent for Brisbane

The 20-year-old centre-wing scored a double in last weekend's practice match against the Blues.

Te'o turning attentions to North Korea in downtime

The well-travelled Ben Te'o, England's try-scoring saviour against France, has other trips in mind, whether into a regular starting

Oz and NZ rugby relations at all-time low

Comment: With the latest development in the "Spygate" saga, the relationship between the NZ and Australia rugby unions is irreparably damaged, writes Gregor Paul.

All Blacks won't play at Brisbane Tens

No current All Blacks will be released to play in the Brisbane Global Tens, dealing a crippling blow to the tournament.

Govt taking women's rights seriously - Bennett

Paula Bennett says her appointment as Minister for Women shows the Government is taking women's rights seriously.

Soper: Rugby union out of touch

COMMENT: Given all the rugby union claim to have learnt, they should be exemplars of good behaviour and doing what is right.

NZ Rugby apologise to Filipo victims

"We should've acted two months ago" says NZ Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen.

Marshall: Our second best could roll the rest

COMMENT: Financially, it's probably not the best option for NZ Rugby to take tests away from our major cities but Hamilton delivers a great occasion.

Provincial rugby finances take a mauling

Five out of 14 unions in the Mitre 10 Cup ran up losses last year and collectively the provinces are in the red for the first time since 2011.

All Blacks get behind #Cure Kids cause

The All Blacks are among a number of Kiwi household names sporting white armbands in support of child charity Cure Kids.

'I made a terrible, disgusting mistake'

Ex-Blues enforcer Troy Flavell has admitted to driving drunk - at more than three times the legal limit.

Editorial: NZ Rugby sensitive to players' dementia

Few newspaper revelations have had a greater impact in rugby-mad New Zealand than those of Herald sportswriter Dylan Cleaver's in March.

NZ Rugby to investigate concussion-dementia link

NZ Rugby has partnered with Statistics NZ to try to determine whether the lasting impacts of concussions while playing rugby increase the risk of dementia.