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.
'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.
Inside the Chiefs’ plan to replace Clayton McMillan as coach
The Chiefs' plan to replace Clayton McMillan revealed – and his likely successor.
Kick in the teeth: Chiefs fined for interference in win over Blues
The Chiefs were fined after their medic twice interfered with Blues' conversions.
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.
'I don’t understand': NPC coach fires broadside at NZ Rugby over its future
Financial struggles and funding cuts threaten grassroots rugby.
'Mana and emotion': Cane reflects on test century in All Blacks' home goodbye
The former captain, and teammate TJ Perenara, have played on NZ soil for the last time.
Kiwi cruiserweight assumes new character to start road to world title
Mr Nice Guy now has everything in place to chart his path to the world title.
Nyika left scrambling for opponent as Aussie fighter fails drugs test
The cruiserweight was scheduled to fight later this month.
Meet Cortez Ratima, the new breed of halfback named after a shoe
All Blacks and Chiefs halfback's name comes from his father's favourite sneaker.
The five All Blacks selection debates
The All Blacks are poised to reinstate their first-choice team for the Rugby Championship.
Triple the pride: Sibling rivalry fuels Hotham family’s sporting success
The Hothams are set for heated debate about which sibling success sits top of the podium.
All Blacks squad naming: Six new names to face Fiji
The All Blacks are looking to back up their series win against England.
All Blacks prepare to unleash rookies for final July test
With two scratchy wins over England banked, the ABs are planning widespread changes.
Time in the saddle: Why the All Blacks should improve from shaky first test
More time together should, in theory at least, ensure the ABs significantly improve.
Reality hits: Where Razor's All Blacks must swiftly sharpen up
A first-test escape leaves the coach targeting significant improvements against England.
'We'll be more efficient': Razor relieved after blunt start
Scott Robertson admitted to frayed nerves on his first night in the ABs' coaching box.
What Razor's first All Blacks team says about new era
Those expecting a Razor revolution should temper expectations for the opening test.
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan reveals deciding factor in Sititi's selection
The All Blacks forwards coach was blown away by one performance from the Chiefs No 8.
'The toughest call': Robertson explains Sititi v Sotutu selection decision
Why Razor chose his Crusaders man as All Blacks skipper.
From Blues to bliss: Chiefs blown away as 21-year drought ends
Caleb Clarke scored a hat-trick as the Blues dominated the Chiefs from start to finish.
Friends to foes: Coaches' friendship sets scene for Super Rugby final
Opposing coaches for the Super Rugby final share a friendship that dates back decades.
Joseph Parker packs on pounds as dangerous rematch looms
The Kiwi heavyweight has added 8kg of muscle to his frame as he eyes a dangerous rematch.
'Greatest thing I could achieve': Ioane targets ending Blues' title drought
The ABs centre has experienced the grandest stages but a Blues title would eclipse it all.
David Nyika teams up with Joseph Parker in multi-fight deal
Highly touted cruiserweight prospect signs with Duco and Parker's first promotional foray.
Revealed: Ian Foster lands first coaching role after leaving All Blacks
The former All Blacks coach has been out of work since last year's World Cup final.
'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.
Foster's parting plea on last day as coach
Ian Foster is calling on World Rugby to make a crucial change to the game.
‘Unacceptable’: Sam Cane speaks out on Super Rugby final referee abuse
All Blacks captain throws his support behind vilified Super Rugby final referee.
Nine in a row: Chiefs top Crusaders in thrilling showdown
This absorbing match proved little separates the Chiefs and Crusaders.
Eight in a row: Chiefs win big to continue unbeaten start
The Chiefs title quest marches on.
Chiefs put Crusaders to the sword in Christchurch
The Chiefs turned predictions on their head to make a statement against the Crusaders.
Rugby boss to leave 'dream job' to join family in Australia
Chiefs boss to leave 'dream job' to join family in Australia
All Blacks star signs big-money deal with Japanese club
He follows a flood of recent All Blacks to the new destination of choice in Japan.
Liam Napier: How season from hell exposed Warren Gatland's flaws
The Chiefs' record losing run has wiped gloss from Warren Gatland's coaching credentials.