New Zealand

Penaud Recalled as France Name Provisional Tour Squad

Fabien Galthié has recalled record try-scorer Damian Penaud in a 39-man provisional France squad for the Nations Championship tour of New Zealand, Australia and Japan, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos set to be rested.

Rugby Union · 6/21/2026

Jo Yapp: Best Players, Not Just England, for Lions Women

Inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions head coach Jo Yapp says her 2027 New Zealand tour squad will be picked on merit across all four nations, despite England’s 38-Test winning run.

Rugby Union · 6/14/2026

NZ Rugby Sets Rennie Deadline as Brown Locked In for 2028

New Zealand Rugby will not resolve Dave Rennie's long-term future until after the 2027 Rugby Championship, even as it confirms Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching group in 2028.

Rugby Union · 6/10/2026

France Pick Shadow Squad for July Tour, Drawing 'Development' Jibe

France will leave stars Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Matthieu Jalibert at home for July's southern tour under Fabien Galthie's minutes caps — prompting a 'development team' jibe in New Zealand and reassurance in Australia.

Rugby Union · 6/10/2026

Levi-Inspired Australia Beat Black Ferns to Sevens World Title

Australia beat New Zealand 26-19 in the Bordeaux Grand Final to clinch the 2026 SVNS World Championship, with Maddison Levi named Player of the Final. South Africa secured back-to-back men's world titles while France won the Bordeaux leg.

Rugby Union · 6/7/2026

All-Kiwi Super Rugby Semis Set as Blues' Wildcard Draws Fire

The Chiefs beat the Reds 46-24 and the Crusaders downed the Blues 52-31 to set up an all-New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific semi-final line-up, though the Blues' 'lucky loser' reprieve has sparked debate.

Rugby Union · 6/6/2026

'We Can Scare Them': Les Kiss Eyes Reds Upset of Chiefs

Les Kiss says his Queensland Reds can scare the All Black-laden Chiefs in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final in Hamilton, as Australian sides bid to end a 0-21 finals record on New Zealand soil.

Rugby Union · 6/4/2026

Moana Pasifika Fight for Survival as Peters Hints at Lifeline

Moana Pasifika face an uncertain future after an emotional farewell, but New Zealand minister Winston Peters has hinted that positive news may be coming.

Rugby Union · 6/3/2026

Kaipo Olsen-Baker Re-Signs With Black Ferns Through to 2029

Explosive Black Ferns loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 24, has committed to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2029, tying her to a home Lions series and a World Cup in Australia.

Rugby Union · 6/3/2026

Tana Umaga: All Blacks Have 'Lost a Bit of Our Shine'

New All Blacks defence coach Tana Umaga has spoken candidly about the state of New Zealand rugby, admitting the famous jersey has lost some of its lustre and vowing to help restore the aura under new head coach Dave Rennie.

Rugby Union · 6/1/2026