Rugby

Opinion - Aaron Smith would be counted as one of the most popular players among fans, but picking him as the proper stand in for Sam Cane may be a bridge too far, writes Jamie Wall.

Opinion - For rugby in this part of the world to flourish - and that includes in New Zealand - we need Tongan, Samoan and Fijian rugby players not to play for the All Blacks, writes Hamish Bidwell.

The British & Irish Lions' third tour game against the Bulls in Pretoria has been postponed after several positive COVID-19 cases in the ranks of the South African team.

South Africa's second test against Georgia is in jeopardy after Springbok lock Lood de Jager tested COVID-19 positive today.

The All Blacks record equalling 102-nil win over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium highlighted the struggles faced by tier two nations and how uneven the playing field really was in Penrose.

The All Blacks record equalling 102-nil win over Tonga highlighted the struggles faced by tier two nations and how uneven the playing field was at Mt Smart.

Two penalty tries and a double for Jonah Lowe have underpinned the Māori All Blacks 38-21 win over Manu Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium.

Four uncapped players have been named in the All Black side to take on Tonga in Auckland on Saturday.

The Maori All Blacks have beaten Samoa 35-10 in the first of their two game series in Wellington.

Saturday's game between the Māori All Blacks and Samoa in Te Whanganui-a-Tara is more than just an on-field clash for many of the players.

Saturday's clash between Manu Samoa and the Māori All Blacks in Wellington will be an extra special affair for three men in blue.

After more than 20 years and 132 games as Ferdie, the beloved mascot of the Taranaki Bulls, the man inside the costume is signing off to widespread applause. Audio