Rugby Direct

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad - who's in, who's new, and who can feel unlucky to miss out. The boys also reflect on a one-sided Super Rugby Pacific final, with the Hurricanes delivering a dominant performance to claim the title. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the Super Rugby Pacific final – the teams are locked in, but who's lifting the trophy on Saturday night? The boys also give their predictions for the All Blacks squad ahead of Monday's announcement... who will make the cut under Dave Rennie? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a pair of one-sided Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals and what they mean heading into the big dance. With both the Hurricanes and Chiefs dominant in their respective match-ups, the boys assess where the final might be won and lost — and crucially, who deserves to go in as favourites. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, previewing the upcoming semi-finals and breaking down who's best positioned to book a spot in the big dance. They run the ruler over each matchup, analyse the key battles across the park, and assess the form, fitness, and firepower that could decide who moves that one step closer to the title. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to a major coaching coup for New Zealand Rugby, with Tony Brown signing on as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2028. The boys also turn their attention to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals - can anyone stop the Cane train as the business end of the season heats up? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, breaking down all the key matchups as the playoffs get underway. Plus, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about the future of the competition. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a blockbuster playoff weekend as the race for the title heats up. With the finals now locked in, who are the genuine favourites and which side could swoop in late and steal the win? Plus, they dig into the latest on rising star Fehi Fineanganofo – is he staying put? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big-name guest on Rugby Direct this week, as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined in studio by the highly influential player agent Bruce Sharrock. The trio tackle the biggest issues facing New Zealand rugby – the fight against league, where the game is heading, and what must change if rugby is to remain king. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big news on Rugby Direct! Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the news the Crusaders are set to usher in a new head coach for 2027 – a story broken by Napier himself. Plus, it's the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, so the lads run the ruler over every matchup, including the headline debate: resting the stars – smart management or a buzzkill for fans? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Crusaders keeping their hopes of a home playoff alive, while the Hurricanes lock up top spot and secure home advantage throughout the postseason. Plus, the boys look ahead to the future of Super Rugby — could a return to the conference system be on the cards in 2027? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific — can we expect any upsets as the playoffs loom? The boys also dive into the latest confirmed departures among Kiwi Super Rugby players and ask the big question: is New Zealand rugby's middle tier starting to be exposed? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Super Rugby run home — with the top two all but locked in, can anyone stop the red-hot Hurricanes? Plus, the future of rising star Fehi Fineanganofo — is there a genuine chance he stays in New Zealand and pushes for All Blacks honours? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to Dave Rennie fronting the media for the first time since he took charge of the All Blacks. They also unpack the surprise return of Sir Graham Henry as a selector, and look ahead to a crucial round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are joined in studio by the new New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster. The trio dive into the game's biggest talking points - from governance and the future of Super Rugby to player pathways and the challenges shaping rugby in Aotearoa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down all the biggest talking points from Round 13. Another All Black is set to head offshore at season's end, NZ Rugby digs in on its stance around Mo'unga and Frizell returning via the NPC, and the pressure mounts on Moana Pasifika — is there still time to turn it around? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the big breaking news: the appointment of Steve Lancaster as NZ Rugby's new CEO. The boys give their first reaction and unpack what the appointment means for the game. There's also a cause for concern for the Hurricanes with Cam Roigard sidelined – is the ‘Cain Train' starting to derail? Plus, they open up the mailbag and tackle your questions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect round 12 of Super Rugby. The top three are pulling clear - but who's best placed to grab the final three playoff spots as the race tightens? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Christchurch Super Round – what worked, what didn't, and whether it could help revive Super Rugby. Plus, they preview round 12 of the competition and debate the return of the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup – is it a winner or a risk worth taking? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined by Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies for a wide-ranging chat about Super Rugby Pacific, including the growing challenges surround team ownership in the competition. The boys also look ahead to the highly anticipated Super Round, set to play out this weekend at Christchurch's brand new One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier rip into a massive Round 10. The Hurricanes' title charge takes a serious hit after a stumbling loss to the Chiefs, the Black Ferns flex their muscle with a statement win over Canada, and there's no shortage of other talking points across the rugby landscape. Don't miss the latest episode of Rugby Direct. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the uncertain future of Moana Pasifika and what their potential exit could mean for Super Rugby as a whole. How would the competition be reshaped if they were to walk away? The boys also preview Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, before opening the mailbag to pick their first All Blacks XV of the 2026 season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack all the fallout from Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific. The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend - including the big question of whether anyone can slow down the red‑hot Hurricanes. They also review the Black Ferns' opening win of their 2026 campaign and the Crusaders officially turn the page on a storied past - ushering in a new era at their new stadium by retiring the famous horses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct podcast, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss a busy post-Easter weekend of news in the rugby world, with former All Black Shannon Frizell returning home and New Zealand Rugby closing in on a high performance director announcement. We also look back at a truncated round eight of Super Rugby and ahead to a full slate in round nine of the competition, with a particular focus on the top of the table Hurricanes and Blues match.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack the reaction and wider implications of Gregor Paul's Ardie Savea column published in the New Zealand Herald, sparking debate across the rugby landscape. The duo also cast an eye ahead to a notably light Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific, discussing what it means for teams and fans alike as the competition only has three games. Plus, there's time for a moment of reflection as they farewell the Crusaders' iconic 'temporary' home stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into all the fallout from Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific. The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend — including whether anyone can stop the red‑hot Hurricanes — before going head‑to‑head on who should be the next All Blacks captain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and producer Mark Kelly break down the newly released 2026 NPC schedule. The duo also preview Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, before Elliott sits down with Blues fullback Peyton Spencer for an in‑depth chat. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return for an emergency episode breaking down the major news out of New Zealand Rugby. They discuss the newly unveiled coaching team of All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, which features All Blacks great and current Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga, and Jason Ryan as the only member carried over from Scott Robertson's tenure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley discuss how the cream is rising to the top of Super Rugby Pacific. With two months still to play, they debate whether any teams outside the top six can mount a genuine challenge, before reviewing all the action from Round Six. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return on the latest Rugby Direct to preview Round 6 of Super Rugby Pacific. The boys dive into Clark Laidlaw's re-signing with the Hurricanes through to the end of next season and wrap up the Six Nations with a look back at the final round. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss suggestions Tana Umaga is a contender for an All Blacks coaching role under Dave Rennie. They also delve into the reports of punches being thrown at a Crusaders training session, and check out the mailbag to answer questions from listeners. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a dramatic Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific — a weekend where the Crusaders were the only Kiwi side to fall. Are the Chiefs and Hurricanes emerging as the teams to beat? Plus, we bring you the latest on who Dave Rennie is eyeing for his All Blacks assistant coaching group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby direct Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the announcement of the new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie. Liam shares new details on the potential make up of the coaching group and Elliott believes its time to move on from Scott Barrett as the captain. Also, where to now for Jamie Joseph. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith breaks down the breaking news that Dave Rennie has been confirmed as All Blacks coach, succeeding Scott Robertson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round three of Super Rugby pacific, with only one New Zealand side winning over the weekend, what went wrong for the rest of them. We dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of it all. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview the third round of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss the latest changes to the NZ Rugby high performance environment and how it could change the game across New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round two of Super Rugby Pacific, The Brumbies thump the Crusaders, What's going wrong for the defending champs? Also, the boys review the latest matches out of the 6 nations, and could Stephen Larkham be a smokey to be part of the next All Black coaching staff? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview round two of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss Dalton Papali'i's move to the French Top 14 side Castres Olympique and Leicester Fainga'anuku being dropped to the bench. And for the first time, the boys dive into the mailbag. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review round one of Super Rugby Pacific who shone who didn't and who has the most to work on as we head into round two of the competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the team lineups for the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss their Super Rugby fantasy lineups for the opening weekend and take a look at the latest developments in the Blues replacement coach saga. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier preview the Super Rugby season - who will be the big movers and who is likely to be spat out the back? We give our predictions for winners and circle a few players who might have a breakout season. We also cover the latest in the All Blacks coaching race, the Six Nations underway and cast an eye over the Rugby World Cup schedule for 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the fallout around Scott Robertson's departure from the All Blacks, the criteria NZ Rugby has set for coaching applicants, and who the contenders are in what looks to be a small-field race. We also discuss Vern Cotter being ruled out of said race by taking on the Queensland Reds job from next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed the news they have parted ways with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson just 2 years in to his 4-year contract. Following an in-depth review of the 2025 season, NZR Chair David Kirk confirmed the trajectory of the team is not where it needs to be in the current Rugby World Cup cycle and the search for a new head coach will start immediately. Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith and New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul unpack today's announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.