Podcasts about New Zealand Rugby

For more than two decades, Chris Lendrum has been immersed in the world of elite sport. A significant period of that time was spent leading the systems, culture and people behind one of the world's most successful high-performance sporting organisations, New Zealand Rugby, where he worked with the All Blacks, Black Ferns and the Olympic gold medal-winning sevens teams. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Chris shares the leadership principles that have driven sustained success at the highest level of world sport. From building trust through connection and creating teams that thrive under pressure, to making difficult leadership decisions with empathy and integrity, he generously offers practical lessons that apply to leaders across all industries. At the heart of this conversation is the beautiful and powerful Māori concept of winning with mana, and the belief that success isn't just about the result, but about how you achieve it. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Aleda Connect was created to provide unique collaborative opportunities for leaders at the top of their fields. We connect a small but diverse group of successful leaders who understand the challenges of high-level leadership. With them, they bring their willingness to share, learn and grow. Aleda Connect provides a supportive, confidential environment where creativity and connection thrive. Ready to be in the room with exceptional leaders? Take the next step here: https://bit.ly/3IYnLrS Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Cup-winning All Black Conrad Smith has returned to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) in a role with the high-performance team. Smith, a veteran of the legendary 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup campaigns, has been appointed as head of men's high performance. He told Piney it's a great opportunity and something he thinks will challenge him. Looking back at the rugby talents of the past, Smith believes New Zealand was producing so many great players because of the great environment that surrounded the sport. He says we wanted to be the greatest of all time, and while he's not suggesting that we're suddenly going to get back to that at the click of the fingers, but it's what you aspire for. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Rush has made history. Back in May, she was the first woman to elected as President at New Zealand Rugby – the first in the organisation's 134-year history. She's long been involved in the sport – a former Black Fern, commentator, and a volunteer at the grassroots level, as well as NZR's first female vice-president. Rush told Piney having the role is a huge privilege, and they're not ones she knew existed before she was asked to stand for vice-president a few years ago. But now that she's here, her priorities for the next couple of years include continuing to elevate the voice for women and girls in the sport, which means making herself visible. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 11th July 2026, Piney broadcasts live from Wellington's Green Man pub as the All Blacks look to break the capital curse in their clash against Italy. NZ Rugby's new men's head of high performance, Conrad Smith joins Piney, along with NZR President Erin Rush, for a chat. And The Big League Podcast host Nathan Limm dissects the Warriors win over Wests Tigers. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby have continued to bolster their stocks in the high performance space. Former All Blacks centre Conrad Smith is the latest to sign with NZR as the new Head of Men's High Performance. Conrad joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The time has nearly come for the All Blacks to kick off their 2026 season. They're facing France in the first Nations Championship clash, which also happens to be the first test in Dave Rennie's tenure as coach. NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk told Piney that the stakes are high – the team needs to play well. He says they need to see the early stanzas in a new style of rugby and a new chapter for New Zealand, as this is the first step in building towards the World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 29 June, 2026, the average petrol price has dipped below $3 a litre. We ask a fuel expert if that's likely to continue. Gloriavale leaver Boaz Benjamin on why he's not impressed with a new documentary on life inside the religious community. New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster tells us why the Anzac tests in alternate years will only be played in Australia. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani with the only bright light in what's been a dull run of party policy announcements in election year. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have confirmed three ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup test matches for 2027, 2029 and 2031. All three of these games will take place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with the Queensland Government providing support for the games. New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster says they couldn't commit to every year, but they're left the door open for future matches to take place in New Zealand. "We'd need to really be confident that the case was there in terms of the fans' appetite, the commercial model around it... Australia were keen to go, they had a state Government in Queensland who were very keen to work with them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have locked in a new ANZAC day event. The Bledisloe cup will be happening on ANZAC day in 2027, 2029 and 2031. Former All Black Ian Jones told Mike Hosking that, 'It's all about connection, all about reflecting on the past, which we know is pretty important to us. So, yeah, I think it'd be a pretty special occasion to be part of.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michaela Brake is set to make her grand return to the rugby field later this year, having re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through until 2027. She's made history in the world of Kiwi Sevens - as a two-time Olympic gold medallist and the all-time leading try scorer in women's international sevens history. She's had to step off the field to look after her new baby, Harvey, and she's opened up about the new challenges that come with motherhood. "I was always going to come back to high performance sport...there was no doubt that once I got home from the hospital that I was going to start getting my recovery on track." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is game over for the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise, for now. Hail mary bids to save the franchise have failed, because no one could guarantee the capital needed, according to New Zealand Rugby. Moana went into liquidation in May, owing more than $8 million. NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinriad spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand Rugby's adamant there was no choice but to reject rescue plans for the financially-strapped Moana Pasifika. Moana is officially out of the 2027 Super Rugby season – although there is hope they will be back in the future. The franchise fizzles out, owing millions on a loan from the Government through Sport New Zealand. Chief financial officer Chris Kinraid told Mike Hosking they made all efforts to save Moana Pasifika, but in the end they had a pretty strict criteria. He says they were looking for proposals that had the cash to support the franchise and a sustainable and viable business plan, and both those criteria weren't met. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's adamant there was no choice but to reject rescue plans for the financially-strapped Moana Pasifika. Moana is officially out of the 2027 Super Rugby season, although there is hope they will be back in the future. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explained the situation further - as well as whether or not the team could return. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 24 June, 2026, New Zealand Rugby's chief financial officer Chris Kinraid tells us where Moana Pasifika's fallen short in trying to stay in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters on how he'd tackle big tech to pay more tax. Otorohanga mayor Rodney Dow on why he's apologised for renaming the town "Harrodsville" to mark the 40th anniversary of a dispute with Harrods. And on The Huddle, Phil Goff and Jordan Williams take opposite sides on whether Chloe Swarbrick's "dobbed" New Zealand in it on breaching a trade agreement. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, it was officially announced that New Zealand Rugby are not approving a license transfer for Moana Pasifika to participate in Super Rugby Pacific in 2027. They have said they have explored every possibility for a long term solution - but none of the interested parties were able to satisfy the capital and a business plan requirements needed to secure the license. Lima Sopoaga is a former All Black and has been very outspoken in his support for the franchise since it was revealed they may be disbanded - and he joined Elliott to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A truly historic day for New Zealand rugby, and an absolute dream path to the black jersey that nobody could have ever predicted!

All Black legend Aaron Cruden caught up with Si and Lana to look ahead to the Super Rugby final. Having played for both sides, his loyalties are split right down the middle for the big game. Want more from Si, Lana and the crew? Follow The Breakfast Club on socials and leave us a 5-star review while you're at it.

Two iconic former teams, but only one can lift the trophy tomorrow night... ⚔️

The deck is stacked with Kiwi teams rolling into the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals. The Chiefs are taking on the Crusaders in Hamilton tonight, followed by the Hurricanes and “lucky loser” Blues' clash in Wellington tomorrow. Though many believe the outcome of the tournament is predictable, NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster is pushing back against the sentiment. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan this is the first time in thirty years four New Zealand teams have been in the semi-finals. “Every year it throws us something new, and this year, I actually, as an All Blacks fan, I feel pretty excited that we've got four teams in the semis.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend the Super Rugby Aupiki season begins, with the Blues taking on the Hurricanes Poua and the Chiefs taking on Matatu. Hannah Porter is the Head of Women's High Performance at New Zealand Rugby, she joined D'Arcy to chat about the upcoming season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks to Craig Ray, Daily Maverick sports editor, about Tony Brown's confirmed move to the All Blacks after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the impact he has had on the Springboks, and Rassie Erasmus' efforts to build depth through the inclusion of a large group of emerging players. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was big news yesterday that New Zealand Rugby managed to secure the signature of attacking coach maestro Tony Brown from the Springboks for two years post the Rugby World Cup. However, it marks a shift in the mindset of NZR, as typically it is the head coach who selects their coaching group. Is the call to bring on Tony Brown so early the right move? Gregor Paul is a rugby writer for the New Zealand Herald, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Brown is set trade the bottle green and gold of the Springboks for the much more familiar black of home. The current South Africa attack coach has signed on as an All Blacks assistant coach for the two years after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks will still face Brown as South Africa's current attack coach during the Greatest Rivalry tour this year, and in a likely World Cup quarterfinal next year if both teams win their pool. Former Highlander and Māori All Black Joey Wheeler told Heather du Plessis-Allan that bringing, arguably, one of our most innovative and creative coaches back into New Zealand rugby is a master stroke by NZR. He says regardless of who the head coach will be following the Rugby World Cup, knowing Brown, he'll be able to work with anyone. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff - but not until after next year's Rugby World Cup. New Zealand Rugby today announced the former All Blacks and Highlanders first five-eighth has signed on to join Dave Rennie's coaching staff from 2028. Former All Black Lima Sopoaga joined Piney to discuss. 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.

 double World Cup-winning centre Damian de Allende could also make his way back to the Mother City.Ivan van Rooyen admitted the Lions were taught a harsh lesson by Leinster after their 59-10 defeat in Saturday's Vodacom URC quarter-final in DublinSpringbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu injured his ankle in the act of scoring a second-half try and was walking with crutches after the match,Ruan Jacobs will be the Sharks' new talent recruiter.Ruan Venter's knee injury has messed up Rassie Erasmus' plans to use him at No 4 lock for the Springboks.Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has little appetite to challenge the ruling that will keep him sidelined until November 2027.Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies is reportedly being pursued by both Sars and creditors over unpaid debts.New Zealand Rugby has reportedly intervened with Hurricane Fehi Fineanganofo's Newcastle Red Bulls negotiations in hopes of keeping the star winger on home shores.

New Zealand Rugby and Touch New Zealand Rugby are today announcing they're formally partnering together. New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Lancaster and Touch New Zealand Chief Executive Joe Sprangers joined John Campbell in the studio.

So, I'm fascinated by this article in the New Zealand Herald, which argues the All Blacks should be forced to give up business class and travel premium economy instead. The reasoning is the cost of international travel has become so expensive that moving our teams in black around the planet is now costing nearly $87 million a year. Dropping them back a class on the plane would bring that cost down to $80 million a year and nearly wipe out the $7 million loss that New Zealand Rugby just reported for the financial year, which is great maths. But the idea is ridiculous, isn't it? I mean, you can't ask a two-metre-tall man like Fabian Holland to move down from business class. But even the shorter guys - you can't ask them to travel to South Africa in a few weeks, which is literally on the other side of the world. It's close to a full day's travel, even on the most direct route through Perth, and then expect them to get over their jet lag and start playing top-level rugby against the best team in the world. You're asking them to do all of that after they've been sitting upright on a plane for the entire flight. That's impossible. We sometimes disparage rugby as not being a “real job” when we say things like, “Oh, it's not that hard to throw a ball around a paddock,” which may be true - but it's still a job, isn't it? And when you're asking someone to fly that distance for work - not just once but multiple times in a season - it should be in business class. Now, there is an argument about how many people go on these trips and I'm happy to have that conversation. There are apparently more than 40 players and nearly 30 staff heading to South Africa in a few weeks' time, which seems excessive for a game that only requires 15 men on the field at any one time. And by the way, it's not just the All Blacks who do this - who take these enormous squads around the world and put them in business class. It's also the Black Ferns and the Sevens teams. But as for the idea of dropping these players down a class on the plane to bring them down a peg and save some money - I suspect there are people who will look at this and think it's a great idea. And that's the part that fascinates me. How many people out there like the idea that our best rugby players should be forced to sit further down the plane, just like the rest of us? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly appointed New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster has doubled down on the organisation's eligibility policy, confirming returning first five-eighth Richie Mo'unga will not be selected for the All Blacks' initial squads for the July series or the tour to South Africa. Mo'unga has signed an 18-month contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to return home after spending the past three years with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan. The deal begins in July and runs through until the end of next year's Rugby World Cup. The timing of the contract means the 31-year-old must first play for Canterbury in the NPC before becoming eligible for All Blacks selection again in October. The NPC season kicks off in late July. That means Mo'unga would miss the three tests in New Zealand against France, Italy and Ireland before the team heads to South Africa for a four-test tour, which also features midweek matches against provincial sides. Lancaster said NZR had discussed Mo'unga's situation internally but had not asked the board to relax the rules at the recent AGM, which require overseas-based players returning to New Zealand to play domestically before becoming eligible for the All Blacks. Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine on Weekend Sport, Lancaster reaffirmed the current policy remained the best long-term option for NZR. “This is something we regularly revisit with the board,” Lancaster said. “It's a relevant thing for our board as governors of the game to regularly consider and reflect on. “We haven't asked the board to relax that policy around Richie. We think the policy works for us. It keeps our best players in New Zealand playing in our competitions. “We've got some world-class players in the same position, and a number of those have committed to stay in New Zealand and play on the basis of the policy. We've got to think about the implications of the policy and relaxing the policy at any point in time.” The same rules also apply to Shannon Frizell, who is currently playing alongside Mo'unga at Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, but is set to return to New Zealand at the end of the Japan season to link up with Tasman. Lancaster said All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanted Mo'unga available for selection, although he had not formally requested an exemption. When Rennie was announced as All Blacks coach in March, he was asked about the overseas selection policy and said he would love to have former All Blacks lock and test centurion Brodie Retallick available for his squad. New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanted wanted Mo'unga available for selection. Photo / Dean Purcell Retallick plays for Rennie's club in Japan, the Kobe Kobelco Steelers. “Dave's very clear, he would like Richie to be available for selection because his job is to ultimately win the World Cup next year and he wants the best talent available to the All Blacks,” Lancaster said. “That's a really healthy tension for us to have, where we've got a coach who rightly has a focus on winning today and tomorrow, and then we've got ourselves as the administrators of the game who have to have a systems lens and a medium to long-term lens on what's best for the game.” While the current policy means Mo'unga will miss the initial squads for both campaigns, Lancaster said he could become available for the latter stages of the South Africa tour if injury strikes in the All Blacks squad, similar to what happened with Leicester Fainga'anuku last year. “Once Richie's back in New Zealand and playing and if we do have injuries, then potentially he could be eligible,” Lancaster said. Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Lisa Carrington won't be competing as expected at this weekend's Canoe Sprint World Cup, New Zealand Rugby's announced its new CEO, and the White Ferns and Black Caps spending time in England.

Steve Lancaster has been appointed to the top job, after stepping in as interim six months ago.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the OECD report on the future impact of our current Superannuation settings. NZR Chairman David Kirk answers questions about the new CEO, new President, and the economic state of rugby in this country. And on Wrapping the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson listen in as Mike calls a young fan with a special invite! Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's global search for a new chief executive has led them back to their own offices. Steve Lancaster has been confirmed as the new boss of NZR. The former Crusader has been serving as the interim CEO for the last six months, having stepped up from his role as general manager of community rugby. Chairman David Kirk told Mike Hosking that originally they didn't have a strong understanding of the executive talent, so they thought they had to go global to find a new CEO. However, he says, when Lancaster was executing the interim role, it became more obvious to them that he was highly capable in a broader role than they had suspected. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 7 May, 2026, Steve Lancaster is finally confirmed as the new chief executive of New Zealand Rugby. We talk about the prospect of an Anzac test. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka on changes that could see reserve land put up for sale. Youthline chief executive Shae Ronald tells us about the biggest issues confronting those aged 12 to 24. And on The Huddle, Mark Sainsbury and Thomas Scrimgeour are aghast at Wellington City Council's highest earners still potentially getting "golden handshakes" if they're fired. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has appointed Steve Lancaster as the organisation's new chief executive, after he spent six months as the interim CEO. In a statement, NZR chairman David Kirk congratulated Lancaster on the appointment - and said he brings 'strong experience at all levels of the game'. Lancaster says he's intent on turning up and doing the best job he can and he's focused on making the business sustainable. "I guess the board decided they're happy with the job I'm doing - so here I am." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Tricker will return to New Zealand Rugby on a permanent basis as the governing body's high performance director. He'll start in November, once he's finished commitments with the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we've been looking at the success of the Warriors and what that means for our national game - rugby union. Steve Lancaster, interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby spoke to John Campbell.

What does it take to lead the people strategy for one of the most iconic and scrutinized sporting brands in the world? Toni Grimshaw, Chief People, Safety, and Wellbeing Officer at New Zealand Rugby, joins us to go behind the curtains of the All Blacks and Black Ferns. She reveals the "Operator's Playbook" for building a culture that thrives under the weight of a nation's expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies has warned he'll walk away from his Super Rugby investment without drastic change. Five months into his involvement, the board chair says the current model isn't set up for investors, players or New Zealand Rugby to succeed. He's pushing for privatisation of the competition - and says he won't be patient awaiting change. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know there's a suggestion that maybe - just maybe - Moana Pasifika can be saved. But do yourself a favour and don't waste your time hoping for it because I think this is going to be the club's last season. I don't relish saying that because Moana Pasifika was absolutely one of the highlights of last year's Super Rugby season. But it has never stacked up financially, has it? The only reason it was able to pay its way for a while was because it received a temporary injection of Government money from various agencies. There was a bit of financial help from New Zealand Rugby, a bit from World Rugby and of course the fact it was majority owned by a charity that drew tens of millions of dollars in Government income. Once that Government contract was cut, the financial support came to an abrupt end. Now the money has run out. It's lost its big star - Ardie Savea is now in Japan. It's losing games, sitting at the bottom of the table again and the fans have drifted away. You could argue - and it would be a fair argument - that Moana Pasifika was never really given a fair go because it doesn't even have a true home ground. But even if you gave it a home ground and even if you had a star like Ardie Savea every single season, I'd still say it wouldn't make enough money to wash its face - because none of the clubs do. Or very few of them, anyway. So if you're hoping against hope that someone swoops in to save Moana Pasifika, tell me who? It can't be New Zealand Rugby - because if they step in for Moana Pasifika, are they also going to start bailing out the Hurricanes when they make a loss? It can't be the Government either, especially with the prospect of a global recession hanging over us. That basically leaves private business. And if private business people do step in, it will be entirely out of generosity. And how long does generosity last if there are no results in the bank and no results on the field? So I'd say: put your hopes away. This will be Moana Pasifika's last season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand rugby commentator Elliott Smith joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, with news of Moana Pasifika's demise dominating all discussion around the competition. Please note, Moana Pasifika confirmed their intentions to disband at the conclusion of the 2026 season soon after this episode was recorded, and before it was released, but the concerns expressed and thoughts on the way forward remain valid. This does feel like a tipping point for Super Rugby Pacific, and it's inherent on Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby that all options are not properly explored for the competition to regain lost ground. #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find Elliott hosting the Rugby Direct podcast, along with Liam Napier wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Zealand Rugby needs a new face to lead its high-performance system, and there's plenty of speculation about who it might be. New reports indicate former Black Sox coach Don Tricker will pick up the role. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shannon Frizell has set his sights on a third trip to a Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks, returning to New Zealand Rugby later this year. The 33-test All Blacks flanker will return from Japanese club Toshiba mid-year to join Tasman for the NPC before linking up with the Highlanders for Super Rugby in 2027. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pathologist has diagnosed former Maori All Black and Highlander Shane Christie with a brain disease likely to be connected with repeated head knocks. They say he had "high stage" chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, before his death by suspected suicide last year. New Zealand Rugby says it recognises an association between repeated head impacts and CTE, and takes the issue seriously. Samantha Gee reports.

All Black Ardie Savea appears to have reconciled with New Zealand Rugby after a potential estrangement last year. The Herald reports he came close to international retirement after the defeat to England at Twickenham. Savea was understood to have become disillusioned with the amount of the sport he was playing and time away from home, despite moving from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika and opting for a couple of sabbaticals in Japan. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has locked in one of its brightest stars. Teenage Black Ferns fullback Braxton Sorensen McGee has recommitted to Aotearoa, with sevens set to be her focus. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

After weeks of deliberation, the new All Blacks head coach has been named. Dave Rennie is succeeding Scott Robertson in the role, beating out the other top contender, Jamie Joseph. Rennie's first test at the helm will be in the July series against France, Italy, and Ireland, but his assistants have still yet to be named. NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk told Mike Hosking that the panel spent hours discussing the merits of the two candidates, and were very rigorous and analytical in discussing their strengths and relative weaknesses. He says they concluded quite firmly and certainly unanimously that Rennie was the person they wanted to appoint. WATCH ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top-tier experience and a systematic approach to rugby have won Dave Rennie the All Blacks' head coach job. After nine years offshore, the former Chiefs mentor will return home - appointed Scott Robertson's successor. New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk has outlined what ultimately gave Rennie the edge. "The game is very global at the moment, innovation's coming from lots of different parts of the world, and I think we've got, frankly, plenty to learn from the rest of the world. So he can bring that back to us." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hunt for a new All Blacks coach officially starts this week. New Zealand Rugby has set up a five-person panel - which includes a number of former players - that will help appoint the new coach. However, anyone gunning for the job will have to check their CV first due to a new guideline that could rule out several hopeful applicants. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

A former All Blacks captain says New Zealand Rugby was left with no option but to sack Scott Robertson; With an internet blackout in place in Iran, only scant details about what is happening on the ground are emerging via the Elon Musk-owned internet satellite Starlink; The Government is investing $3.7 million to market New Zealand's regions internationally, encouraging visitors to travel beyond traditional hotspots during autumn and winter. However, critics warn infrastructure and environmental issues should be addressed before attracting more tourists; The new chief executive of Federated Farmers says he wants to create an "unfair" advantage for kiwi farmers at home and on the world stage; A new report from a global cybersecurity company says online scammers are using our "number 8 wire" mentality against us.