Podcasts about New Zealand Rugby

New details have been revealed in the tale of Scott Robertson's sudden departure from the All Blacks. NZ Herald Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie has delved into the story in an article called ‘From Twickenham flashpoint to ‘hit job' claims: The untold story and new details of Scott Robertson's All Blacks exit', with first-hand accounts and sources giving shape to the saga. Sources claimed as All Blacks coach, Robertson was unrecognisable to players he coached in Super Rugby, as he was always on edge and tense, and the fun stuff was gone. Neil McGregor is a Leadership and Organisational Culture Consultant from Human Synergistics NZ, and he joined Piney to discuss how common is it for someone who is very well credentialed for a job to struggle once they start that role. “There's an old saying, I think they call it the Peter Principle, where someone gets promoted to the level of incompetence,” he said. “I've always thought that was not quite right, I always thought that actually it's where people get promoted to the level of in-confidence.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black Dane Coles will sit on the panel charged with finding the coach to replace Scott Robertson. New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the 90-test veteran will join a five-man panel which also includes fellow former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu and NZR chair David Kirk. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it a bombshell? A moment too weird to properly comprehend and, because of that, is that why it isn't real? And if it's not real then it's not worth speculating on. And yet here I am speculating. The NZ Rugby Union has approached Steve Hansen and Ian Foster and asked them to apply for the coach's job. Is that the most absurd, bizarre, nutty, unbelievable, possibly stupid thing you have ever heard around rugby, or perhaps even sport? And yet it's suggested it's true. In a way I hope it isn't, unless it is. But first I'll deal with the 'isn't'. I hope it isn't because the union already have enough reputational issues without adding to them, like the panel, the rules and the criteria. For goodness sake, just go get a rockstar. Surely the All Blacks coaching job still has enough prestige that getting great talent isn't an issue? That's if you haven't already targeted someone, which they should have! But then I hope it is true because I love Hansen and I love Foster and I'm an old romantic who fizzes over the edge of the glass in excitement at what would be/could be one of the great redemption stories in all of sport. Both have issues with rugby and rules and unions. Foster especially got treated abysmally. How good could it feel to march back into the dressing room and say "Hello lads. Now where were we before I was so rudely interrupted?" But for the union, this is why it can't be true. You don't go to a Hansen or a Foster and say have an application form and see what you think. You beg for such talent to frequent your business! And if you're asking them to apply, what are you saying to Jamie Joseph and Co. who might be asking why they're looking for reheats when they're there. Not a bad point. See? It would be way better if none of this were true. Mind you it would be way better if they hadn't sacked Scott Robertson mid-term with a mass pay out and a restraint of trade with no clear plan going forward. This is almost so good it can't be real, while also being so bad it shouldn't be real. The key of course is to win the world cup and if we do that no one will care who the coach is. But that bit seems a long way off when we currently have no coach and in front of us what could be a stroke of genius, or sheer insanity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has approached Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster to gauge interest in applying for the vacant role of All Blacks head coach, the Herald understands. However, it is unclear if either would be interested in returning to the role they vacated in 2019 and 2023 respectively. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked the odds of the pair considering this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been another development in the story as to who could take the reins as the All Blacks coach heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup, this time with two familiar names to rugby fans all over New Zealand. The NZ Herald understands that Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster have been approached by New Zealand Rugby to see if they would be interested in applying for the All Blacks head coaching role. D'Arcy was joined by Mike Cron, a former All Blacks scrum coach who spent years coaching with both Hansen and Foster, to discuss the possibility of them returning to the All Blacks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Matt Heath and Finn Caddie welcome the return of ACC Head G Lane from Japan (00:00)! WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!The fellas get into New Zealand Rugby laying out the criteria for the new All Blacks coach. Is there only one man who fits the strict criteria (06:00)?Then, discuss the Black Caps getting pounded in the T20Is in India. But do we really care (12:15)?Plus, a hybrid edition of Matt Heath's NFL & F1 Corner (16:30)! Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (31:30)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby insists it won't have to try to lure back coaches it wants to apply for the vacant All Blacks role. The criteria for Scott Robertson's replacement states candidates need experience internationally and must be a New Zealander. Former Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan says there's plenty of good talent available to NZR - but it's hard to get a new coach at this point in the World Cup cycle. 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.

New Zealand Rugby interim boss Steve Lancaster has clarified the organisation's position on the appointment of a replacement for former coach Scott Robertson with less than two years until the World Cup. The successful candidate must be a New Zealander with international experience in a head role. Lancaster says that with only two years until the World Cup, they simply don't have time for someone to find their feet at this level, so they're looking for someone that can hit the ground running. He told Mike Hosking it's very much a point in time criteria given where we're at in the cycle, and the overall context. Lancaster says assistants will be decided once the initial set-up is in place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby is determined to nail an expedited process, as they open for applications for All Blacks head coach. The criteria for Scott Robertson's replacement states the new person needs experience internationally and must be a New Zealander. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Donald Trump sparked some outrage following his criticism of allied efforts, including New Zealand, in Afghanistan. Were his comments out of line? New Zealand Rugby has unveiled their updated criteria for a new All Blacks coach - applicants must be from New Zealand and have international head coaching experience? Do we think this is the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby interim CEO Steve Lancaster has insisted today's coaching policy change isn't an admission of fault when hiring Scott Robertson. NZR has invited Kiwi coaches with international experience to apply for the vacant All Blacks job, something Robertson didn't have. Lancaster says New Zealand is 'incredibly blessed' to have a high calibre of potential coaches and he's confident the right choice will be found. "We're confident that there is a good number of coaches, both here in New Zealand and around the world that are capable of coaching the All Blacks and we don't think we need to go outside of that." 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 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.

New Zealand Rugby is determined to nail an expedited process, as they open applications for All Blacks head coach. The criteria for Scott Robertson's replacement states candidates need experience internationally and must be a New Zealander. Interim chief executive Steve Lancaster joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has called on New Zealand Rugby to come clean on the real reason for Scott Robertson's dismissal. Jones believes Razor can't have been let go as All Blacks head coach for on-field results, given his seventy-four per cent success rate. Jones isn't hiding his distaste at the secrecy surrounding Robertson's demise, and he joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Wairarapa-Bush rugby CEO Tony Hargood is currently walking the length of the country to raise awareness and a few dollars for the NZ Rugby Foundation. The foundation provides holistic support to players whose lives have been changed by serious injury, and while they do run more standard fundraisers, Hargood decided to take a more unique approach. He's stopping at every Provincial Union home ground along the way and taking a kick at goal, with a plan to auction those balls off to raise money. Hargood told Piney there's probably easier ways to do this, but walking is all part of the fun and the journey. Follow his journey here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been nine days since the biggest sports story in recent history played out, with Scott Robertson departure as All Blacks coach. Attention has now turned to who will replace him with the team entering a big year and the Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon. NZ Herald Sports Journalist Gregor Paul and Sky Sport Commentator Tony Johnson joined Piney to discuss what will go down, and who could possibly fill the spot. Johnson told Piney NZ Rugby would have to select someone with a proven record and strong international credentials, as there's an element of crisis management to this as well. “They're just going to have to step into the breach, hit the ground running when it's done, because there's no real honeymoon period this year, is there?” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregor Paul, a colleague of mine here at NZME, the home of Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald, wrote this about the just announced All Blacks v Springboks match in Baltimore: “This seems to me to be the most egregious money-grab in rugby's history: a decision that sells the genuine rugby fan short, compromises the physical well-being of the players and disrupts the nostalgic narrative of this being a traditional tour.” These are all fair points. I enjoy Gregor's writing. I love his succinct summary of the state of New Zealand rugby. His irascible Celtic mindset regularly holds a candle to the feet of NZR, for that we should be grateful. That sentence I referred to, bristling with indignation, maybe accurate and grim but sadly that's what rugby is and will continue to be. NZR have a duty of care with regards the financial security of our national game and recent history suggests they're trying hard to plug the fiscal leaks in the game, with the likes of the controversial and still-to-be-proven-astute Silverlake dive into the murky swamp of private equity. The fact that home test matches are dwindling in frequency, that players are being squeezed physically at every juncture, and that tradition has been pushed in front of a bus is of no surprise. Like Formula 1 drivers of the 50's and 60's, the modern rugby player is expendable and although they won't be killed as a result of their working conditions, if they burn out too early, never mind, here's another one to fill the breach. Some players appear intent on doing it to themselves, the much vaunted and demanded sabbatical, a concept based on rest and recovery, is now just a cash grab greedily swallowed by players with no apparent care for their own physical health. Bigger squads, higher player turn over, all drenched in money – all acceptable in the current rugby climate. Gregor is sadly right, but that's the nature of progress. If that's what we call this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite everything that has been coming out and the comments being made around Scott Robertson parting ways with the All Blacks, we are yet to hear from the players association and get some insight into what the processes were for the players throughout the review process. Rob Nichol is the CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and he joined D'Arcy to share his thoughts on what happened. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Brown has admitted to frustrations around the vacant All Blacks coaching role. The former first-five has confirmed he intends to honour his contract as an assistant with South Africa, rather than make himself available for inclusion in any New Zealand group. Brown was a part of Jamie Joseph's pitch for the job in 2023, which lost out to Scott Robertson. Brown revealed to Mike Hosking that Robertson sounded him out about joining the All Blacks a couple of months ago. But he says his commitment to South Africa was four years and he's always wanted to honour that. “I'm just so frustrated that no one talked to me two years ago.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran are joined by Liam Napier to unpack the sacking of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Napier explains how he broke the story of player unrest before the the team then breaks down the fallout, who his replacement might be, and looks at the wider current chaos New Zealand Rugby is facing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Zealand Rugby stunned sports fans across the nation - and beyond - by dismissing Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach last week. The search is on for a replacement, but fans are reacting with surprise following Razor's removal. South African rugby expert Dan Hooton joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Typically, we think not much real news happens in January, but there's normally one big story which grabs our attention - be it wild fires, the Jan 6th Capitol riots or Jacinda Ardern's resignation. I presumed the story this January would be US imperialism, with the strike against Venezuela and the capture of its president Maduro, and the on-going question of the US's push to control Greenland. But on Thursday, a rather shocking news story broke closer to home. There is no job as scrutinised or commented on as the All Blacks' head coach. The Prime Minister or leaders of political parties may disagree, and they cop their fair share, but the world of rugby can be more brutal, more invested in by Kiwis, and very public. Leaks about the end of year tour review aside, both New Zealand Rugby and Scott Robertson handled things well this week. Rugby New Zealand made it clear the team wasn't where they wanted it to be in the lead up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and that there were issues with both culture and performance. Robertson was his normal honest self and said he was gutted, but accepted the outcome with dignity. And so he should - things haven't turned out this time, but he still has an impressive record and will go on to accomplish many more good things. Regardless of whether Scott Robertson should or shouldn't have been fired, his success rate, the role of players in his demise - the relatively simple observation is that as a whole things weren't working, and Razor and his team were struggling to fix it. After the dragged out Foster/Robertson kerfuffle a few years ago, which ultimately saw Robertson get the role, it's reassuring to see some decisive and strong leadership from NZR Chair David Kirk this time round. There is a lot to sort out at the NZR - the organization is currently short a CEO, CFO, COO, and a High Performance manager is also leaving. The All Blacks is where NZR makes it money, so if you're going to make changes this is probably the most important place to start. But I expect that once the coaching staff have been sorted, Kirk will work his way through the rest of the organisation. So, while the rest of the world saw this unprecedented move as another 'slip from the summit' or a 'superpower in decline', I suggest we all take a beat, wish the outgoing coach all the best, and have confidence in what appears to be some solid leadership that isn't afraid to make hard calls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black and current Sky Sport pundit Jeff Wilson believes Jamie Joseph is the obvious candidate with the credentials to lead the team towards the Rugby World Cup. The search for a new All Blacks coach is underway after Scott Roberson was sensationally relieved of his duties two years into a four-year contract, after a scathing review found multiple frailties within the team and reports of player unrest. Joseph is set to coach the Highlanders in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, with their pre-season game scheduled for January 30, and if he does get the role, it is unclear how it would impact his duties with the Dunedin-based franchise. There is something similar over in Australia with Les Kiss to coach the Reds before replacing Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach, but with the All Blacks set to tour South Africa this year, NZR might want Joseph earlier to ensure the team is best prepared. Several other names have been suggested including Dave Rennie and Robbie Deans, while some have suggested they bring back Sir Steve Hansen. Speaking on Newstalk ZB's Weekend Sport, Wilson feels Joseph is the perfect candidate, given his track record at club, leading the Highlanders to Super Rugby glory in 2015, along with his time internationally with Japan and more recently the All Blacks XV. “There are very few candidates who are immediately available and qualified to take the job,” Wilson said. “Jamie's record as an international coach, his experience, and his understanding of New Zealand Rugby and the international game really stand out. Sky rugby commentator and former All Black Jeff Wilson. “The key for me is whether he can put together the team he wants, the coaches he believes in, and that may include some of the current coaches. “Joe Schmidt is committed to Australia until the middle of the year, and other coaches around the world are tied up contractually. “For me, the logical choice is Jamie Joseph. He went head‑to‑head with Scott Robertson last time and, to my understanding, came close. Jamie Joseph is the obvious man.” As things stand, Robertson's assistants including Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan and Tamiti Ellison remain employed, however there is a chance the incoming coach will want his own coaching staff, meaning all their futures are up in the air. If Joseph is to get the job, he would likely want Tony Brown to be his right-hand man, although that will be challenging with the former All Blacks playmaker currently working as an assistant with the Springboks as their attack coach. While Wilson feels the decision to axe Robertson was harsh, he says the right call was ultimately made after a messy two years at the helm. That includes seeing two assistants depart including Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, while several changes have happened behind the scenes including Mark Robinson stepping down from his role as NZR chief executive. “He deserves a lot of credit, because there were plenty of challenges along the way, but over the last couple of years this team never really gained any momentum,” Wilson said. “There were performances that raised doubts about the direction the team was heading, and there was certainly uncertainty within the group. They looked unsettled and didn't play with consistent confidence, so unfortunately a lot of that responsibility falls on the head coach. “He's not a bad rugby coach, it just hasn't worked with this group of people and this team of players, and it was time to look forward with somebody else.” Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson... gone as All Blacks coach. The “nuclear option” taken. The slate cleaned. The last two years consigned to history. Was it the right call to make a change? Yes. Board chair David Kirk talked about “trajectory” on Thursday. The All Blacks were not heading upwards, they had, at best, plateaued, and were in fact trending dangerously downwards. We were not more confident about the All Blacks at the end of 2025 than we were at the start of 2024. The signs of improvement were sporadic at best, overshadowed by doubt and confusion around tactics, around selection, around progress, around potential World Cup success. That's the sole filter through which David Kirk and Co. examined things and made their decision. Were the All Blacks on track? No, they were not. Has Scott Robertson suddenly become a bad rugby coach? No. But he clearly underestimated the enormity of the job and those who put him into the role overestimated his ability to do it. Razor's super-power is team culture, which he built superbly at the Crusaders, but consider how different that environment is. You have your players with you every day for six months. If you lose, you go again next week. And the scrutiny, while certainly robust, pales in comparison to the white-hot spotlight of the All Blacks, which has paralyzed many before him. It's unforgiving in its intensity, demanding in its 24/7 nature, and relentless in its scrutiny. Many believe they have what it takes. They go in full of bullishness, bright ideas, bravado, and boldness, only to come to the realisation, either quickly, or over time, that their feet aren't quite big enough for the enormous boots they've been assigned to wear. And they realise in hindsight, they displayed an obvious naivety about exactly what it is they'd walked into. There's a reason this team is talked about in the manner in which it is. This is the All Blacks – there's a legacy to uphold. A reputation to protect. A history to defend. A responsibility to carry. Not everyone can do that job – in fact, very few can. Scott Robertson took it on with every intention of enhancing the All Blacks' story. Of taking this team to new heights, of winning World Cups. But not everything you try on is going to fit, and sometimes it's better to find that out quickly so that you and your employer can move on. And that is now the question for the All Blacks. Move on... to what? Or more correctly, to who? Who has the tools, the knowledge, the fortitude and the resilience to take the job on and make a success of it? Not just a few years down the track, but almost immediately? There's no settling-in period, no gentle launch, no soft landing. There's a World Cup next year and the most gruelling All Blacks schedule ever in the next 10 months. Being able to coach scrums, line outs and back line moves is no longer enough, nowhere near enough for the enormous scope and complexity of this modern-day role. Among other things, you need international experience, the ability to assemble an effective support staff, the man management skills to keep the best players in the country happy even when they're not playing every game. And the charisma and communication skills to front the players, Super Rugby coaches, your bosses at New Zealand Rugby, the board, sponsors, the media and rugby fans. Who will come forward with the same bravery, the same courage in their convictions, the same confidence in their CV, and do what their predecessor could not? As the All Blacks often say, who will walk towards the pressure? And shine in its spotlight, rather than shrinking into the shadows? Who will accept this poisoned chalice and attempt to make it their holy grail? After what we've seen this week, who would want to? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After starting with much fanfare, Scott Robertson's tenure as All Blacks coach has come to an end after just two years. He's parted ways with New Zealand Rugby after just two years in the job, which began in 2024 against England in Dunedin. It comes following what is understood to be scathing feedback in the end of season review towards Robertson and his coaching staff. NZ Herald's Liam Napier was the one to break the news of the internal review, and he told Piney he understands the dissatisfaction was widespread among the team, not confined to one or two players. “Some of the most stinging feedback came from a number of senior players, y'know, guys that have played 100 tests, have been around a long time, experienced the highs and lows of test football,” he explained. “You can have bad years in test rugby, and you can have bad weeks, but I think this had steadily built the frustration over the two-year tenure.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson's departure from the All Blacks has come as a huge shock to the rugby world. He's been axed halfway into his four-year contract, following feedback in the end of season review, understood to be scathing towards Robertson and his coaching staff. Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock gauges the reaction across the Tasman, and offers his thoughts on whether there's anyone in particular the All Blacks may be targeting among the Wallabies coaching ranks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've done my best to avoid the headlines over the last few weeks, but Scott Robertson being booted from the All Blacks snapped me back. I feel for him. Just as I did for Ian Foster, last time around. These guys are in high profile jobs, coaching high performance athletes. All top coaches know it's a perilous business. But to be cut after just two years in the job, and after a period of inconsistent and occasionally poor but not absolutely catastrophic results, will leave Razor and his keenest supporters forever wondering what might have been. I don't have any inside running on the review or the process that led David Kirk and NZ Rugby to swing the axe. But it occurs to me that one of Scott Robertson's biggest errors was one of his first major decisions in the role, and I've been wondering to what extent it set the tone for his tenure. June 24, 2024. The All Blacks were preparing for their mid-year tests against England and Fiji, and Scott Robertson named the man who would captain the All Blacks. I was stunned when he made that announcement. I said as much on this show. Not because I don't think Scott Barrett is an incredible rugby player. Not because I don't think he's an outstanding leader and he isn't deserving of the All Blacks captaincy. But because for anyone with even a passing interest in the game and the team, there was a much more obvious candidate hiding in plain sight. Robertson said he had an established relationship with Barrett from their time at the Crusaders. Very well, but surely coaching the national team meant other factors should be prioritised? Surely getting the best was more important than sticking with what you know?! And surely winning the trust of the playing group begins with empowering their obvious leader? Captaincy carries different responsibilities in different sports. In cricket, it's a significant tactical burden. Every ball your team bowls, you're theoretically making a decision. In football, netball, and rugby, a little less. You're not setting fields or choosing bowlers. You have a game plan or a formation, but apart from the odd decision on penalties and a well-timed word to the ref, most of the game more or less happens in the moment. It puts a different kind of demand on leadership. One that is less overtly tactical, and focuses on the sort of person whose play, and behaviour will unite his teammates, inspire their play, and set a standard for the team. And come on, I say this as a lifelong Canterbury fan, does anyone in this country think Ardie Savea isn't that man? If you were picking 15 starting players for the All Blacks, in order of value to the team, there is surely not a single rugby fan who wouldn't pick Ardie first, almost every time. If you were picking a World XV, he's maybe the only current All Black who'd be a shoo-in. The man is an incredible physical force. He has a cool head. He's tactically as good as anyone else. And above all, he oozes mana. And the frustrating thing is, we can all see it. You can see it in the haka, or when he's charging with those high knees or winning a turnover. You can see it in the way opposition plays like Siya Kolisi embrace him. You can see it when a side like Moana Pasifika goes from averaging 12th place in its first three seasons to finishing seventh under his leadership, with more points than the previous two season combined. I think if we were to go back ten years, to the Whitelock-McCaw-Smith-Smith-Carter era, you could argue that our talent was so much better than in most other rugby playing nations, the captaincy perhaps didn't matter as much. But now that the World has caught up, it beggars belief that Razor didn't make Ardie Savea captain. That he didn't see the leadership and esteem that was jumping out of the television. And what message did that send to the team? I don't know what happened. But maybe Scott Robertson's mistake was that he thought by emulating his Crusaders setup as much as possible, he would replicate the success. But he needed to go further. He needed to take greater risks and forge new relationships. And I think that one decision had a huge, outsized impact. And now, having worked for so many years to win the job, just like that, Razor's opportunity is gone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving back from the glory of Otamure campsite on Thursday and my phone started squawking and honking and whistling and buzzing like a fridge. Being on holiday still, kind of, I ignored it. I eventually acquiesced to its frantic whirring and beeping and pulled over to check out what the electronic cacophony was signalling. Bloody hell! Scott Razor Robertson had been given the Spanish archer. The El-bow. Stunned? Taken aback? Incredulous? D) All of the above. I'd rather this story broke on Tuesday before my first talkback shift of 2026, but I think this story has more legs than The Grand Old Duke of York's men, that's the old army, not the modern version, so we have plenty to talk about in the coming days, weeks, or months even on Sportstalk. My number one thought was this: is David Kirk the new Steve Tew? This sudden ejection of the All Blacks coach was decisive, without warning, and is a sign of where the power really lies at NZR, and it's not with the coaching staff or players. The buck stops at the top. It's their game, it's been poorly handled and that will not be tolerated. BOOM. DCM. Whether you agree with the guillotine drop or not, there's no coming back. The head is in the basket; no amount of glue or duct tape is reattaching it. That's leadership right there. That's Steve Tew. Love him or hate him, he was definitely the boss, and that's the path David Kirk has taken as the Chair of the board. No fannying about. No swathes of grey. No yeah nah maybe, which had become a hallmark of NZR in recent times. Firm, decisive. It starts at the top, and it's wonderful to see iron fist leadership returning to our national game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former All Blacks captain says New Zealand Rugby was left with no option but to sack Scott Robertson. Taine Randell spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

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.

New Zealand Rugby have given Scott 'Razor' Robertson the cut just half way through his four year contract. RNZ Sports Reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lauren Crimp.

Questions continue to swirl over Scott Robertson's departure as All Blacks coach. He's left halfway through his four-year deal after player frustration simmered and boiled over in a scathing internal review late last year. NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk denies a player revolt forced Robertson out. But former Chief Executive David Moffett told Andrew Dickens the organisation's a bit of a mess. He says you're going to get bigger problems if players get to determine who their boss is. Moffett says told Dickens he's given up trying to understand the organisation's strategy or purpose. He says they currently don't have a chief executive, a coach, and are missing some senior leaders. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! New Zealand Rugby, ha dado la que apunta a ser la gran sorpresa de 2026: La salida de Scott Robertson del cuerpo técnico de los All Blacks. Los jugadores, han sido los grandes responsables del cambio al frente de la selección neozelandesa. Con Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://sinduena.es/Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

On today's episode of the Sports Pundit Innovation Podcast, Andy is joined by Leonardo Giammarioli, Chief Global Business Development Officer at SSC Napoli, to unpack how one of Italy's biggest clubs is building a smarter, more sustainable commercial model.Leonardo has worked across the sports business from multiple angles, including agency-side at SPORTFIVE, brand-side at NIVEA, and within clubs across different football cultures, giving him what he describes as a “360-degree” view of how the ecosystem works. At Napoli, that perspective matters, because the club's ambition is clear: compete at the top level without the financial profile of Europe's super clubs.In this conversation, we explore two of Napoli's most distinctive advantages. First, the club's approach to squad-wide image rights, which gives sponsors clearer access to players, reduces category conflicts, and even feeds into transfer decision-making through commercial forecasting. Second, Napoli's end-to-end control of merchandise, which has transformed both brand perception and profitability, from premium sponsor alignment to rapid, culture-led drops tailored to specific markets. If you're interested in how a club can build modern commercial leverage through ownership, control, and smarter infrastructure, this episode is a masterclass in commercial innovation.Timestamps02:00 - Leonardo's “360-degree” view of the industry04:00 - Napoli's unique approach to squad-wide player image rights07:00 - The challenges (and commercial upside) of managing player rights day-to-day11:00 - Developing premium positioning, direct relationships, and regional partners24:00 - Taking in-house control of merchandise33:30 - Loyalty, data, and building Napoli's digital ecosystem40:30 - Closing reflections: sustainability, infrastructure, and what comes nextWith Thanks to the Social Football Summit ⚽️

"Time to move": Mark Robinson unpacks resignation from NZ Rugby Outgoing New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson believes he's leaving the game in a better place than he found it. He's confirmed he will leave the job at the end of the year, bringing to an end a six-year tenure that started just before the Covid-19 pandemic. Robinson says he's proud of what's been achieved during a turbulent period. He told Mike Hosking that the next six months are critical for their role both domestically and internationally, with both their involvement in the establishment of international calendars and competitions as well as the opportunity they have to reset the financial model for the New Zealand game. Robinson likes to think those would both be signed off by the end of the year, and that in conjunction with his family moving over to Australia, makes him feel it's time to move on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this time of the year it's nice to reflect on some of the good things that happened throughout the year, and just days ago the nominees for the 63rd Halberg Awards were announced. There have been some huge moments in sport this year - from world championships to domestic and international recognition, and the annual Halberg Awards nominations provide a snapshot of the breadth of Kiwi achievement. What's really cool to see is how track and field athletics, snow sports and a wonderfully mixed collection of other sports dominate the list of contenders for top honours. It's been a year where individuals have excelled and teams have done pretty well, but suffered from inconsistency. I'd like to thank Geordie Beamish, nominated for Sportsman of the Year, for providing us all with the best feel good moments of the year. At the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo he survived a fall in the 3000m steeplechase semi-final, during which a rival stood on his face, and still managed to come in second. I thought that was going to be my most viewed sports video of 2025 – but it was surpassed days later by watching Beamish in the final become the first New Zealander to ever win track gold at a world athletics championships. It still makes me smile just thinking about the end of that race. His ‘late kick' is a life lesson on finishing well. Along with the extraordinary talented Hamish Kerr, who had another stellar year, and the success of emerging superstar Sam Ruthe, we've seen a genuine resurgence in New Zealand athletics. Alpine and snowboarders are well represented among the finalists, thanks to elite performances on international circuits. Alpine ski racer Alice Robinson is on fire at present, and I'm told by those in the know that freeskiers Luca Harrington, nominated in the Sportsman of the Year category, and Finley Melville Ives, nominated in the Emerging category, are very much medal contenders heading into the Winter Olympics next year. But amongst all the highlights there's also some soul searching – or maybe CEO searching - that needs to be done in 2026. The resignations of three high-profile CEOs in major sports — New Zealand Rugby's Mark Robinson, Netball New Zealand's Jennie Wyllie, and New Zealand Cricket's Scott Weenink, mark a significant shake-up in national sporting leadership in 2025. Robinson's departure from NZ Rugby follows years of navigating commercial and structural change within the sport. In one of the biggest and messiest stories of the year, Wyllie's exit from Netball NZ has prompted calls for greater transparency, and reflection of both governance and performance, particularly in light of contentious decisions about coaching roles. And in Cricket, Weenink stepped down after public disputes over the sport's direction, especially regarding the future of domestic T20 formats - suggesting there are deep strategic disagreements about how the game should evolve in New Zealand. Clearly there's some uncertainty ahead for three of our biggest sporting codes, but these changes also bring opportunities, a chance for fresh vision and leadership and, hopefully, better entertainment and performances for fans. In the meantime, congratulations to all the Halberg nominees. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was announced today that a lower sternum tackle height was going to be implemented in the elite game of rugby for the first time at the World U20 Championships in Georgia next year. It follows a successful trial in community rugby that has seen 11 countries implement these rules which resulted in 10 percent reduction in upright tackles, and some of the unions reporting a reduction in concussion rates. Mike Hester is the Head of Rugby Participation and Development at New Zealand Rugby and he joined D'Arcy to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ardie Savea took out Player of the Year at the NZ Rugby Awards last night, but another big award went to someone who spends 80 minutes trying not to be the centre of attention. Maggie Cogger-Orr was named Referee of the Year, recognised for a career-best season that includes the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal between England and France.

The All Blacks won't play in the regions for at least another three years while New Zealand Rugby cashes in on crowds in the city centres. Next year the All Blacks play just four home games. New Zealand Rugy are unapologetic about how they work out where the top teams play but say not all is lost for the smaller centres. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

On the final Rugby Direct for the year, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return from Europe and some time away to review the All Blacks' season - what needs work, what went right and what are the big fixes required ahead of 2026. We also look at the Rugby World Cup draw for 2027, assess the state of New Zealand Rugby as a whole and the big issues confronting the game over the Christmas break.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Outgoing NZ Rugby CEO reflects on his time in charge, guiding it through turbulent years, how he's improved the product, and why he's stepping away. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch has been added to the list of cities hosting games for next year's Rugby League World Cup. The city joins Australia and Papua New Guinea as hosts for the event, and although the addition is a surprise for fans, it has been in the works for a while. New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters told Mike Hosking that, 'it's been on the cards for a little while now, obviously, with the opening of Te Kaha down there.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allan Bunting is departing as Black Ferns coach. New Zealand Rugby has undertaken a review of the side's programme after their third at the World Cup. Bunting —who's carried the "Director of Performance" title since 2023— has confirmed he won't apply for the new role. An appointment is expected by Christmas. NZ Rugby GM of High Performance, Chris Lendrum told Piney that they're looking for someone who will take the game forward. “We didn't achieve our performance goal at the Rugby World Cup, but everybody could see that the team has flashed it's brilliance.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

R360 is the rebel rugby competition that has everyone talking, despite rugby unions all over the world warning players off it. New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, and Italy have issued a joint statement against the competition, which is set to launch in 2026. NZR's Chris Lendrum joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Sports Geek Throwback episode, Sean Callanan interviews Andy Burt, about how NZR+ is expanding New Zealand Rugby's global reach. Show notes - https://sportsgeekhq.com/taking-new-zealand-rugby-global-andy-burt

Former Ireland international Anna Caplice joins John Duggan to look ahead to Ireland's second round clash with Spain in the Rugby World Cup on Sunday, after Scott Bemand has made a raft of changes with eyes on New Zealand next week.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Officials are committing to just the one year of Super Round in Christchurch – for now. Christchurch's new stadium will play host to five Super Rugby games over Anzac weekend 2026. Super Round took a year out of the schedule this year after the Melbourne Rebels exited the competition. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson told Mike Hosking it has always been on the radar to give back to a region that loves its rugby and has been a massive supporter of the game at many levels. He says they're not ruling out the possibility of Christchurch hosting more rounds in the future. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has ordered Sport New Zealand to scrap its work on guidelines about the inclusion of transgender people in community sport. New Zealand Rugby said it had been using advice from Sport New Zealand on transgender inclusion in community sport, and found them very helpful and valuable. Mike Hester, New Zealand Rugby's Head of Participation Community Rugby said moving forward, the organisation will be guided by values and also by its participants. He spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Crusaders prop Fletcher Newell is the latest All Black to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby to after the 2027 World Cup.