Podcasts about Super Rugby

A Super Rugby team owner believes a damning report into the competition's viability is further proof a new financial structure is needed. A Deloitte document claims no franchise would have been profitable on a stand-alone basis since 2019, without New Zealand Rugby funding. Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies has been an advocate for privatisation, telling Mike Hosking they must adapt. He says they're outgrowing the model, and they have to look collectively at how they can get it to produce players of quality, but at the same time it needs to stand on its own. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 14th of August, tourism leaders are welcoming ACT's proposed alternative to a bed tax, and there's a dire new report on the state of our Super Rugby franchises. Netball NZ CEO Jennah Wootten has officially been in the job for three days and joined to discuss the latest pitch to save next year's domestic competition. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson give their thoughts on the coup that wasn't and ZB's 100th party tonight as they Wrap the Week. 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.

Dan Kirkpatrick was an age grade superstar who was starting Super Rugby with the Hurricanes at just 20 years old. He's a guy I always remember as being just a genuine good guy and he's had a hell of a journey both on and off the fieldIn this episode of What a Lad, Dan opens up about becoming a father at just 19 and the challenges of balancing that with professional rugby, why he decided to leave New Zealand at 23 despite still having an All Blacks dream, and the serious injuries that eventually contributed to the end of his career.Some parts that stood out for me were…- What growing up looked like for him to be school boy star- Becoming a dad at 19 while trying to establish himself in professional rugby- what it was like at the Hurricanes as a young 10- More about his decision to leave for France - How he felt walking away from his All Blacks dream- Winning the Top 14 with Castres as massive underdogs- The concussion and neck injury that impacted the back end of his career- His transition out of rugby and into business- Building @hiit_crew_auckland and a new community after rugby.And heaps more! Dan's another great example of how everyone's journey is different and how important it is to enjoy the path you take and tackle whatever challenges come at you with a positive mindset. I really enjoyed this one and I'm sure you will too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A proposed Christchurch-based rugby league team has made an audacious play for the services of former All Blacks coach Scott 'Razor' Robertson. The Southern Orcas hope to enter the Australian NRL in 2029 and want to do so under the leadership of the coach who guided the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles. Southern Orcas president Sir Graham Lowe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Kurt Eklund has one of the most unique journeys in New Zealand rugby. A Super Rugby champion, Māori All Blacks captain and one of the most respected hookers in the country, Kurt's path to the top was anything but conventional.He spent eight years working as a builder, and admits he never thought professional rugby was a realistic goal. After only starting two games for Auckland across four seasons, a devastating knee injury left him ready to walk away from rugby altogether. But after losing his mum to breast cancer, everything changed. Determined to make her proud, Kurt found a new purpose, reignited his love for the game, and eventually made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues at the age of 28.Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Why he never believed a professional rugby career was possible- How losing his mum completely changed his outlook on rugby and life- The story behind making and captaining the Māori All Blacks- Winning Super Rugby with the Blues after years of grinding away- Why he's heading to Japan and the next chapter for his young family- His passion for fishing, protecting New Zealand's oceans and life beyond rugby- Plenty more hilarious stories Kurt is one of the most genuine people you'll come across. Humble, funny and incredibly self-aware, his story is a reminder that success doesn't always come early and that everyone's journey looks different. He truely is one of the great lads in NZ rugby! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All Blacks are here! Confirmed by Ant in a plush Cape Town Virgin Active, the Kiwis have landed are preparing hard for the opening game against the Stormers this week. While the ABs sip cocktails in Clifton, a 26-strong Bok squad is quaffing Malbec in Buenos Aires, readying for their warm up against Argentina. There's more antici…pation than a Rocky Horror number and more hype than an NZ rugby journo's X account as we gear up for the Greatest Rivalry (TM CC LTD PBO). Ant, Andrew, Phil and Dick dive into the build-up to the first test, discussing whether the famous rivalry still deserves its billing and why these fixtures continue to stand apart from every other contest in international rugby. From history and respect to contrasting styles of play, the panel explores what makes South Africa versus New Zealand the benchmark by which every other rivalry is measured. Attention then turns to the rugby itself. Are the Springboks entering the series as deserved favourites? Has Rassie's side reached another level over the past year? And while Dave Rennie's All Blacks have shown encouraging signs, can they tighten up defensively against the most complete team in world rugby? The boys also discuss the contrasting approaches of Super Rugby and test rugby, the role of South Africa's franchises in preparing the All Blacks for what's to come, and why this series feels like a genuine measuring stick for both teams heading into the remainder of the international season. Plus predictions for the series, a look at the key individual battles, and why even in an era of expanded competitions and global tournaments, some matches simply matter more than others. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Iain Payten reports from the land of the rising sun ahead of the Wallabies next test; plus JD and Atko talk veteran playmakers returning to Super Rugby and the stars aligning for the next Wallaroos coachSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antonio Shalfoon is someone who is a very different person off the field than he may seem on it. Known as a bit of a grub on the field, off the field he is one of the greats and his journey to professional rugby is as inspiring as any. To start he wasn't offered his first full Super Rugby contract until the age of 26 after years of grinding away in club rugby, moving provinces to chase opportunities, and overcoming setbacks that would have made most people give up. Add to that Antonio opens up about the frightening story of being diagnosed with myocarditis, where he was told he may never play the game again. Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Hearing about the time he had a fight with a kids dad while playing Cricket- Why he got punched in the head in his first Waikato training- The scary heart condition that nearly ended his rugby career- His pathway into the Crusaders and what kept him going- His selection into the Maori All Blacks and what that mean for him- Why he's signed in Japan for next seasonAnd plenty more great yarns.Antonio is exactly the type of person you want around a rugby team. He's funny, authentic, incredibly resilient and proof that there is no single pathway to achieving your goals. This was an awesome conversation and one I know you'll enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#francoishougaard #storytimepodcast #springbokrugby #rugby This week on Storytime, Joshua sits down with Springbok legend Francois Hougaard

All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa'i joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod ahead of the clash with Ireland at Eden Park.Tupou opens up about becoming one of the All Blacks' biggest on-field menaces and how Brodie Retallick inspired it.He also explains why there is “no hiding anymore” in the new All Blacks regime and how Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan inspired one of his Super Rugby tries.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby League, international cricket, the Olympics, Super Rugby – you name it, Laura McGoldrick is there. She's one of the country's best-known broadcasters, and has had quite a diverse career, working as a TV presenter, radio host, MC, and an actress. McGoldrick has just returned from the official ICC broadcast of the Women's T20 World Cup, and joined Jack Tame for a chat about her life as a sport's broadcaster. "I don't think sport's going anywhere,” she told Tame. “It's the freest entertainment you can get, and I think one of the things I love so much about it is that I can turn up on any given day, and I have absolutely no idea what's going to happen, and neither do you as the viewer.” “That's what makes it very exciting.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has one of the most remarkable stories in Australian rugby. He didn't even start playing rugby union until Year 12, yet just a few years later he was making his Super Rugby debut before earning his first Wallabies cap against the Springboks.In this episode of What a Lad, Lukhan opens up about the journey that shaped him. From missing representative teams as a teenager and using rejection as motivation, to becoming one of Australia's most respected forwards, playing for the Reds, Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and the Wallabies.He also shares his thoughts on missing this year's Wallabies squad despite making the Super Rugby Team of the Year, why he's at peace with the decision, and how becoming a father has completely changed his perspective on rugby and life.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Starting rugby union in Year 12 after growing up playing rugby league- Missing representative teams and the conversation with his dad that changed his mindset forever- Earning his first Wallabies cap only a year after his Super Rugby debut- The influence Brad Thorn had on his career and development- His experiences playing for Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and against the British & Irish Lions- Why family now comes before rugby and what he hopes his kids remember about himLukhan is one of the genuine good guys in rugby. Honest, humble and incredibly resilient, this conversation gives a great insight into the mindset behind one of Australia's best forwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has sprung a couple of surprises in his first matchday 23. Ruben Love - the bookies' favourite to steer the side after a red-hot Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes - has been duly named to start at 10 in Saturday's test against France in Christchurch. But the intrigue comes arguably elsewhere - with Damian McKenzie to play at fullback with Will Jordan pushed to the right wing. Luke Jacobson has also won the nod to start at openside flanker, meaning captain Ardie Savea starts at number eight. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith recapped the action further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua.A two-time Rugby World Cup representative and one of Fiji's most experienced first fives, Ben has experienced the highs of winning Super Rugby and the lows of missing a Rugby World Cup squad. Throughout it all, he's built a reputation as one of rugby's ultimate professionals and a respected teammate wherever he's played.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Why rugby was the only plan he ever had growing up- The decision to represent Fiji after coming through the Australian pathway- What he learned from the Crusaders culture and why the best cultures win championships- The heartbreak of missing Fiji's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and how he found motivation again- Playing alongside stars like Israel Folau & Richie Mo'unga- Why he's returning home to join the Fijian Drua and help build the future of Fijian rugby- The lessons he's taken from playing professionally across Australia, New Zealand, France and EnglandBen has experienced almost every corner of professional rugby, but what stood out most was his humility, gratitude and perspective. This is a fascinating conversation about resilience, culture, leadership and what it really takes to build a long career in professional sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blues CEO Karl Budge believes a revamped Super Rugby Pacific format for 2027 will enhance interest in an improved on-field product. 10 teams will play 16 regular season matches with an ANZAC Day Bledisloe test break, before the top two teams get direct passage to the semi-finals while the next four ranked teams face off – no Lucky Loser. While the draw is yet to be released, Budge is glad that the new format retains a greater sense of jeopardy and makes for bigger games throughout the competition. He told Mike Hosking it means teams will play for meaningful outcomes right through to the end of the season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby has introduced a new play-off format, ditching the controversial 'lucky loser' component. The top two teams after the regular season will now have a week off as the teams ranked between three and six battle for spots in the semi-finals. Sportstalk host Nick Bewley explained the changes further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another week of the Pick & Go. The Super Rugby trophy may already be collecting dust in the Hurricanes trophy cabinet as the players move switch the Super Rugby jersey for the one in Black. That's right! It is international season once again, and there is a new competition in town. The Nations Championship is a new comp that will bring the best nations together in a bid to add a little more stakes to the international scene. Will it take off or be a flop? Piri and Paul discuss. Of course, no matter what you think about the new comp, you can't help but be excited by the sight of the ABs being back in action against a French team that has a history of causing the Kiwis problems. How will the international season go? Find out what the panel has to say on the Pick & Go. 

Moana Pasifika's exit from Super Rugby has cast a spotlight on the sustainability and future of the competition. The team was placed into liquidation in May and last week it was confirmed it will not be involved in Super Rugby in 2027. Rugby reporter Joe Porter reports.

This weeks AI slop is brought to you by GLM 5.1 - a weird model I have never heard of before. Funnily enough, it kinda all sounds the same at this point. Still, half decent job I think. Episode 162 covers a sweeping range of domestic and international news. The budget has cleared the Senate with Greens amendments on NDIS oversight and the blocking of superannuation for housing purchases, while the opposition fumbles its response. Property markets are feeling the chill, with auction clearance rates down and investors spooked by negative gearing changes. In the UK, Keir Starmer has resigned after a failed premiership -- described by one BBC journalist as someone utterly disinterested in the basic skills of leadership -- and Andy Burnham looks set to take over, with market jitters already building around the prospect of Ed Miliband as Chancellor. The Iran memorandum of understanding gets a sceptical examination: it is little more than an agreement to talk, bought by a Trump administration desperate for a pre-midterm win. Meanwhile, US missile stockpiles are running critically low, with an $80 billion replenishment request and a $1.5 trillion total defence budget underscoring the cost of recent conflicts. Back home, One Nation's push for a "monoculture" and forced property sales for permanent residents gets a thorough dismantling, and the global football World Cup, Carlton's AFL resurgence, and England's cricketing woes round out the show.00:25 - Welcome and episode introduction; Hong Kong Jack checks in from a sweltering Hong Kong, discussing the annual exodus of expats on business-class contracts.01:50 - Ukraine's stunning military comeback: a single bridge now links Russia to Crimea, with the rest of claimed territory back in Ukrainian hands.02:38 - The budget passes the Senate. Greens wring concessions on NDIS oversight and block the use of superannuation for housing, but Hong Kong Jack notes the Greens have only agreed to extend the committee talking about the NDIS, not to the measures themselves.04:26 - The opposition's disastrous budget response. Dennis Shanahan's brutal assessment: Angus Taylor was handed a penalty shot with a prone goalkeeper and still missed. Toxic taxes, dangerous deals -- the alliteration that murdered a political attack.07:00 - Tax reform legislation passes the House: the 250 Working Australians Tax Offset, staged tax cuts, and early moves on CGT and negative gearing. But certainty is in short supply -- investors and superannuants are left wondering what the final rules will actually look like.08:31 - Two core failures of the budget: it does almost nothing for growth, and the consequences were not properly thought through.10:01 - Fuel excise suspension: a temporary reprieve, but as electric vehicles soak up 20% of the market and pay zero road tax, a new user-pays model is inevitable. Logbooks, GPS tracking, or something uglier?13:26 - Budget benefits feel distant to renters and the young, while the property market cools. Auction clearance rates have dropped to roughly 50%.16:58 - Negative gearing changes from July 2027: anecdotal evidence suggests investors are already looking to offload. The Treasury forecasts around 2% growth in residential property, but Hong Kong Jack argues a 5-10% drop is politically survivable for most homeowners.18:27 - Teaser for next episode: US congressional stock-picking, Trump and Putin, and broader corruption in public office.18:45 - UK politics. Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister -- the seventh PM in ten years. A devastating BBC assessment: "In all my years covering politics, I have never met anyone so lacking in an interest in the skills a leader needs."20:50 - Starmer's fatal flaw: like Kevin Rudd, he governed without the permission of his parliamentary party. He was dismissive of the collegiality Westminster democracy demands.22:57 - Starmer did not go to the palace -- he phoned in his resignation. Hong Kong Jack notes the contrast with Boris Johnson and Liz Truss making the journey to Balmoral.24:12 - Andy Burnham looks certain to become PM, with rivals bought off with portfolios. But if Ed Miliband is appointed Chancellor, bond markets could punish the UK hard.26:00 - UK gilt yields at 6%. The debt interest bill is enormous, and Burnham has not put forward a single policy for reducing government spending or creating growth.26:35 - Burnham's policies: incremental re-nationalisation of railways, and nationalising water services -- requiring massive compensation payments. Not one word on spending reduction.28:59 - Brexit has not delivered. The "Singapore of Europe" model that could have worked was never pursued. Instead, it has destabilised the UK politically and socially.32:06 - The political class resisted what voters wanted on Brexit. That disconnect with the electorate has still not been healed -- the rise of Reform is the evidence.33:47 - Burnham says this is Labour's last chance. Jack the Insider sees potential party fracture; Hong Kong Jack is not convinced it is the death of Labour.38:12 - Did Russia influence Brexit? Jack the Insider argues foreign interference at least played a role; Hong Kong Jack insists it was a genuine grassroots movement.38:56 - Grassroots movements are easily astroturfed. "You can take it to the bank that Putin is having a good old giggle about Brexit."40:50 - Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Iran threatened closure but CENTCOM reports the waterway remains open, albeit not operating normally.42:10 - The Iran MOU gives Trump the political fix he needs before midterms. Approval ratings have cratered to 30%.43:32 - The MOU is merely an agreement to sit down and talk. Nothing in it is guaranteed to appear in a final deal.44:49 - US missile stockpiles: Pete Hegseth requests $80 billion just to replenish. The US fired 130-250 SM-3 interceptors at $28.7 million each, up to 290 THAAD interceptors at $15.5 million each, and over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles.47:58 - The conflict cost $29 billion in direct expenditures, exposing massive supply chain bottlenecks. The Trump administration now requests a staggering $1.5 trillion total defence budget for FY2027.49:12 - Military innovation Supercharges after conflict: drones, shoulder-fired interceptors, and cheaper alternatives to expensive missile defence systems.50:51 - Spending 3% of GDP on defence is fine in principle, but Australia has wasted enormous sums over decades. The money must be spent better.52:54 - Monoculture. Following Pauline Hanson's National Press Club speech, a deep dive into what "monoculture" actually means -- and whether it means anything at all.54:42 - Denmark's integration model: language tests, employment self-sufficiency periods, civic knowledge programs. Denmark insists migrants become Danish before gaining permanent status.55:41 - Europe's weakness: no pathway to become truly French or German. Turkish guest workers from the 1950s remain Turkish guest workers. Australia's approach has been different.56:32 - One Nation's policy would create tiers of Australians. The proposal to force permanent residents to sell their homes is legally questionable and politically volatile.59:04 - Can the High Court block forced property sales? Hong Kong Jack thinks it probably would not intervene. Jack the Insider sees ugliness: bailiffs at doors, fire sales of homes.01:01:35 - The distinction between permanent residents and citizens: most PR holders see it as a stepping stone to citizenship, but 5-6 year citizenship processing backlogs trap people in between.01:04:06 - Foreign Investment Review Board restrictions already limit student visa holders to properties capped at roughly $1-1.5 million, with mandatory sale within three years of departure.01:07:26 - The monoculture idea cannot work. You cannot have immigration and monoculture simultaneously.01:08:14 - Australian multiculturalism is fundamentally different to the European model that Merkel, Cameron, and Sarkozy all declared a failure in 2015.01:08:57 - One Nation's rise warrants closer examination of where the money and promotion are coming from. Teased for next episode.01:10:45 - Barbecue culture: the undeniable truth that four pints while barbecuing is perfectly acceptable, and Australian outdoor kitchens have reversed the old pattern -- cooking outside, bathroom inside.01:13:46 - FIFA World Cup. Australia's T20 series win over Bangladesh passes almost unnoticed.01:15:12 - 40,000 Colombians in Australia celebrating their team. The ABC tracks down Cape Verde's diaspora -- 20 people in Australia -- including a centre-back who got his international call-up via LinkedIn.01:16:36 - Australia vs Paraguay: a win guarantees progression. The entire nation may stop working at 1:30pm.01:18:27 - A blunt assessment of Australia's performance against the USA: 65% possession for the opposition, very shaky with the ball.01:18:47 - Netherlands looking the strongest at the tournament. Brazil, Switzerland, Norway, and Argentina all impressing.01:20:32 - Erling Haaland's charming post-match interview: "We have France next and they'll probably beat us, but then they'll probably go all the way and win the World Cup."01:22:39 - Rugby Union: is the death of Australian rugby overstated? Ticket sales for the Rugby World Cup are booming at 650,000, but Super Rugby is in decline and may not survive in its current format.01:24:39 - Anti-siphoning laws and the shifting broadcast landscape as telcos muscle into sports rights.01:26:06 - Carlton's extraordinary AFL season: won one, lost eight, sacked the coach, won five straight under an interim. Six players aged 21 or younger, two of them 18. Patrick Cripps is rattling up Brownlow votes.01:27:22 - Harry Dean should win the Rising Star. The forward line works without a monster key forward.01:30:06 - Wade Dirk, the rookie from Darwin, holds Jesse Hogan to one goal while getting 20 touches himself.01:30:52 - Fremantle look the best side in the competition. Buddy Franklin still tips Brisbane.01:31:58 - Collingwood: marking time. The senior champions are still carrying the side while the next generation struggles.01:33:14 - Ben Stokes recalled to the England cricket side -- essentially picked because he is captain. England thrashed by 253 runs by New Zealand at the Oval.01:35:22 - Gideon Ha's devastating summary of England's Oval test: "England hit bottom, keep digging. Five changes, two blokes unavailable because they were on the piss, one bloke out because his wife was pregnant, old stager as emergency captain, no spinner, a backstop as keeper, and four number 11s."01:36:26 - If England lose at Trent Bridge next week, there will be hell to pay. An Ashes tour looms next year.

The 2026 Super Rugby season is officially done and what a finish it was. The Hurricanes capped off a remarkable campaign with a dominant 60-5 victory in the final, producing one of the most complete performances we've seen in Super Rugby history.In this episode, we break down the final, review some of our preseason predictions, discuss the standout performers from the year and look at what made the Hurricanes such a dominant force throughout the competition.We also dive into Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad, discussing the bolters, unlucky omissions, selection surprises and what the squad tells us about how the All Blacks will look to play moving forward.Some of the topics discussed include...- We breakdown what we thought were the keys to the Hurricanes success- The players who stood out throughout the season- Who had the best predictions from the preseason epiosde- The biggest talking points from Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad- Which players were unlucky to miss selection- Who could become the All Blacks' best player in 2026- Predictions for the upcoming test season and South African tourAnd heaps moreWith the Super Rugby season wrapped up and a massive international season ahead, this was a great chance to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to what's shaping up as one of the biggest years for the All Blacks in recent memory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What an end to the Super Rugby season! It'd be safe to say just about no one was expecting the Hurricanes to dominate so easily. This week we pull out the ledger and see how close our preseason prediction have been. Spend some time on the final and rate the teams based on where se thought they'd end up. As always, we hope you enjoy. 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. 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.

The lads unpack a massive weekend of finals rugby as the Northampton Saints are crowned champions of England and Leinster go back to back! We get stuck into how Saints proved they're more than just razzle dazzle, grinding out a proper final win over a very good Exeter side, with George Hendy coming up clutch yet again and Henry Pollock continuing his takeover as the main character. Hendy joins the pod from a beer garden fresh from the celebrations to talk through the win, the party, and George Furbank's fairytale Saints send-off . We also head to Croke Park, where Leinster absolutely blew the Bulls away to go back-to-back in the URC, with Sam Prendergast putting in a statement performance, Handre Pollard having a night to forget and some big Ireland injury worries coming out of it. Plus, there's chat on Leo Cullen's future, England XV's strange outing against France, the Boks battering the Barbarians, Super Rugby chaos and loads more. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time appears to be running out for Moana Pasifika, which is in liquidation and its future in Super Rugby is very uncertain.

New All Black captain Ardie Savea denies he's worse off from having skipped Super Rugby to play a season in Japan. Savea returns to lead the national side for the upcoming Nations Championship tests after returning from Kobe in Japan. He told Mike Hosking that there's a perception that Japan isn't that great of a team, but they have world class coaches and players mixed in with local players. Savea says you've got to be playing high-quality games, and while you can define what that means, he doesn't know – what he does know is that Japan has been great. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are joined by a victorious Henry Pollock, Fin Smith and George Furbank to review a PREM Final that saw Northampton Saints win their second title in three years after overcoming a gritty Exeter Chiefs side. The pair also react to the England XV loss to a France XV on Friday night, Leinster's second consecutive URC crown and the Hurricanes blow the Chiefs out of the water in Super Rugby. Plus, Ealing Trailfinders back row Sally Williams joins the pod to preview their PWR final against Saracens next week and how she juggles rugby with her job at Mitsubishi Electric. ✍️ Subscribe to Coley's newsletter: https://loveofrugby.substack.com/subscribe

One of the two rugby franchises will hold the Super Rugby Pacific title for the first time in a decade after tomorrow's final in Wellington. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Our great coach on this episode is the Rugby Union coach John Mitchell.John retired as a player in 1995 and moved into coaching straight away as a a technical adviser/forwards with the Irish National team. In 2000 he returned to NZ as the head coach of the Chiefs in Super Rugby. He then went on lead NZ national team the All Blacks from 2001 to 2003, winning two Tri Nations titles and the 2003 Bledisloe Cup. In 2023 he was appointed as the head coach of the England women's team and led them to the 2025 world cup. How well am I putting people before performance or outcomes in the way I lead?What do my current behaviours say about my self-awareness, values, and the culture I'm creating?Am I communicating in a way that builds trust, understanding, and enough freedom for others to grow?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website thegreatcoachespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Rugby final, the first All Blacks squad of the Dave Rennie era will be named, Auckland FC coach departs and the All Whites match against Egypt on Monday at the Fifa World Cup among other sporting topics ahead of the weekend.

The two best teams in this season's Super Rugby will meet in tomorrow night's final when the Hurricanes take on the Chiefs at Wellington's sold-out Hnry Stadium. Rugby reporter Joe Porter reports.

Liam Squire was one of the most feared players in world rugby, he had an incredible ability to throw his body into contact with zero thought of self preservation. While that approach helped Liam Squire the player, it's taken a serious toll on the body of Liam Squire the man. He's had an endless amount of injuries throughout his career and is now left with serious hip pain, shoulder pain and knee pain as he moves into the next chapter of his life.In this Fan Favourite episode of What a Lad, Liam opens up about the full journey through rugby and life. From growing up in Tokoroa and finding his way into professional rugby, to becoming an All Black, dealing with injuries, stepping away from the 2019 Rugby World Cup and ultimately being forced into retirement.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…How quickly his rise from provincial rugby to becoming an All BlackDealing with the fame of becoming an All BlackWinning a Super Rugby title with the Highlanders and the culture that made that team specialWhy he never felt completely comfortable in the All Blacks environmentThe pressure and scrutiny leading into the 2019 Rugby World CupHis battles with injury and the mental toll of spending so much time on the sidelinesBeing told by a surgeon that if he wanted quality of life later on, it was time to retireHow he has adjusted to life after rugby and what retirement has really been likeThis episode was recorded back in 2021 but this conversation shows a side of him that most people have never seen. Honest, reflective and incredibly open, this is a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of professional rugby and the price that can come with giving everything to the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two Cents Gets Distracted is back for Super Rugby semifinal weekend — a weekend where we were promised tension, drama, heartbreak, and possibly a couple of classic playoff arm-wrestles. Instead, we got two absolute pumpings. First up, the Crusaders — the playoff specialists, the heartbreak merchants, the team who have ruined so many perfectly good weekends for so many perfectly decent rugby fans — went up against one of the four teams of the year, the Chiefs. We were all set for a tight one. A proper semifinal. A clash of heavyweights. What we got was the Chiefs putting 30-plus points on them in the first half and turning the whole thing into something closer to a public execution than a rugby match. The score settled a little in the second half, but let's be honest, the damage was done. As neutrals, we probably wanted a contest.As people who have watched the Crusaders cause untold emotional damage for years, we also didn't entirely hate seeing them get pumped. Then it was time for our Blues, who had absolutely no business being anywhere near a semifinal, but through the luck of some playoff-format nonsense found themselves lining up against the high-flying Harlem Hurricanes — or, frankly, the Harlem Globetrotter Hurricanes. The Canes were slick. They were sharp. They were ridiculous. There was a touch of skulduggery from our man Cam Roigard, but he got on with it, lifted the tempo, and the Hurricanes started doing Hurricanes things. To be fair to the Blues, the first half was at least a little tighter than the Chiefs-Crusaders game, with only four points in it at the break. Then the second half happened. The Hurricanes showed their class, the Blues forgot how defence works, and the Canes ended up putting 50-plus on them. Mercifully, the Blues' season is now over, and we can all move on with our lives. So now we get the final the competition probably needed: Chiefs vs Hurricanes at the Cake Tin. The two best, most in-form teams in Super Rugby going head-to-head. Will they fill the tin to the brim? Who knows. Can we please, for the love of all things holy, get a competitive game? We also have a chat about the URC final coming up, with Leinster taking on the Bulls, and because this is Two Cents Gets Distracted, there are naturally a couple of technical difficulties to keep things spicy. Grab a beer and enjoy. Massive thanks as well to Carl from Republic Home and his dad David for sponsoring the podcast. You can get 10% off by using the code 2CGD at republichome.com. Thanks for the beers, lads.

Springbok season is finally here, and Rassie has wasted no time giving us something to argue about. Phil and Ant unpack the first Bok and SA A squads of the year, from a backline full of baby Boks to the surprise selection of Quan Horn at flyhalf. Is SA A becoming rugby's version of passport control? Which youngsters are most likely to force their way into the conversation? And just how excited should we be about Siyaya, Pead, and the rest of the next generation? Elsewhere, the Bulls prepare for another trip to Dublin and another crack at Leinster, while Super Rugby reaches its climax with the Hurricanes and Chiefs set to battle it out for the title. The boys also take a brief detour into the Barbarians squad, questionable football red cards, and the terrifying possibility of American-style ad breaks making their way into rugby. Springbok season is back, the rugby calendar is packed, and Ant somehow still finds time to complain about scheduling and soccer. Nature is healing. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Excitement is mounting in Wellington as the clash between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final draws near. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

Two different styles. One showdown for the Super Rugby title.The Hurricanes have lit up Super Rugby with their width and strike power. The Chiefs have built their season on territory, set-piece and ruthless counter-attack.In this episode, we break down the their philosophies, stats and key match-ups.Plus, don't miss two signed jersey giveaways and a chance to watch the final with us at Sky City.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off today and so are the Pacific Semis. Sky Sports' Taylah Johnson joins us live from Eden Park.

It is an all Aotearoa showdown in the Super Rugby semis this weekend. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Another month has passed in the ERB rugby universe, and finally the gang have reached the knock-outs. Not them, but at least the Stormers. Andy and Ant, who are Phil and Dick-less this week, speak about the Stormers just being themselves in throwing away a winnable game against Leinster, and praise the Bulls' grit at Murrayfield (though Pollard really shanked them...). They also chat Super Rugby, Tony Brown having the best life plan 18 moths out from the World Cup, and more.

The Football World Cup is underway, Super Rugby semifinals, ANZ Premiership and fake AI and sports stars. RNZ Sport Editor Dana Johannsen

Super Rugby Pacific ends in Australia for 2026, not with a bang but a whimper. Nick W and Nath rip the band aid off and sit on the cuck chair to discuss the Reds and Brumbies, before exorcising the bad news by talking Super Rugby Women's and the Aussie 7s win in France. WARNING: bad metaphors and explanationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do the Hurricanes click?Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod ahead of the team's Super Rugby semifinal against the Blues to explain the foundations of their success.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy and I talk about last weekends highlights and check out the teams for this weekends semi finals. With no KARL around we even said nice things about the Hurricanes. Later on we manage to find a way to talk about the Reds and Les Kiss' coaching. As always, we hope you enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

.There was also a heap of playoff rugby across the URC and Super Rugby, although if we're being brutally honest, a lot of the games were a bit one-sided and a touch meh. Plenty of lovely tries, great skills, and individual moments of brilliance, but not a huge amount of jeopardy.The URC probably delivered the better drama. Leinster were ultimately too good for the Stormers, but the Stormers made them work for it for a decent stretch. Meanwhile, the Bulls pulled off a cracking come-from-behind win against Glasgow, who were playing at Murrayfield — when, let's be honest, they probably would've much rather been at their actual home ground.In Super Rugby, things got a bit ridiculous. The Hurricanes, who qualified number one, played the Brumbies, who qualified sixth, and absolutely pumped them. Which raises the very fair question: what was the point of that game? The format seems designed to suck the jeopardy out of the tournament just so we can squeeze in three quarter-finals. Honestly, just give us a top four and be done with it.Elsewhere, the Blues looked like they remembered how to play rugby for brief periods, before also remembering they had the defensive structure of a wet paper bag. The Crusaders put plenty on them down in Christchurch, and yet somehow, despite losing a worrying number of games in a row, the Blues are now semi-finalists thanks to the “lucky loser” system.The best Super Rugby game of the weekend was probably Chiefs v Reds, even though the Chiefs still managed to win it relatively comfortably and end the Reds' season.So yes, we talk dads, rugby, playoff formats, lucky losers, one-sided quarter-finals, and the general absurdity of it all. Tony, in particular, has a bit of a whinge.Grab a beer and enjoy.

Criticism of the pitch at Lord's after the Black Caps lose the first test to England, while the Super Rugby competition narrows. And Sam discusses the latest in netball's ANZ Premiership.

Who replaces Scott Barrett?That's the question dominating this week's ARP.With Barrett and Fabian Holland injured, the race for All Blacks locking spots is wide open. Jamie Hannah has emerged as a genuine contender and Sam Darry is pushing hard. Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall debate who should be in Dave Rennie's squad and whether the lock hierarchy has shifted.The team also previews the Super Rugby semifinals, discussing the ominous form of the Crusaders and Hurricanes and whether either side can be stopped from reaching the title decider.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Black Caps series in England, Super Rugby, the All Whites in the United States, and Kiwi polevaulter Imogen Ayris has also had quite the week.

More than $8 million, that's how much the Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika is in debt. The first liquidators report shows $4.3 million is owed to secured creditors. That includes a $2.7 million loan from Sport NZ, a crown entity. Approximately $3.9 million is owed to unsecured creditors. Players are among those owed money. Boss of the Rugby Players Association, Rob Nichol spoke to Lisa Owen.