All Blacks

Kiwis in shock as Hansen joins Wallabies before World Cup

In one of the most unlikely coaching developments in recent years, Hansen is helping the Wallabies in an advisory role as they prepare for a warm-up match against France in Paris on Sunday.

Hansen, who led the All Blacks to victory over Australia in the 2015 World Cup final, has agreed to share some of his insights before the Wallabies kick off their campaign against Georgia on September 9.

Fijian-born Emoni Narawa books World Cup ticket

Narawa is one of the 33 players selected by coach Ian Foster to represent New Zealand.

Two time All Blacks winning World Cup captain Richie McCaw announced the names of the players in a special event in Napier.

Former Queen Victoria School student Narawa made his All Blacks debut last month against Argentina just days after his 24th birthday.

     

All Blacks keen to send off veterans in style

Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup test in Dunedin test will be the last home game for several veterans.

Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo'unga, Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett and Dane Coles are among the players set to retire or move offshore after the World Cup.

All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan said while the players contributions will be acknowledged, victory against the Wallabies in Dunedin is the priority.

Former All Black Kieran Read opens up about challenges in sport

The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on mental health in the world of sport by uncovering the challenges that exist for sportspeople.

As one of the most capped players in the history of the All Blacks, even Read has experienced some obstacles to overcome.

"Whether it was impostor syndrome or something in a similar vein, maybe not those words, but I didn't come from a recognised rugby school so I had to work extra hard to make the teams I did make as I wasn't naturally given the opportunities," Read told Seven Sharp.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane apologises for kicking pitch invader

The incident occurred after the All Blacks 41-21 win over Argentina in Mendoza earlier today (local time).

Footage has emerged of a fan running onto the field and past the All Blacks team huddle while being chased by security.

It showed Cane intervening by kicking the invading fan which sent him to the ground.

The person got up straight after, and continued running.

Cane has since apologised on Instagram.

"Tonight after the game, someone ran onto the pitch and I made an error in judgement and played a part in stopping him."

All Black Jack Goodhue says au revoir to NZ rugby

Goodhue, who just won the Super Rugby title with the Crusaders, has signed a two-year contract with French Top 14 club Castres Olympique.

The 28-year-old said he will move to Europe after completing rugby commitments in Aotearoa.

He didn't make the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad, meaning he's unlikely to make the World Cup squad but he was picked for the All Blacks XV squad's upcoming tour to Japan.

"Playing for the Crusaders and the All Blacks has literally been a dream come true for me," Goodhue said.

All Blacks jersey emphasises silver fern

The All Blacks World Cup 2023 kit has been revealed with supplier adidas working closely with New Zealand Rugby on its design.

Fey The Wolf - an emerging Parisian-based street-style designer, who is known for his distinctive and creative use of the colour black was involved in its design.

Working closely with current All Blacks players, Fey The Wolf and the adidas design team created kit that is centred around the significance of the New Zealand silver fern.

Hansen: NRL more interesting than Super Rugby nowadays

The issue of fan retention for Super Rugby has been a constant for NZR and SANZAAR for years but after a short injection of numbers immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic, figures have fallen back to alarming lows.

In fact, just 12,000 fans turned up for last week's Super Rugby quarter-final between the Blues and Waratahs at Eden Park.

In contrast, almost 24,000 fans turned up to Go Media Stadium (Mount Smart) the week before for the Warriors' round robin game against the Dolphins.

¬Rookies, a bolter and quiet confidence among All Blacks

Foster was back at his old stomping ground at Te Awamutu Rugby Club for Sunday night's squad announcement and there were plenty of cheers when the five debutants were named, especially the Chiefs players, loose forward Samipeni Finau and outside back Emoni Narawa.

The other uncapped players are the Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard, who takes the place of the veteran Brad Weber, and two Crusaders, prop Tamaiti Williams and midfielder Dallas McLeod.

The latter's inclusion was a surprise for many, but he gets a shot with regulars David Havili and Quinn Tupaea out injured.

All Black Fainga'anuku confirms move to France

In a move that could possibly affect his All Black selection chances for the tournament in France in September and October, the 23-year-old has confirmed he's signed an 18-month contract with French Top 14 club Toulon.

He'll join the side after the culmination of the World Cup.

Fainga'anuku said the move away from New Zealand "ticked a lot of boxes for me both on and off the field".

"I feel like I've achieved a lot playing in New Zealand, and I cherish those accomplishments as some of the proudest moments in my life so far," Fainga'anuku said.