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Contributors

Henry Lee

Henry Lee is a New Zealand-based multimedia sports journalist and radio producer who covers rugby with a strong focus on the technical aspects and strategies of the game. He works as a producer and writer for Sport Nation, and his experience also includes sports writing and social media production across multiple codes and publications.

‘There was only going to be one outcome' Chiefs winger scores stunning try against Crusaders
On his Super Rugby Pacfic debut against the Blues at Eden Park last weekend, Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan was quick to prais…
Henry Lee
21 Feb 2025, 15:33
Chiefs head coach apologises to midfielder on 50th appearance
It was a special game at FMG Stadium for Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea, who has worked his way to 50 appearences for his Super Ru…
Henry Lee
21 Feb 2025, 15:29
Explosive bench propels Chiefs to record win over Crusaders
The 50th Super Rugby encounter between the Chiefs and Crusaders franchises was set up perfectly after round one, as both teams won…
Henry Lee
20 Feb 2025, 23:56
Super Rugby Fantasy round two: Must-haves and avoids
It was a week for the outside backs on Super Rugby Fantasy, highlighting the importance of having try-scorers throughout your team…
Henry Lee
20 Feb 2025, 2:14
Sotutu returns as Blues make three changes in team to face Highlanders
The Blues welcome back 2024 Super Rugby Player of the year Hoskins Sotutu at No.8, as German born loose forward Anton Segner misse…
Henry Lee
18 Feb 2025, 19:21
'You won't be able to pick the top six' Former All Black excited about new season of Super Rugby
There's only been one round of Super Rugby Pacific in 2025, but three former All Blacks are predicting that this season will be th…
Henry Lee
16 Feb 2025, 20:40
'He wants players to be able to play four positions': Former All Black critiques Robertson's strategy
Super Rugby Pacific is only just underway for 2025, but it won't be long until people start talking about the first All Blacks squ…
Henry Lee
16 Feb 2025, 18:25
Mo'unga and Perenara shine in high-scoring Japan League One weekend
The injection of Shaun Stevenson into the Kubota Spears has seen them win their last four games. Also, with experienced North Harb…
Henry Lee
16 Feb 2025, 15:22
McKenzie stars in second half Chiefs onslaught to down reigning champs
The grand final rematch from last year's competition lived up to the high expectations, treating the "Pack the Park" Auckland crow…
Henry Lee
15 Feb 2025, 0:01
David Havili's verdict on Crusaders' round one hat-trick hero
It was the former Hurricanes halfback Kyle Preston who took the game by the scruff of the neck, scoring a hat trick after coming o…
Henry Lee
14 Feb 2025, 16:11
Super Rugby Fantasy round one: Must-haves and avoids
Each registered player has $100m to build their squad before they can join open leagues created by people worldwide, or join a pri…
Henry Lee
13 Feb 2025, 10:59
'Every team loses influential players' Chiefs head coach puts confidence in 2025 squad
Clayton McMillan’s side won both of their pre-season games in 2025, beating the Hurricanes in New Plymouth and Moana Pasifika in…
Henry Lee
09 Feb 2025, 18:05
Chiefs add Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union as provincial affiliate
The announcement made by the Chiefs comes after an agreement with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby was agreed, the decision wa…
Henry Lee
09 Feb 2025, 14:52
'It's not some of the rugby players' Kiwi sprinter challenges All Blacks speedsters
The New Zealand franchises are full of speedsters on the rugby field, but none have ever really been tested on a track against pro…
Henry Lee
09 Feb 2025, 11:42
Chiefs win last pre-season game on Ardie Savea’s Moana Pasifika debut
Ardie Savea made his first appearance in Moana Pasfika colours, coming on in the second half to debut for Tana Umaga’s side.
Henry Lee
07 Feb 2025, 20:22
‘When he speaks, everyone listens’ Moana Pasifika coach on inspirational leader
They will welcome a mountain of experience and class into their squad for 2025, with 94-Test All Black Ardie Savea joining his bro…
Henry Lee
07 Feb 2025, 16:17
Watch: All Blacks flanker scores intercept try against the Blues
It didn't take long for Lakai to stamp his mark in yesterday's 31-19 victory over the Blues, scoring a try in the second half afte…
Henry Lee
07 Feb 2025, 14:20
Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy: Rules and Boosters explained
Fantasy is a virtual competition where you can create a team to play in leagues against your friends, family, collegues or an open…
Henry Lee
03 Feb 2025, 19:12
Watch: Kiwi NRL convert scores full length try in Japan League One
Valynce Te Whare has had a whirlwind couple of years in the professional environment, not getting consistent game time in the NRL …
Henry Lee
03 Feb 2025, 14:39
Jock Campbell scores hat trick as QLD Reds put Bristol to the sword
The Queensland Reds have blown the Bristol Bears out of the park at Ashton Gate on Friday evening, scoring 82 points and only conc…
Henry Lee
31 Jan 2025, 19:23
Justin Marshall's players to look out for in 2025 Super Rugby Pacific
There's only two weeks until the first match of the Super Rugby Pacific season, but before that, there's a bunch of pre-season mat…
Henry Lee
31 Jan 2025, 18:31
Injury concerns for the Crusaders as Blues win pre season clash in Kirwee
Pre season is all about gaining momentum ahead of the new season, trying new combinations and hopefully avoiding any major injurie…
Henry Lee
31 Jan 2025, 15:01
Highlanders leave it late against Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby pre-season
A small but good crowd showed up on a sunny Friday afternoon and was treated to some running rugby from the two teams, trying to i…
Henry Lee
31 Jan 2025, 12:50
Five NZ talking points going into Super Rugby Pacific pre-season
Super Rugby Pacific pre-season kicks off for the New Zealand teams this weekend as the Crusaders take on the Blues this Friday at …
Henry Lee
27 Jan 2025, 20:56
Blues launch 'Pack the Park' for 2024 grand final rematch
The first Blues home game for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season at Eden Park is one of the biggest games in the new campaign.
Henry Lee
27 Jan 2025, 13:25
Watch: USA topple defending Perth champions with long-range golden point try
A simple draw and pass from the Argeninan playmaker Joaquin Pellandini put the ball on a plate for Santiago Alvarez who was able t…
Henry Lee
25 Jan 2025, 20:54
Watch: Outrageous offload sinks All Blacks Sevens in Perth
It was another disappointing pool stage exit for the All Blacks Sevens side after they were left hoping results would go their way…
Henry Lee
25 Jan 2025, 19:33
Watch: NZ Sevens side's score full length tries in mixed day one results
The New Zealand Men’s side opened up the Perth tournament with a 29-14 victory over Kenya in Pool C. The Kiwis were helped by a …
Henry Lee
24 Jan 2025, 15:22
Young Crusaders lock extends contract to 2028
The 22-year-old has showcased his talents after coming through Christchurch Boys 1st XV side as co-captain and through the Crusade…
Henry Lee
23 Jan 2025, 14:27
Watch: Kiwis star in narrow top of the table Japan League One match
The Japan League One continues to showcase itself as one of the more exciting leagues around the world, packed with international …
Henry Lee
22 Jan 2025, 12:28
Everything you need to know: Super Rugby Pacific pre-season fixture list
It's not long now until the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season kicks off, but before Round One, we have a set of pre-season fixtures …
Henry Lee
21 Jan 2025, 17:43
Watch: TJ Perenara scores from first five in Black Rams loss
The Spears had the luxury of bringing one Test All Black Shaun Stevenson off the bench in the second half, to add impact to an alr…
Henry Lee
20 Jan 2025, 16:01
New Hurricanes lock excited by new challenge
Gallagher’s family members also competed at a high level, as his mother Kris, rowed for New Zealand and Zach’s great uncle is …
Henry Lee
17 Jan 2025, 17:48
Shaun Stevenson opens up about his move to the Kubota Spears
It’s been less than a week since one-test All Black Shaun Stevenson has been in Japan, but the fullback is ready to make his fir…
Henry Lee
16 Jan 2025, 20:01
Wallace Sititi set to be sidelined in Super Rugby Pacific
Sititi was picked for the All Blacks in Scott Robertson’s first squad of 2024 back in June, making his debut off the bench again…
Henry Lee
15 Jan 2025, 19:09
Fergus Burke named in Scotland Six Nations squad
The squad includes former New Zealand U20 representative and ex-Crusaders first-five Fergus Burke, who has been playing in the Gal…
Henry Lee
15 Jan 2025, 18:10
Michael Hooper signs short term deal in Japan
The 33-year-old has put pen to paper on a short-term deal, that will see Hooper link up with a Verblitz side coached by Steve Hans…
Henry Lee
14 Jan 2025, 19:56
Crusaders announce 2025 Super Rugby Pacific captain
The Crusaders have announced experienced midfielder David Havili as their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific captain this morning, taking th…
Henry Lee
14 Jan 2025, 13:00
Gatland confident about Gareth Anscombe's Wales future
Anscombe has been left out of the 34-man squad named by Gatland, but the Wales head coach is certain he will need Anscombe’s exp…
Henry Lee
13 Jan 2025, 20:03
Chiefs' star Shaun Stevenson heads to Japan for brief sabbatical
Chiefs fullback and one Test All Black Shaun Stevenson has been granted a short-term sabbatical to Japan, to link up with the Kubo…
Henry Lee
13 Jan 2025, 16:01
Two former All Black halfbacks face off in Japan
Perenara is in his first season at the Ricoh Black Rams in Setagaya, Tokyo and has started all three Japan League One fixtures thi…
Henry Lee
09 Jan 2025, 17:33
BlitzBoks coach wary of 'tough' Perth SVNS draw
Ahead of the highly anticipated Perth SVNS Series circuit in late January, the BlitzBoks coach has reacted to their tough pool pla…
Henry Lee
09 Jan 2025, 15:52
The top five Test matches in 2025
International rugby tossed up many blockbusters in the packed 2024 calendar and with 2025 just around the corner, here’s the top…
Henry Lee
08 Jan 2025, 19:57
Former Springboks Coach explains why Rassie Erasmus is such an 'Extraordinary Coach'
Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett has explained why he thinks current head coach Rassie Erasmus has become so successful i…
Henry Lee
08 Jan 2025, 18:26
One breakout player from each NZ Super Rugby Pacific team for 2025
In 2024, Super Rugby fans were treated to many breakthrough players from the New Zealand franchises. We saw Chiefs loose forward W…
Henry Lee
07 Jan 2025, 20:33
Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke in line for Scotland call up
Senior sources have confirmed that Burke is a serious consideration for the upcoming Scotland squad being named early next week fo…
Henry Lee
07 Jan 2025, 16:26
Stormers defence coach gives important injury update
The Stormers host the Sale Sharks on Saturday, in a Champions Cup Round Three match.
Henry Lee
07 Jan 2025, 14:20
'I just want to play' New Cardiff winger excited by latest journey
With Cardiff’s outside backs stocks taking a hit of late, they have brought in former rugby league convert Regan Grace from Bath…
Henry Lee
06 Jan 2025, 15:41
Watch: Crusades young halfback speeds to rapid Bronco time
The Super Rugby Pacific season doesn't get underway until February, but January is always an interesting time to see who comes bac…
Henry Lee
06 Jan 2025, 15:10
'Hugely revitalising': Former All Black excited by Jordie Barrett's Leinster stint
The 27-year-old has enjoyed some early success in his first few appearances for the province, scoring on debut against Bristol.
Henry Lee
05 Jan 2025, 18:31
Toshiba Brave Lupus move to second on Japan League One table
The Brave Lupus was helped by a red card in the 59th minute from reserve Kobe Steelers prop Kauvaka Kaivelata, which gave the Todd…
Henry Lee
05 Jan 2025, 18:30
Watch: Aaron Smith scores superb solo try in high scoring Japan League One draw
Former All Black halfback Aaron Smith has once again shown his class with the ball in hand as he scored a fantastic solo try in To…
Henry Lee
04 Jan 2025, 23:17
Malo Tuitama scores hat trick in high scoring day of Japan League One matches
Japan winger Malo Tuitama has led his Shizuoka Blue Revs to a 40-34 victory over the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars at the Prince…
Henry Lee
04 Jan 2025, 18:08
Watch: Billy Harmon scores powerful try in Canon Eagles win over D-Rocks
The 30-year-old crossed the line in the 78th minute, to end a positive performance for the Canon Eagles who ran in six tries to th…
Henry Lee
04 Jan 2025, 14:27
South African born Scotland international inks new deal
Edinburgh won’t be getting rid of South African born prop Pierre Schoeman anytime soon, with the Scotland international signing …
Henry Lee
26 Dec 2024, 13:14
Leinster and Munster gain valuable experience back for URC derby
Ahead of the highly anticipated URC matchup between Leinster and Munster, both teams have welcomed back multiple players to their …
Henry Lee
26 Dec 2024, 12:24
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list
First-year All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson quickly found out what it was like to be an International coach and now has the j…
Henry Lee
23 Dec 2024, 20:05
Munster's updated Injury list
Munster’s injury list is once again filling up, this time around former junior Springbok Thaakir Abrahams finds himself facing s…
Henry Lee
23 Dec 2024, 19:33
Watch: Retallick scores, Perenara makes Black Rams debut -Japan Rugby League One
The Japan Rugby League One has just kicked off its 2024-25 campaign, with many New Zealand players and former All Blacks heavily i…
Henry Lee
21 Dec 2024, 21:37
Watch: Ex-NRL cult hero scores a try on Japan Rugby League One debut
The 24-year old New Zealand born player starred off the bench in a close 15-13 victory over the Brodie Retallick led Kobelco Kobe …
Henry Lee
21 Dec 2024, 16:42
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu suffers new injury setback
The Stormers convincingly beat the Johannesburg-based Lions team to bounce back from a disappointing start to the campaign.
Henry Lee
21 Dec 2024, 16:40
The best seven girls players at Global Youth 7's 2024
Bundles of U18 Rugby talent were on show this weekend at the Global Youth 7’s tournament at Dilworth School in Auckland.
Henry Lee
16 Dec 2024, 18:58
Former All Blacks coach offers progress report on Joseph Manu's preseason
With the Japanese League One season getting underway this weekend, former All Blacks coach Ian Foster has talked publicly about ho…
Henry Lee
16 Dec 2024, 15:58
Steve Hansen's claims that All Blacks were 'robbed' of World Cup shot down
Sir Steve Hansen has boldly claimed that the All Blacks were “robbed” in the 2023 World Cup final against the Springboks in Pa…
Henry Lee
09 Dec 2024, 20:37
Springboks captain Kolisi's verdict on back row switch under Plumtree
Following on from the Sharks back to back-to-back victories in December 2024, former All Blacks assistant coach and current Sharks…
Henry Lee
09 Dec 2024, 18:31
Stormers receive important injury update
Springboks back Manie Libbok, versatile forward Keke Morabe and Ben-Jason Dixon are likely to miss this weekend's important clash …
Henry Lee
09 Dec 2024, 17:26
All Blacks to put Eden Park record on the line against Springboks in 2025
The All Blacks will take on the World Champion Springboks at Eden Park in 2025, putting one of the longest-standing records on the…
Henry Lee
09 Dec 2024, 13:25
Former Wallabies centre impressed with Joe Schmidt's progress
Joe Schmidt the former Ireland head coach and assistant coach of the All Blacks during the 2023 World Cup, took over the squad on …
Henry Lee
07 Dec 2024, 19:50
Olympic Gold Medalist weighs in on Dubai Sevens heartbreak
Olympic Gold Medalist Shiray Kaka reacted to the Black Ferns Sevens heartbreak loss last weekend in Dubai on the first leg of the …
Henry Lee
07 Dec 2024, 16:08
Bulls Rugby Director urges Springbok to 'stay away from the buffet'
White, the former Springboks coach from 2004-2007 who won the Rugby World cup in his final year, spoke about the physical shape th…
Henry Lee
02 Dec 2024, 20:27
All Blacks Sevens' Dubai 7's ratings: Kiwis limp into semi-finals
It was a weekend to forget for the All Black’s Sevens team at the first circuit of the season in Dubai. It’s a less-than-ideal…
Henry Lee
02 Dec 2024, 19:15
'He's one of my favourite players': Wallabies coach sings praises for stand out
Following the Wallabies agonising 22-19 defeat to Ireland this morning, head coach Joe Schmidt has praised one of his most impress…
Henry Lee
30 Nov 2024, 19:54
Joe Schmidt sets deadline on Wallabies coaching decision
Joe Schmidt has shared his thoughts on his important future coaching decision coming up, that he has publicly stated he will be ma…
Henry Lee
30 Nov 2024, 18:00
'Fall back in love': Former Wallabies react to tight defeat to Ireland
The Wallabies ended their end-of-year Northern tour campaign with a narrow 22-19 defeat at the hands of world number two-ranked Ir…
Henry Lee
30 Nov 2024, 14:54
'Let's not sugarcoat it': Former All Black's urgent call to protect eligibility rules
The rant from Donald comes after talks of the rules changing due to the possibility of Richie Mounga and other New Zealand players…
Henry Lee
25 Nov 2024, 20:27
Mick Byrne identifies tipping point in heavy loss to Ireland
The defeat comes after a mixed bag of results for Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series this month. The Flying Fijians racked up two c…
Henry Lee
25 Nov 2024, 17:46
Jason Ryan questions All Blacks preparation after 'messy' win
Robertson and his side got the win on what was a freezing night at Allianz Stadium in Turin, but are clearly disappointed with the…
Henry Lee
23 Nov 2024, 20:02
Former All Blacks grade the 2024 campaign
The 10 wins come from two victories over the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship, three against England, and one from Fiji, Japan,…
Henry Lee
23 Nov 2024, 18:23
Italy Player Ratings vs All Blacks | Autumn Nations Series
Here’s how the Italy players rated against the All Blacks.
Henry Lee
23 Nov 2024, 15:41
Two former All Blacks clash on success of 2024 campaign
With one game to go against Italy this weekend in Turin at Allianz Stadium, the All Blacks have a current 2024 record of nine wins…
Henry Lee
19 Nov 2024, 1:44
Former All Blacks have their say ahead of Italy team selection
After injuries in the France Test match to Samipeni Finau and Jordie Barrett, the All Blacks selectors may be forced to make alter…
Henry Lee
18 Nov 2024, 14:14
All Blacks winger chimes in on GOAT debate after France defeat
“Straight away, a bit disappointed, it's natural to feel a little hurt after that loss, boys got around each other after the fin…
Henry Lee
16 Nov 2024, 18:13
South Africa standout reacts to 'lethargic' performance against England
England will rue missed opportunities, especially when South Africa were down to 14 men after a yellow card to reserve prop Gerhar…
Henry Lee
16 Nov 2024, 15:45
Former All Black criticises Ireland's 'motivation' after Autumn Nations Series defeat
Both Ioane and Sexton were in the headlines last month, after an extract from Sextons new book "Obsessed" was released. The exchan…
Henry Lee
11 Nov 2024, 18:31
Beauden Barrett headlines strong 2025 Blues Super Rugby Pacific squad
After their first Super Rugby Pacific title in .. years, Vern Cotter and his Blues have named a young squad filled with toughened …
Henry Lee
11 Nov 2024, 18:00
Jamie Joseph names 2025 Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific squad
Jamie Joseph has named his Highlanders squad for the DHL 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition. The 2025 squad features many new p…
Henry Lee
11 Nov 2024, 17:36
All Blacks assistant coach credits bench impact to 'absolute champion'
Not too long ago the All Blacks were struggling to close out Test matches late in the game. But now Scott Robertson’s side has b…
Henry Lee
09 Nov 2024, 18:28
Japan player ratings vs France | Autumn Nations Series
Japan was defeated 52-12 by France at the Stade de France in Paris. The “Brave Blossoms” battled constantly throughout the 80…
Henry Lee
09 Nov 2024, 16:07
Stephen Donald's three takeaways from close All Blacks contest
Scott Robertson and his side were fully aware of what threat England were going to pose, having played the “red roses” twice i…
Henry Lee
04 Nov 2024, 19:57
Former All Blacks react to scrappy win against England
The All Blacks struggled to gain any proper hold of the game against England at Allianz Stadium last weekend, with the amount of p…
Henry Lee
04 Nov 2024, 18:15
'World-class finisher' offers All Blacks selection solution
“Mark Telea can score a try can’t he, he can finish, he’s just a world class finisher just knows how to get to the tryline, …
Henry Lee
02 Nov 2024, 19:12
Scott Robertson reacts to gutsy All Blacks victory over England
It’s another performance from the All Blacks that had its flaws. But a late Damian McKenzie conversion from the right touchline …
Henry Lee
02 Nov 2024, 16:25
Fellow New Zealand halfback sets world-class bar for Cameron Roigard
Former Maori All Black and current North Harbour halfback Bryn Hall has high praise for Cameron Roigard and his future in a black …
Henry Lee
29 Oct 2024, 21:02
Two former All Blacks weigh in on Wallace Sititi's positional debate
The question on everyone's minds is not whether he is in Robertson’s starting team for the upcoming Northern Tour games, but wha…
Henry Lee
29 Oct 2024, 18:36
Jacobson ruled out as Robertson updates injured All Blacks timelines
The All Blacks are now quickly switching their attention to their Northern Tour game against England at Allianz Stadium next week …
Henry Lee
26 Oct 2024, 20:32
Patrick Tuipulotu happy with Damian McKenzie taking the lead
Patrick Tuipulotu’s actions often speak louder than his words, and his first All Blacks game as captain showcased why coach Scot…
Henry Lee
26 Oct 2024, 19:07
Du'Plessis Kirifi: 'It’s no surprise' NPC final went to 100 minutes
Lions’ captain Du’Plessis Kirifi has praised his team's overall effort. “Wasn’t sure if we had it in the bag till about th…
Henry Lee
26 Oct 2024, 15:51
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