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Ned Lester

Ned Lester is a New Zealand-based multimedia content editor with experience covering the diverse corners of the rugby world in the southern hemisphere. Ned brings a keen interest in sports psychology to the RugbyPass team and a background in writing across various disciplines. 

1760 Articles

Beauden Barrett on the difference between All Blacks' 'golden era' and today

Beauden Barrett has weighed in on how much international rugby has evolved since the All Blacks' last Rugby World Cup victory in 2…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
03 Apr 2026, 14:39

Maori All Black Cameron Suafoa reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

Blues forward Cameron Suafoa has announced his retirement from rugby following a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
02 Apr 2026, 21:40

Black Ferns call in uncapped Hurricane for injured Chelsea Bremner

The Black Ferns have suffered a training injury ahead of the Pacific Four Series, with veteran lock Chelsea Bremner succumbing to …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
02 Apr 2026, 13:56

New report details source of Ardie Savea's All Blacks frustrations

A new report this week has investigated how talks between Ardie Savea and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) regarding Savea's contract playe…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
01 Apr 2026, 21:49

Mike Blair: 'I regret my time with the British and Irish Lions'

The new All Blacks attack coach is a man with 85 Test caps for a rival nation and a sense of regret over his time with the British…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
01 Apr 2026, 21:28

Blues trio signed to historic three-year deals

A trio of rising Blues stars have become the first players to sign three-year contracts with the club, ensuring some key names fro…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
01 Apr 2026, 14:26

Codie Taylor to bring up 150 as Crusaders farewell Apollo Projects Stadium

A sentimental fixture awaits the Crusaders on Friday night, with the final match at Apollo Projects Stadium doubling as Codie Tayl…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
31 Mar 2026, 21:11

Damian McKenzie back on the sidelines as Chiefs face Waratahs

Damian McKenzie has returned to the sidelines for round 8 of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to a concussion.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
31 Mar 2026, 20:00

The '14 seconds' of All Blacks attack inspiring Mike Blair's game plan

New All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair has described how the first 14 seconds of his first Test against the All Blacks became a fo…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
31 Mar 2026, 15:22

'I can't see any way back': Israel Dagg concerned for stumbling Highlander

Ex-All Black Israel Dagg says he is concerned for Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava after a starring display on debut from Nic S…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
31 Mar 2026, 13:29

Western Force lose barnstorming No.8 Vaiolini Ekuasi to Top 14

Top 14 outfit US Montauban have announced the signing of rising Western Force star Vaiolini Ekuasi ahead of next season.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
30 Mar 2026, 21:58

Five 'Moneyball' players who could be All Blacks bolters under Rennie

When Dave Rennie was announced as the next All Blacks head coach, former Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki compared his coaching style at the…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
30 Mar 2026, 18:04

Read and Havili pen heartfelt letter to Crusaders fans as new stadium opens

A significant chapter in the Crusaders' history is coming to a close, with the new One New Zealand Stadium, Te Kaha, now open and …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
30 Mar 2026, 15:52
Opinion

Chiefs vs Force takes: Chiefs fall short of statement, fullback McKenzie

The Chiefs have claimed a 24-14 win over the Western Force in Perth. It's another notch in the win column for the men from Hamilto…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
28 Mar 2026, 3:54

'It's becoming easier for them': Neil Barnes sizes up Boks

New All Blacks senior assistant coach Neil Barnes has shared his view of the Springboks' success and his initial thoughts on the u…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
28 Mar 2026, 1:43
Opinion

Hurricanes vs Reds takes: Hold on, Hurricanes; Newcastle got a good one

Another 50-piece from the Hurricanes has delivered another statement that Clark Laidlaw's men are serious contenders in 2026, and …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
27 Mar 2026, 22:54
Opinion

Brumbies vs Waratahs takes: Cometh the hour, cometh the man

The Waratahs pulled off a tense upset win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night, and it was a match won by fine margins.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
27 Mar 2026, 4:32
Opinion

Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders takes: Super Rugby's most compelling X-factor

It was a bizarre night of rugby on Auckland's North Shore on Friday night, with a 32-0 Highlanders lead after 40 minutes making wa…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
27 Mar 2026, 1:40

Hurricanes back interim CEO Tony Philp to stay on permanently

Hurricanes interim CEO Tony Philp clearly made a strong impression in his time at the helm, with the club announcing he will conti…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
26 Mar 2026, 17:08

Neil Barnes tackles the 'old-school' question facing new All Blacks coaches

Neil Barnes won't quite own the "old-school" label, but when the newly named All Blacks' lead assistant coach describes his coachi…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
25 Mar 2026, 19:37
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