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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. 

1855 Articles

Caleb Tangitau and Ethan de Groot lead way at Highlanders season awards

Ethan de Groot and Caleb Tangitau have emerged as the big winners from the Highlanders' 2026 awards night, which was held this wee…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
21 May 2026, 22:40

Brad Shields: 'These boys are stronger than ever, they're faster than ever'

Rugby's athletes continue to reach new heights, says ex-England international and current Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
21 May 2026, 20:20

'I got dished up': Thomas du Toit reveals toughest scrum opponent

Few contests in sport demand dark arts quite like the scrum, and nobody knows its toughest operators better than those who face th…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
20 May 2026, 23:13

New Zealand Rugby announces record revenue with Silver Lake 'reserves' strategy

The operating profit is the result of a record $304.2 million reported income, up from $285.2 million in 2024, while expenditure r…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
20 May 2026, 18:19

Michaela Brake announces post-baby comeback to Black Ferns Sevens

Black Ferns Sevens ace Michaela Brake has signed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to the end of 2027.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
20 May 2026, 15:55

Ere Enari announces Hurricanes departure with move to Wales secured

Just days after producing one of the best performances of his Super Rugby career, Ere Enari has announced he will depart the Hurri…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
20 May 2026, 14:42

Moana Pasifika name team for final home game against Reds

Moana Pasifika will run out at North Harbour Stadium one final time this week, with the Queensland Reds in town searching to cemen…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 23:13

Highly-touted fullback to debut with Highlanders' season on line

The Highlanders have named what could be their final matchday team of the year, should results not go their way in round 15.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 21:55

Crusaders welcome back Will Jordan for sold-out Chiefs bout

All Blacks superstar Will Jordan is back for the Crusaders this week, having overcome a calf injury that has kept him on the sidel…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 21:24

Two All Blacks in, one out for Chiefs as CEO offers 'smuggling' reward in Christchurch

The Chiefs will be without star playmaker Damian McKenzie for their penultimate game of the 2026 round-robin, which sees them fly …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 21:00

Hurricanes rotate five heavy-hitters against Highlanders

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has opted to rotate his squad against the Highlanders as his men prepare for the playoffs.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 21:00

James Horwill on the man who can assume injured Will Skelton's enforcer role

The Wallabies have a truly giant hole to fill in 2026, with 145kg lock Will Skelton sidelined for the year with a ruptured Achille…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 14:18

David Kirk: There is a 'project' underway to review Super Rugby

Super Rugby Pacific is being put under the microscope in New Zealand, with both New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the five Super Rugby c…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 May 2026, 0:01

James Horwill's keys to Wallabies success at 2027 Rugby World Cup

Former Wallabies captain James Horwill is expecting the Wallabies to make a deep run in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which is now jus…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
18 May 2026, 23:53

Jordie Barrett: 'We want one this season and we're not going to shy away from that'

The Hurricanes are flying high in 2026, and expectations continue to rise for their coming playoff run. But the team's leaders say…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
16 May 2026, 6:11

Vern Cotter on Blues rookie: 'I think Dave Rennie was probably looking at him'

Blues rookie Malachi Wrampling produced another powerful performance in a tough round 14 loss to the ladder-leading Hurricanes, wi…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
16 May 2026, 5:08
Opinion

Blues vs Hurricanes takes: A clear number one, Beauden-ball hurting Blues

The Cane-train rolled through Eden Park as the centrepiece of round 14 in Super Rugby Pacific, and while there were speed bumps, t…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
16 May 2026, 3:07

Jamie Joseph says the words New Zealand fans feared most after Tangitau injury

The Highlanders will await an official diagnosis of the extent of the injury that ended Caleb Tangitau's evening against the Chief…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
15 May 2026, 16:20
Opinion

Chiefs vs Highlanders takes: The Lucas Casey game, Tangitau goes down

The Highlanders' season was on the line in Hamilton on Friday night, and it was one of the two Super Rugby teams with nine wins fr…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
15 May 2026, 2:43

Dave Rennie: All Blacks 'a couple injuries away from being exposed in certain spots'

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made a frank admission about a position of concern ahead of his first campaign with the team…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
14 May 2026, 23:37
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