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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. 

1749 Articles

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

Highlanders name debutant to start at halfback against Moana Pasifika

The Highlanders have opted to rest Folau Fakatava and start Nic Shearer at halfback against Moana Pasifika, giving the Southland s…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Mar 2026, 20:45

New captain and starting fullback for Blues against Drua

Sam Darry will captain the Blues against the Fijian Drua in Auckland as regular captain Dalton Papali'i deals with the back injury…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Mar 2026, 20:13

Midfield injuries see All Black wing shift to centre for Chiefs

With injuries befalling a couple of Chiefs midfielders, head coach Jono Gibbes has turned to All Black wing Leroy Carter to cover …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Mar 2026, 20:00

Hurricanes edge closer to full-stength squad for Reds showdown

The Super Rugby Pacific-leading Hurricanes are only getting stronger in terms of talent, with powerhouse prop Tyrel Lomax set for …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Mar 2026, 20:00

Impressive Blues rookie Torian Barnes inks new deal

The Blues have secured impressive rookie Torian Barnes on a two-year deal, keeping the 22-year-old in Auckland through to the 2028…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
18 Mar 2026, 19:08

'A Hurricane through and through': Clark Laidlaw extends time in Kiwi capital

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has signed a one-year extension in the Kiwi capital, keeping him on board with the Hurricanes …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
18 Mar 2026, 17:01

Stuart Hogg releases statement after confirmation of latest arrest

Stuart Hogg has released a statement calling out what he describes as "false and defamatory claims" made in the media following co…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
18 Mar 2026, 14:37

Julian Savea returns as Moana Pasifika eye another upset

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga has welcomed back wrecking ball Julian Savea in his team to face the Crusaders, and backed yo…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Mar 2026, 20:58

Crusaders forced to turn to wider training group for uncapped 10

The Crusaders have turned to their wider training group for reinforcements as injuries hit the club's playmaking stocks hard, mean…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Mar 2026, 20:40

Co-captain returns as Highlanders tweak team for Hurricanes

Highlanders co-captain Hugh Renton is back on deck for for teh first time in nearly 12 months as the men from the Deep South host …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Mar 2026, 20:17

Chiefs 'refreshed' and ready for James Slipper's big night

A "refreshed' Chiefs team are in Canberra, ready to face the Brumbies in a special Super Rugby Pacific encounter off the back of a…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Mar 2026, 20:00
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