All Blacks performance chief of 18 years departs for NFL
Dr Nic Gill is leaving his All Blacks post after 18 years as the team's Head of Athlete Health & Performance, with a role at the N…
Ned Lester
02 Mar 2026, 14:45
5
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Contributors
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.
No love lost as Crusaders overcome Chiefs in breathless Hamilton thriller
There was plenty of feeling in Hamilton on Saturday night as Super Rugby Pacific's 2025 finalists squared off.
Ned Lester
28 Feb 2026, 1:59
4
Opinion
Drua vs Hurricanes takes: The classic hybrid players, Aumua's Achilles heel
The Drua have restored pride in their Fijian fortress of Lautoka, beating the Hurricanes in a wet-and-wild contest, 25-20.
Ned Lester
28 Feb 2026, 0:06
9
Christian Lio-Willie: Crusaders conscious 'it's easy to fall out' amid early woes
Christian Lio-Willie admits it's been a "tough couple of weeks" for the Crusaders, who have two games in the loss column two week…
Ned Lester
26 Feb 2026, 23:23
Waratahs flyer in mix for Australia Sevens debut as Vancouver squads named
Australia has turned to Waratahs speedster Archie Saunders in their squad for the Vancouver SVNS, with a star trio also back in th…
Ned Lester
26 Feb 2026, 0:26
Roderick Solo back in All Blacks Sevens for circuit's American leg
The All Blacks Sevens have welcomed back Roderick Solo in the team's travelling squad for March's two stops on the SVNS circuit, V…
Ned Lester
25 Feb 2026, 23:52
Black Ferns icon Portia Woodman-Wickliffe re-retires from international rugby
New Zealand's all-time leading try-scorer, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, has announced her international retirement for the second tim…
Ned Lester
25 Feb 2026, 23:16
5
Rassie Erasmus: 'I think we'll find a very desperate New Zealand team'
Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks management are working through what 2026's new-look Test calendar demands, what adjustments need…
Ned Lester
25 Feb 2026, 21:33
73
Highlanders assistant Kane Jury lands expanded New Zealand U20 coaching role
Highlanders assistant coach Kane Jury has been appointed to a newly formed New Zealand Rugby role, men’s National Pathways Head …
Ned Lester
25 Feb 2026, 15:57
Wallaby and Puma set for Force debuts against Moana Pasifika
Having hosted two home games to start the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, the Western Force are hoping for a better result in the…
Ned Lester
24 Feb 2026, 22:42
Moana Pasifika recall big guns for first home game against Force
Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga has rotated his top-stringers back into the matchday 23 for his side's first home game of the…
Ned Lester
24 Feb 2026, 22:13
Carter Gordon named for Reds debut as five Wallabies return
Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon will make his Reds debut on Friday night in Brisbane when his new club hosts the resurgent Highl…
Ned Lester
24 Feb 2026, 21:21
No tinkering required as Brumbies roll out unchanged side for Blues
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham isn't worried about having too much of a good thing, selecting the same matchday 23 that deliv…
Ned Lester
24 Feb 2026, 21:00
Highlanders fortify bench for Reds showdown in Brisbane
The Highlanders are sticking with continuity for their first away game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, where they'll face …
Ned Lester
24 Feb 2026, 21:00
2
Rob Penney concedes 'something's just not quite right' with Crusaders
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney wasn't short of answers after his side's blowout loss to the Brumbies at home, and perhaps most te…
Ned Lester
24 Feb 2026, 17:09
4
Opinion
Jamie Joseph has provided the blueprint, now Super Rugby must use it
Some professional sports leagues have relegation, some have a draft. Super Rugby Pacific has enduring optimism.
Ned Lester
23 Feb 2026, 22:38
15
New Zealand Rugby farewell another long-serving executive
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum is moving on from the governing body afte…
Ned Lester
23 Feb 2026, 19:54
3
Ex-All Blacks united on biggest loss amid mounting departures
New Zealand Rugby is used to player exoduses around Rugby World Cup time, but the volume of departures announced to begin 2026 has…
Ned Lester
23 Feb 2026, 19:09
18
Chiefs escape Dunedin with narrow victory over rising Highlanders
The Highlanders and Chiefs enjoyed dramatic opening-round wins to begin the Super Rugby Pacific season last week, but only one cou…
Ned Lester
21 Feb 2026, 1:57
4
Springbok Marnus van der Merwe Ireland-bound on two-year deal
Munster have added some Springbok flavour to their squad for next season with the signing of Marnus van der Merwe on a two-year de…
Ned Lester
21 Feb 2026, 0:05
3
