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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. 

Dalton Papali'i hoping Blues days aren't done despite broken jaw

Dalton Papali'i isn't farewelling his Blues career just yet, despite breaking his jaw against the Crusaders and being on his way t…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
13 May 2026, 22:00

Fabian Holland shares promising update on shoulder rehab

Fabian Holland is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as he rehabs the shoulder injury that ended his 2026 Super Rugby campa…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
13 May 2026, 20:10

Sir Graham Henry outlines top priorities as new All Blacks selector

'Ted' was brought on board by the new head coach after a conversation in which he presented his opinions on 60 players, and while …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
13 May 2026, 16:53

Highlanders bulk up bench in search of much-needed win over Chiefs

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph clearly liked what he saw in his side's round 13 win over the Waratahs, and has made just one …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 May 2026, 21:32

Beauden Barrett returns to Blues' starting XV to face Hurricanes

The Blues have made some significant changes to their matchday 23 to face the Hurricanes at Eden Park this weekend, with Beauden B…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 May 2026, 21:12

Hurricanes make eight changes for Eden Park visit, Du'Plessis Kirifi ruled out

Du'Plessis Kirifi will miss the Hurricanes' round 14 showdown with the Blues at Eden Park with a short-term knee complaint, while …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 May 2026, 21:00

Chiefs move Damian McKenzie to fullback, rest Quinn Tupaea against Highlanders

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes has handed young playmaker Josh Jacomb another starting opportunity at No.10, sending Damian McKenzi…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 May 2026, 21:00

Crusaders rookie Kurtis MacDonald handed four-game ban for dangerous play

Kurtis MacDonald will miss the remaining two games of the Crusaders' regular season and the beginning of any potential playoff inv…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 May 2026, 20:18

All Blacks coach weighs in on Leicester Fainga'anuku's flanker switch

Dave Rennie has delivered a "time will tell" response to whether or not Leicester Fainga'anuku can wear a No.7 jersey for the All …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 May 2026, 23:05

Jona Nareki's season on the ropes after ban for dangerous tackle

Jona Nareki's Highlanders season is on the ropes after a two-week ban for his red card offence in round 13's win over the Waratahs…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 May 2026, 17:27

Dave Rennie reveals scrapped All Blacks plan for Richie Mo'unga

Dave Rennie has revealed that Richie Mo'unga would not have run out for the All Blacks during July's Nations Championship Tests ev…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 May 2026, 15:29

NZR not budging on Richie Mo'unga's All Blacks eligibilty for South Africa tour

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is not considering any changes or exemptions to its All Blacks eligibility policy, including the rules tha…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
09 May 2026, 7:39

Josh Moorby scores four in sodden Hurricanes romp over Moana Pasifika

A rainy Albany hosted Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes in round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific season, but the conditions wouldn't…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
09 May 2026, 2:00
Opinion

Highlanders vs Waratahs takes: Super's most untouchable man, Suaalii responds

The Highlanders and Waratahs entered their round 13 contest on 20 competition points each, five points outside the playoff picture…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
09 May 2026, 0:02
Opinion

Crusaders vs Blues takes: The fairy tale first, what can't he do?

One of Super Rugby's most famous rivalries took centre stage in front of a sold-out crowd at Te Kaha in Christchurch to kick off r…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
08 May 2026, 2:13

South Africa U20 stick with winning formula for New Zealand decider

Junior Springboks coach Kevin Foote has adopted the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach to his selections for the final rou…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
07 May 2026, 16:41

New Zealand U20 recall pack that beat Australia for South Africa showdown

New Zealand U20 need a bonus point win against a powerful South Africa team in the final round of the U20 Rugby Championship, and …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
07 May 2026, 16:11

'Squeaky moments' casting doubt over Scott Barrett's Crusaders return

A non-playing sabbatical isn't the only thing keeping All Blacks captain Scott Barrett on the sidelines in 2026, with Crusaders he…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
06 May 2026, 23:34

Steve Lancaster sheds 'interim' tag as New Zealand Rugby CEO

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) interim CEO Steve Lancaster will stay on in the role permanently, having impressed the board throughout hi…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
06 May 2026, 16:54

Caleb Tangitau returns as Jona Nareki shifts to midfield for Highlanders

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has had some success moving wingers into the midfield, and his latest experiment is putting in…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
05 May 2026, 22:39
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