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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. 

Sevu Reece returns for Crusaders against Blues as prop notches 100

Super Rugby's all-time leading try-scorer has returned to the Crusaders' starting XV after a two-week absence and is set to run ou…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
05 May 2026, 22:22

Hurricanes lose Love and Roigard, gain Naholo for Moana Pasifika battle

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has rotated his squad for this weekend's date with Moana Pasifika, with some changes enforced …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
05 May 2026, 21:49

Beauden Barrett remains on bench for Blues against Crusaders

Christchurch's new stadium awaits its second Crusaders home game this week, and its first New Zealand derby as the Blues come to t…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
05 May 2026, 21:22

Impressive debutant retains starting spot for Chiefs vs Reds

The Chiefs are sticking with impressive rookie Isaac Hutinson at fullback for this weekend's clash with the Reds after the 22-year…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
05 May 2026, 21:07

Dave Rennie gets a new boss with latest New Zealand Rugby appointment

New Zealand Rugby have appointed Don Tricker to the new role of high-performance director, but they'll have to wait until November…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
04 May 2026, 15:12
Opinion

Hurricanes vs Crusaders takes: Take a bow, Cory Jane, the champs are slipping

The Hurricanes and Crusaders collided in Wellington to kick off round 12 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, and it was the ho…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
01 May 2026, 3:34

Munster part ways with Roger Randle following appointment controversy

Roger Randle's move to Munster has been called off in the wake of backlash from the fanbase and resignations from both the club's …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
30 Apr 2026, 23:18

South Africa U20's star backline blitz Argentina early to secure opening win

South Africa started their 2026 Rugby Championship U20 campaign with a bang in Gqeberha, piling on nearly 50 points before Argenti…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
30 Apr 2026, 1:05

New Zealand U20 make seven changes to starting XV for Argentina

New Zealand U20 coach Kane Jury has made seven changes to the starting XV that beat Australia in round 1 of the Rugby Championship…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
29 Apr 2026, 23:00
Analysis

Super Rugby Pacific schedule strength: Who has the toughest run home?

There are five rounds of Super Rugby Pacific remaining, and technically, no team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
29 Apr 2026, 21:09

Queensland Reds lock down the Junkyard Dog on new deal

The Junkyard Dog is staying put in Queensland, with the Reds announcing a new two-year deal with the fan-favourite winger.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
29 Apr 2026, 15:30

Leicester Fainga'anuku retains No.7 jersey for Crusaders against Hurricanes

Rob Penney wasn't kidding when he said he couldn't have asked for any more from Leicester Fainga'anuku in his first start at opens…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
28 Apr 2026, 21:24

Two debutants named as Perofeta takes Blues helm vs Moana Pasifika

The Blues have made some changes to their starting XV for this weekend's battle of the bridge, with Beauden Barrett named on the b…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
28 Apr 2026, 21:02
Opinion

Highlanders vs Moana takes: Highlanders' wings clipped, two free agents to watch

The final day of Super Round kicked off with Moana Pasifika's Tau Moana challenge and the Highlanders' haka, Hautoa Kia Toa.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
25 Apr 2026, 21:09

Jordie Barrett: 'What happens between now and June, I'm not sure'

All New Zealand fans are asking themselves the same question as Fehi Fineanganofo continues to dazzle on the Super Rugby Pacific s…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
25 Apr 2026, 2:41

Canada leave USA behind in second half with five tries in 16-minute burst

Canada squared off with neighbours the USA in the final round of the Pacific Four Series, and overcame a tight first half with som…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Apr 2026, 21:54

Brett Robinson hails new 'iconic venue' in one of rugby's proudest strongholds

Top-flight rugby has returned to the city of Christchurch, 15 years after the devastating earthquake that rendered Lancaster Park …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Apr 2026, 18:10

Watch: Crusaders score the first try at new $683 million stadium

The Crusaders may not have scored the first points of the game, but Super Rugby's most successful club was sure to claim the first…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Apr 2026, 2:28

The Ruben Love trait impressing Jason Holland amid derby run

Jason Holland has praised Ruben Love's temperament as the 24-year-old drives the Hurricanes to one of the club's best seasons in i…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
23 Apr 2026, 17:56

Why Gilbert Enoka is returning to the All Blacks

Gilbert Enoka is returning to the All Blacks in 2026, bringing his 23 years of experience with the team back to New Zealand Rugby …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
22 Apr 2026, 16:50
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