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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. 

'Fitter players should be rewarded': Barrett weighs in on time wasting
All Black star Beauden Barrett is the latest rugby star to weigh in on time-wasting in the modern game after last week's controver…
Ned Lester
19 Sep 2022, 15:26
Both Bledisloe sides admit they've 'never seen' that rule enforced
The call has inevitably split the rugby community, with some saying the referee's warnings were sufficient while others claim the …
Ned Lester
16 Sep 2022, 15:41
'It's something you don't really plan for': All Blacks reflect on hectic final minutes
All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa'i was in the sheds with his teammates following New Zealand's controversial, last-minute win over the Wa…
Ned Lester
16 Sep 2022, 5:59
Extent of Quinn Tupaea's injury revealed as Swain cited for dangerous clean out
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed the extent of Quinn Tupaea's injury suffered against the Wallabies in Melbourne last…
Ned Lester
15 Sep 2022, 20:36
'Pretty easy decision': Whitelock on bold call to close out a wild Bledisloe test
The pressure on the decision was epic, with 20 years of Bledisloe dominance as well as The Rugby Championship on the line.
Ned Lester
15 Sep 2022, 17:30
Picking the form team of The Rugby Championship so far
To celebrate what has been the most dog-eat-dog Rugby Championship yet, here is a team of the tournament so far.
Opinion
Ned Lester
13 Sep 2022, 14:34
How the Wallabies can attack the All Blacks
"We've seen it time and time again with this Aussie attack and it's their work off the ball, their blindside wingers coming involv…
Ned Lester
08 Sep 2022, 23:11
What ex-Kiwi players thought of Springboks debutant Moodie
Following the match, there was much buzz around the winger's game, in particular his try in which he showed high ball skills and p…
Ned Lester
08 Sep 2022, 17:52
How each team can still win The Rugby Championship over final two rounds
New Zealand can secure their 19th Rugby Championship title if they win both games against Australia, with one of those wins coming…
Ned Lester
07 Sep 2022, 22:23
'He was into his work': Why Hoskins Sotutu is pushing for an All Black start in Bledisloe tests
World player of the year candidate Ardie Savea will miss at least the first game of the Bledisloe Cup tests as he flies home to We…
Ned Lester
06 Sep 2022, 20:16
The All Blacks tactics that broke Argentina's defence
The All Blacks made many adjustments for their second test against Argentina, perhaps most notable was the changes in their kickin…
Ned Lester
06 Sep 2022, 17:00
All Blacks' 'balance for the World Cup' under threat in current environment
“The game is incredibly physical, and I don’t know if you can play a game like you played in South Africa and then back it up …
Ned Lester
06 Sep 2022, 3:31
Are Argentina now the best Southern Hemisphere team?
Michael Cheika's mentality has infected the Argentinian playing group, the coach does not mince his words, nor allow for confidenc…
Opinion
Ned Lester
01 Sep 2022, 8:53
Straight-talking Dane Coles says there's 'no blame game' in All Blacks camp
Accountability was a hot talking point, and Coles was adamant the All Blacks had a healthy and direct attitude amongst players whe…
Ned Lester
01 Sep 2022, 8:39
All Blacks boost bench experience in latest team naming
the All Blacks named the same starting 15 from their previous two tests - games which despite continuity in selection, produced ve…
Ned Lester
31 Aug 2022, 17:16
All Blacks 'rebuild' called into question by pundits as strategy not clear
Many upset All Black supporters would have hung around on Saturday night after the historic loss to the Pumas hoping to hear an ex…
Ned Lester
30 Aug 2022, 22:22
Pumas player ratings vs All Blacks | Rugby Championship
The Argentinians secured their first ever victory on New Zealand soil, as well as reaffirming their position atop the Rugby Champi…
Opinion
Ned Lester
27 Aug 2022, 5:13
Black Ferns' character prevails in gritty win
A gritty 22-14 win from the Black Ferns was capped by another classic post match interview by Ruby Tui
Ned Lester
26 Aug 2022, 23:13
'He never leaves a stone unturned': All Blacks praise new attack coach
Midfielder David Havili expressed his excitement for the latest coaching addition during Thursday's media session.
Ned Lester
26 Aug 2022, 6:11
High ball contest crucial for All Blacks to maintain their 'winning ways'
"One-off performances are great but they're not really that good in the long term. It's important we go out this week and do wel…
Ned Lester
26 Aug 2022, 5:29
The Blues playmaker set for All Black debut after Beauden Barrett ruled out
In the All Blacks last test, Barrett came off the bench to play at fullback alongside Richie Mo'unga. Foster didn't specify whethe…
Ned Lester
24 Aug 2022, 20:59
How a defence straight out of the NRL has Los Pumas set for All Blacks Test
When Michael Cheika hired David Kidwell to manage Argentina’s defense, it wasn’t the first time a rugby league coach had switc…
Ned Lester
24 Aug 2022, 9:23
New era for All Black front row as Newell looks forward to possible home test
New All Black Fletcher Newell is one of three young props who impressed in the All Blacks victory over old foes South Africa in Jo…
Ned Lester
22 Aug 2022, 23:01
'It's never just one person': Whitelock says players take responsibility for the All Blacks results
Following a much improved performance in Johannesburg, Sam Whitelock expressed relief and satisfaction at the result and the progr…
Ned Lester
16 Aug 2022, 19:40
The All Blacks lost their edge years ago
Recent All Blacks results have sparked an insecurity throughout New Zealand, the gravity of which hasn’t been felt in over a dec…
Opinion
Ned Lester
10 Aug 2022, 14:35
Wallabies player rating vs England | 3rd Test July 2022
How did the Wallabies perform in their defeat against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground?
Opinion
Ned Lester
16 Jul 2022, 7:16
Wallabies player ratings vs England | 2nd Test July 2022
England descended on Brisbane with intent and physicality that had Australia on the backfoot early. Boosted by the absence of a re…
Ned Lester
09 Jul 2022, 6:42
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