Tom Vinicombe

A passionate follower of rugby all across the globe. Tom is based in Auckland, New Zealand but has also spent the better part of a year living in Japan.

Latest:

Has Rieko Ioane thrust himself into the All Blacks midfield selection debate?

Midfield departures following the 2019 World Cup were set to open the door for Ngani Laumape and Braydon Ennor to make a return to…

Tom Vinicombe

28 June 2020, 9:39pm

Articles

Has Rieko Ioane thrust himself into the All Blacks midfield selection debate?

Midfield departures following the 2019 World Cup were set to open the door for Ngani Laumape and Braydon Ennor to make a return to…

Tom Vinicombe

28 June 2020, 9:39pm

All Blacks and Super Rugby stars reveal which team they want to play for in North v South exhibition match

Late on Friday afternoon, All Blacks coach Ian Foster revealed the eligibility criteria for the now confirmed North Island v South…

Tom Vinicombe

26 June 2020, 8:59pm

Why the Chiefs' season hangs in the balance as they prepare to face off against the ruthless Crusaders

While taking out the Super Rugby Aotearoa title with just six wins from eight matches is entirely possible, doing so with just fiv…

Tom Vinicombe

25 June 2020, 12:02am

'Whether I played good or bad, I wasn't really afraid': Why Otere Black is the man to lead the Blues to their first title in well over a decade

Otere Black was hailed as a game-changing signing for the Blues when he put pen to paper in 2017 but injury struck before he could…

Tom Vinicombe

23 June 2020, 7:09pm

Hoskins Sotutu's take on the Blues' streak-ending season: 'We've been working really hard to try and get Auckland back supporting us'

2020 is shaping up as a record-breaking year for the Blues. In-form loose forward Hoskins Sotutu is hopeful that the fans keep tur…

Tom Vinicombe

17 June 2020, 7:54pm

'There's a chance you might not play rugby again': Bryn Gatland's journey from heartbreak to Highlanders hero

Last year, Bryn Gatland suffered a horrific foot injury so severe that there were very real fears that the first five’s professi…

Tom Vinicombe

16 June 2020, 10:46pm

The drop goal frenzy sweeping the nation: what does Bryn Gatland's clutch kick mean for the future of New Zealand rugby?

Drop goals have never really been in fashion in New Zealand but it looks like the lost art could be making a comeback in 2020 afte…

Tom Vinicombe

16 June 2020, 12:30am

Time for fans to vote with their feet: How Super Rugby Aotearoa could usher in a new era of rugby in New Zealand

It’s been a challenging time for a number of reasons but fans across the New Zealand – and seemingly around the world – fina…

Tom Vinicombe

12 June 2020, 8:06pm

Videos

Caleb Clarke explains the massive contribution Dan Carter has already made to the Blues campaign

Dan Carter has yet to make an appearance for the Blues this year but make no mistake, Carter is already contributing to the cultur…

Tom Vinicombe

25 June 2020, 7:50pm

'He doesn't look too bad in Blue' - Joe Rokocoko's take on the new Carlos Spencer

Joe Rokocoko is one of the most prodigiously talented outside backs that Auckland has produced and he was able to flourish on the …

Tom Vinicombe

02 June 2020, 8:43pm

Video interview: Richard Kahui talks 2011 - 'I would have been the slowest winger at the World Cup'

Exclusive: Despite Richard Kahui’s career being blighted by injury, the Tokoroa-born midfielder managed to keep his body mostly …

Tom Vinicombe

25 May 2020, 6:54pm

Concealed injuries and the luckiest break in the world: The almost unbelievable, untold story of Karl Tu'inukuafe

Exclusive: Everybody knows the basic tale of the bouncer who was called into the Chiefs squad in 2018 and made his All Blacks debu…

Tom Vinicombe

15 May 2020, 6:53pm