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Gregor Paul

Gregor is New Zealand's best-read rugby commentator and analyst having been the voice of the Herald's rugby coverage since 2004. He's also written seven books about rugby and edited NZ Rugby World since 2007.

253 Articles
LONG READ
Opinion

Rennie to shuffle No 10 pack as Richie Mo'unga's comeback is pushed back

Dave Rennie would have preferred Richie Mo’unga to be available for the South Africa series, but the situation may yet play to h…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
22 May 2026, 23:01
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Hurricanes may end up champions, but they might be the symbol of why Super Rugby needs a radical overhaul’

With clubs losing money, NZR must decide whether it’s ready to make a dramatic change to Super Rugby’s ownership structure.

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
06 May 2026, 8:53
LONG READ
Opinion

Is Ardie Savea captaincy material for the All Blacks?

The superstar backrow has a compelling case to be the next All Blacks captain with Dave Rennie a fan but complexities need ironing…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
19 Apr 2026, 23:47
LONG READ
Opinion

‘The All Blacks may not win next year’s World Cup but at least they have been better set up to succeed’

Dave Rennie has put together a more experienced and diverse coaching team than his predecessor Scott Robertson.

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
07 Apr 2026, 10:17
LONG READ
Opinion

Why Dave Rennie is lobbying hard for eligibility changes to bring Brodie Retallick back

The 109-cap All Blacks lock is plying his trade in Japan and Dave Rennie has been pushing hard for his return to Test rugby

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
25 Mar 2026, 3:34
LONG READ
Opinion

The challenge that awaits new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie

The surroundings that await the new All Blacks coach is very different to the one Scott Robertson inherited two years ago

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
07 Mar 2026, 12:44
LONG READ
Analysis

The wave of mid-tier players being snapped up by overseas clubs is hurting New Zealand

Dalton Papali'i's move to Castres is a major blow to the Blues but shows how active the market is for fringe All Blacks players

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
27 Feb 2026, 7:35
LONG READ
Opinion

Can the All Blacks navigate their way past old enemies to win the World Cup?

With a stable spine, New Zealand boast the players to win a World Cup, now they just need to find the right coach

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
03 Feb 2026, 6:44
LONG READ
Opinion

As the sun sets on Razor's tenure, renewal points to a brighter All Blacks future

The rugby world is writing off New Zealand rugby, but get the key decisions right and the All Blacks can challenge for the Rugby W…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
21 Jan 2026, 14:53
LONG READ
Opinion

'Angst grips New Zealand as huge decisions loom for the All Blacks'

Ahead of a seminal 2026, with a tour of South Africa and the inaugural Nations Championship, questions linger over Scott Robertson…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
26 Nov 2025, 13:56
LONG READ
Opinion

‘The All Blacks are prone to extreme mental paralysis in the 20 minutes after half-time’

New Zealand's loss to England was the latest example of them hitting a 'mental black spot' in the third quarter of matches.

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
19 Nov 2025, 10:31
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Mercurial’ McKenzie highlights how All Blacks are building their own bomb squad

Scott Robertson appears to have concluded D-Mac's skillset is best used off the bench - a high-value proposition rather than a fai…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
12 Nov 2025, 11:12
LONG READ
Opinion

Enforced changes showed way forward for ‘freestyling’ All Blacks on selection

Injuries have forced Scott Robertson's hand, but the impact of younger options should inform his future strategy.

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
06 Nov 2025, 12:11
LONG READ
Opinion

Why home fans will need to catch the globetrotting All Blacks when they can

As a global brand, the All Blacks are set to wrack up the air miles in the next two years which will seem them playing at home les…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
21 Oct 2025, 13:52
LONG READ
Opinion

Have the All Blacks stumbled across the perfect midfield partnership?

The All Blacks may have inadvertently happened across the midfield partnership to take them to the 2027 World Cup

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
08 Oct 2025, 9:19
LONG READ
Opinion

Are the All Blacks still struggling to replace the legendary wings of yesteryear?

The All Blacks are revered for producing some of the greatest wide players to grace the game but are they now lagging behind?

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
01 Oct 2025, 12:45
LONG READ
Opinion

The risk the All Blacks have taken by too much overexposure to the Springboks

The All Blacks are locked in to play the Springboks on ten occasions between World Cup cycles and the latter's dominance is a conc…

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
22 Sep 2025, 9:42
LONG READ
Opinion

Will the real All Blacks please stand up?

One week the All Blacks can be peerless but the next they are floundering and it is becoming a real problem to predict their path

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
15 Sep 2025, 3:52
LONG READ
Opinion

Are the All Blacks refinding their groove as the world's No 1 team?

New Zealand are slowly rebuilding the sky high standards they were renowned for in their pomp under Steve Hansen

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
09 Sep 2025, 12:20
LONG READ
Opinion

50 Tests unbeaten in 31 years...so why don't NZR want more at their 'spiritual home'?

Eden Park may be where the All Blacks are most successful, but it is not a venue loved by New Zealand Rugby.

Gregor Paul
Gregor Paul
02 Sep 2025, 12:05
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