Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga pictured before his team's loss to the Blues at Eden Park.

Tana Umaga confirms approach to help coach All Blacks

The Moana Pasifika head coach distanced himself from a 1News report last week but was more forthcoming at Eden Park today.

Sunday 6:52pm

Codemeru Vai celebrates his try for the Blues against Moana Pasifika at Eden Park.

Blues coolly close out victory as Moana Pasifika see red

Moana struggle with their discipline against rivals before head coach Tana Umaga drops big All Blacks hint.

Sunday 5:40pm

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga.

'They don't want us here' - Tana Umaga lashes out at rivals Blues

The Moana Pasifika head coach has distanced himself from a story linking him to the All Blacks but had a lot more to say about his former franchise.

Thu, Mar 12

Beauden Barrett talks to Blues coach Vern Cotter after a pre-season game in January.

'Happy it's over' - Beauden Barrett on All Blacks' coaching drama

Dave Rennie's appointment gets the thumbs up from the Blues and All Blacks playmaker, who says he will soon be in talks with the new boss.

Wed, Mar 11

New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie pictured at his announcement alongside chairman David Kirk.

'100 analysis clips': How Dave Rennie won over All Blacks' interview panel

The depth of the new All Blacks head coach's preparation for the top job has been revealed.

Mon, Mar 9

Beauden Barrett makes a break for the Blues against the Crusaders at Eden Park.

Analysis: Barrett pulls strings for Blues as Crusaders self-destruct

Beauden Barrett's quality in his first game back helped expose the Crusaders at Eden Park, writes sports reporter Patrick McKendry.

Mon, Mar 9

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, left, faces the media alongside NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk.

Analysis: The three coaches in frame to help Rennie at the All Blacks

The new All Blacks head coach says he will surround himself with "quality people". 1News sports writer Patrick McKendry looks at Dave Rennie's options.

Thu, Mar 5

7:29

Dave Rennie poses at NZ Rugby headquarters in Auckland after his first press conference as All Blacks head coach.

Optimism reigns as new All Blacks coach Rennie makes a splash

Yes, the All Blacks can win the World Cup, he says. And, yes, he can see only positives in his new team's gruelling tour of South Africa in August.

Wed, Mar 4

3:38

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie

Dave Rennie named new All Blacks coach: 'Understand the expectations'

Rennie replaces Scott Robertson, who lost the job earlier this year.

Wed, Mar 4

Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie.

New All Blacks head coach likely to be announced this week

The news will be welcome for All Blacks staff and assistant coaches, with many of them on tenterhooks following Scott Robertson's dismissal.

Mon, Mar 2

Crusaders fullback Will Jordan tackles Chiefs wing Leroy Carter in the dying seconds at Waikato Stadium.

Analysis: Crusaders' win over Chiefs a blast from the past

The Crusaders recovered from a poor start to beat their rivals in a game notable for its spite and counter-attacking ambition, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, Mar 1

February 2026
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney.

'The worm will turn' - Penney backs Crusaders to break early slump

The Crusaders coach called the final moments of his team's loss to the Brumbies "embarrassing", but was more philosophical a couple of days later.

Tue, Feb 24

Joseph Parker starts his ring walk before his fight against Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena.

'Worst nightmare' – trainer on Joseph Parker's failed drugs test

Andy Lee speaks out as New Zealand heavyweight boxer Parker appeals a process which remains shrouded in secrecy.

Mon, Feb 23

Crusaders replacement Leicester Fainga'anuku charges for the line during his team's defeat to the Brumbies.

Brumbies enjoy historic victory over clueless Crusaders

The men from Canberra scored eight tries in thrashing the Crusaders in Christchurch - the first time they have won in the city since 2000.

Sun, Feb 22

The three Barrett brothers, from left, Beauden, Scott and Jordie, pictured after the All Blacks' win over the Wallabies at Eden Park last year.

Analysis: Barrett brothers on the brink of a big year for All Blacks

A year out from the World Cup, Beauden, Scott and Jordie are under pressure to prove themselves all over again, writes Patrick McKendry.

Thu, Feb 19

Cortez Ratima runs in for what turned out to be the winning try for the Chiefs against the Blues at Eden Park.

Analysis: Rare Ratima quality enough for Chiefs to pip Blues

1News writer Patrick McKendry runs the rule over Super Rugby Pacific's opening round which featured a mixture of performances.

Sun, Feb 15

Players representing every Super Rugby Pacific team pictured at the season's official launch in Auckland recently.

Analysis: NZ Rugby's impossible Super Rugby dilemma

An open and exciting club competition is not the best preparation for the All Blacks, and the gulf to Test rugby is growing, writes Patrick McKendry.

Thu, Feb 12

Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph

Analysis: Better together? Rennie, Joseph dream team the ideal for All Blacks

After Scott Robertson's dismissal, New Zealand Rugby's priority now is clear, argues Patrick McKendry.

Tue, Feb 10

Highlanders lock Fabian Holland trains in Dunedin during pre-season.

All Black Holland's shoulder injury another blow for Highlanders

The hard-working lock dislocated the joint in a pre-season game and will miss the start of Super Rugby Pacific, which kicks off on Friday.

Tue, Feb 10

Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu with the Super Rugby Pacific trophy at this week's season launch in Auckland.

Iron will helps injury-hit Tuipulotu recover from metal fatigue

There is no holding back the Blues skipper who occasionally sets off airport X-ray alarms due to the steel in his body.

Thu, Feb 5

Scott Robertson and Codie Taylor celebrate the Crusaders' Super Rugby grand final victory over the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium in 2023.

'He gave so much to the team' - All Black Codie Taylor on sacked mate Razor

Taylor said he was "gutted" for Scott Robertson but there was now an opportunity for a new head coach to reassert New Zealand's dominance.

Wed, Feb 4

Codie Taylor pushes off Max Jorgensen during the All Blacks victory over the Wallabies in Perth last year.

Hong Kong China has honour of kicking off World Cup against Wallabies

The rugby minnows, rather than the All Blacks, will help open the global rugby tournament in Perth next year.

Tue, Feb 3

January 2026
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph.

Analysis: Why Jamie Joseph has edge to replace Razor at All Blacks

The Highlanders coach has been groomed to take over the top job since last year, so missing out now would qualify as a huge shock, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, Jan 30

1:31

Ardie Savea waves to fans at Optus Stadium in Perth after the All Blacks' victory over the Wallabies last year.

Analysis: Five priorities for the new All Blacks head coach

Appointing a new captain – and Ardie Savea will be favourite – is one immediate task for Scott Robertson's replacement, writes Patrick McKendry.

Wed, Jan 21

Analysis: Razor’s quick end only positive to a sad tale

Analysis: Razor’s quick end only positive to a sad tale

The short reign of the All Blacks head coach required far more scrutiny from NZ Rugby’s senior leadership team, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, Jan 16

6:39