Noah Hotham of the Crusaders scores a try in the tackle of Josh Moorby.

Crusaders dominate Hurricanes 47-14 ahead of playoffs

In the final round of the regular season, the Crusaders celebrated Sevu Reece's century with a commanding win under the roof at Te Kaha.

7:16am

Tupou Vaa'i, left, and Scott Barrett in action for the All Blacks against Argentina last year.

Analysis: Scott Barrett's injury puts spotlight on All Blacks locking depth

Dave Rennie can currently select four Test locks in his squad next month but, beyond that quartet, the cupboard is rather bare, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, May 29

1:30

All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett.

Scott Barrett needs back surgery – out for up to five months

The All Blacks captain is set to miss the July Tests and South African tour at least.

Wed, May 27

New Crusaders head coach Scott Hansen will take over for the 2027 season.

Scott Hansen named as Rob Penney's replacement at Crusaders

The former All Blacks assistant, who was let go by NZ Rugby at the start of the year, will return to a franchise he has a long history with.

Wed, May 27

Will Jordan pictured warming up for the Crusaders before their recent win over the Chiefs in Christchurch.

Calf issue rules Will Jordan out for rest of Super Rugby season

A recurrence of a calf injury during the Crusaders' win at the weekend will sideline Jordan for another four to six weeks.

Tue, May 26

Moana Pasifika's players react to their defeat to the Reds at North Harbour Stadium.

NZ Rugby forced to step in to save Moana Pasifika's season

The broke franchise would be unable to play final game of the year against the Brumbies in Canberra without emergency funding.

Tue, May 26

Richie Mo'unga waves to Toshiba Brave Lupus fans after his final game for the club.

'Not to be' - Richie Mo'unga farewells Japan after winning streak ends

Mo'unga's run of nine straight club championships has ended after the Toshiba Brave Lupus were beaten in a Japan One quarter-final.

Mon, May 25

Ruben Love runs in for his try for the Hurricanes against the Highlanders.

Analysis: Hurricanes' title push keeps Love in All Blacks' spotlight

Ruben Love is currently the best performing No.10 in the country and should look to July Test series with confidence, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 24

Moana Pasifika before the challenge - Super Rugby Pacific - Round 15 match between Moana Pasifika v Reds at North Harbour Stadium.

Super Rugby Pacific: Moana's last dance at home ends in heartbreak.

The last Moana Pasifika home game finished much as their story does, in disappointment.

Sat, May 23

Brad Thorn speaks to media during a media opportunity marking 500 Days to go until the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 at Roma Street Parkland on May 19, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia.

Brad Thorn says Rugby World Cup is 'a different beast'

The cross-code great was on hand in Brisbane to mark 500 days until the Australian showpiece, relishing the chance to hold the Webb Ellis Cup again.

Tue, May 19

Scott Hastings plays for Scotland against England in 1996

Scotland rugby great Scott Hastings dies aged 61

Scott Hastings, the former Scotland rugby centre who played alongside his older brother Gavin for the national team as well as the British & Irish Lions, has died.

Mon, May 18

Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo celebrates his try during the Super Rugby Pacific match between the Blues v Hurricanes held at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand.

'We want to finish first': Hurricanes thrash Blues at Eden Park

After a record 24-47 win over the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, the Hurricanes are now eyeing an end to their decade-long title drought.

Sun, May 17

Chiefs' Wallace Sititi celebrates a try during the Chiefs vs Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match at FMG Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand on Friday 15 May 2026.

Highlanders' playoff hopes crushed in Chiefs drubbing

Entering the final rounds on a prayer, the rugby gods stayed silent, as the Chiefs eased to a 42-12 win in Hamilton to end all hope.

Sat, May 16

Caleb Tangitau brushes off a defender during the Highlanders' win over the Waratahs in Dunedin last weekend.

Extra edge as All Blacks hopefuls are put on notice by Rennie

Those in the New Zealand frame among the Chiefs and Highlanders may feel under more intense scrutiny during the round 14 match in Hamilton.

Thu, May 14

Japan head coach Eddie Jones.

Eddie Jones suspended for verbally abusing match officials

Jones said he accepted the sanctions given by the Japan Rugby Football Union, acknowledging his “inappropriate remarks".

Thu, May 14

Amy Marfell said abuse that wouldn’t be exhibited in society doesn’t belong on a rugby field.

Waikato Rugby cracks down on 'violent' sideline abuse

A statement released by the union’s chief executive Amy Marfell said the field “should not be a place where young people fear the behaviour of grown adults”.

Wed, May 13

Sir Graham Henry pictured during his role as Black Ferns coach during the World Cup in 2022.

Analysis: What Sir Graham Henry's appointment says about Dave Rennie

Being challenged is key for an All Blacks head coach and Rennie's latest selection suggests he will be open to feedback, writes Patrick McKendry.

Wed, May 13

Georgia's Merab Sharikadze during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Georgia and Portugal at the Stadium de Toulouse in Toulouse, France.

Rugby doping scandal as ex-Georgia captain banned for 11 years

Six players received long bans for their involvement in a urine-swapping scheme to cheat anti-doping tests in one of the sport's biggest corruption scandals.

Wed, May 13

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, pictured on the day of his announcement of his new role, was in vintage form in front of the media today.

'Take some of the language out' - Dave Rennie’s greatest hints

Analysis: The new All Blacks head coach is a master at making his thoughts clear without stating the obvious, writes Scotty Stevenson.

Tue, May 12

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie's Japanese club Kobe Steelers have finished top qualifiers after the Japan League One round robin.

'It has to be': Rennie on whether there's time to ready the All Blacks

The new head coach is juggling two jobs but has assistance from a variety of people – including NBA star Steven Adams and new selector Sir Graham Henry.

Tue, May 12

Former All Blacks head coach Sir Graham Henry.

Sir Graham Henry returns to All Blacks as selector

The World Cup-winning coach has been recruited by Dave Rennie, bringing vast experience and an 85% test win record back to the national setup.

Tue, May 12

Awhina Tangen-Wainohu of New Zealand in action during the 2021 World Cup.

Black Fern Awhina Tangen-Wainohu forced to retire with neck injury

"Sometimes the game you love doesn't love you back," says the wounded Black Ferns prop.

Mon, May 11

The Hurricanes claim a lineout during their recent victory over Moana Pasifika at a sparsely-attended North Harbour Stadium.

'Empty seats is a problem' - NZR boss on Super Rugby crowds

Newly confirmed chief executive Steve Lancaster says the competition's other aspects are tracking well but not enough fans are going to games.

Mon, May 11

NZ Rugby chair David Kirk sat down with Q+A’s Simon Mercep to discuss the state of rugby’s grassroots, whether NZR’s finances are in the sort of shape they need to be, and player retention issues.

NZ Rugby 'considering' buying out $262 million Silver Lake share

Currently, the investment is in the form of a loan, but Silver Lake have the option to convert that to an equity share of NZ Rugby Commercial, which operates the business side of the game.

Sun, May 10

George Bower celebrates his try for the Crusaders against the Blues.

Analysis: Leicester's powerful influence is taking Crusaders places

Fainga'anuku's switch from the midfield to flanker (and back again) has made the Crusaders' attack far more threatening, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 10