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

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

George Bower of the Crusaders celebrates his try.

Centurion Bower scores first-ever Super Rugby try as Crusaders overrun Blues

Marking his 100th Super Rugby match with his first-ever try, prop George Bower was finally on the board, as the southerners achieved a dominant win against their northern rivals.

Sat, May 9

Apollo Projects Stadium.

Future of Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium to be decided

Addington site may be rezoned and the Crusaders’ former stronghold dismantled as the city moves on to One NZ Stadium.

Fri, May 8

Crusaders lock and All Blacks captain Scott Barrett.

Scott Barrett's return to Crusaders complicated by 'squeaky moments'

The All Blacks captain and veteran Crusaders lock was due to return from his sabbatical in a fortnight.

Wed, May 6

Richie Mo'unga's time with the Toshiba Brave Lupus is coming to an end.

Mo'unga's championship streak under threat as he ponders return home

Richie Mo'unga has won nine domestic titles in nine years but Toshiba's struggles could end that remarkable run, writes Patrick McKendry.

Tue, May 5

The versatile Leicester Fainga'anuku says he's eager to contribute for the Crusaders in any way he can.

'I just do the job' – Leicester loving loose forward experiment

Crusaders back-turned-flanker Leicester Fainga'anuku may stay in the No.7 jersey for his team's crunch game against the Blues on Friday.

Mon, May 4

Billy Proctor of the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby Pacific - Hurricanes v Crusaders at Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Table topping Hurricanes hold off strong Crusaders finish for victory

The Hurricanes have kept their spot at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a gritty 38-31 win over the defending champions.

Sat, May 2

April 2026
Leicester Fainga'anuku celebrates his try against the Brumbies.

Hurricanes wary as Crusaders ready to let Leicester loose again

Fainga'anuku will start at No.7 again for the Crusaders against a Hurricanes team on the up this season.

Thu, Apr 30

Former Crusaders and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Where's Razor? Why beloved former Crusaders coach missed 'super round'

Scott Robertson, who lost his job as All Blacks head coach recently, was conspicuous by his absence over a significant weekend.

Wed, Apr 29

Blues players celebrate Beauden Barrett's successful extra-time penalty which helped them beat the Reds at Te Kaha Stadium.

Analysis: Wildly successful 'super round' gives rugby the boost it needs

Christchurch turned it on this weekend and provided a public relations win for the game at just the right time, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, Apr 26

Crusaders wing Dallas McLeod breaks away against the Waratahs at Te Kaha Stadium.

Crusaders re-discover mojo at just the right time against Waratahs

Determined to open their reign at their new stadium in the right way, the inconsistent Crusaders found a little magic at Te Kaha.

Fri, Apr 24

The inside of Te Kaha Stadium - perfectly manicured grass and the gaurantee of a good seat.

Christchurch's new stadium - a warm, dry, noisy prize for a resilient city

The Crusaders' new home has the potential to be the noisiest sporting arena in New Zealand, as 1News sports writer Patrick McKendry discovers.

Fri, Apr 24

One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha) in Christchurch.

Pride, excitement in Christchurch before Te Kaha stadium's first match

The Crusaders will kick off for the first time at their new home tonight when they take on the Waratahs in front of a sold-out crowd.

Fri, Apr 24

Leicester Fainga'anuku on the charge for the Crusaders.

All Blacks midfielder set for new loose forward role at Crusaders

Leicester Fainga'anuku will make his starting debut in the pack for the Crusaders as they open this weekend's "Super Round" at their new Te Kaha stadium.

Wed, Apr 22

Chiefs wing Leroy Carter looks for space against the Hurricanes at Waikato Stadium.

Analysis: Is 'robotic' Super Rugby entering a mid-life crisis?

The competition is celebrating its 30-year anniversary but the vibe just seems off in 2026, suggest 1News writers Scotty Stevenson and Patrick McKendry.

Wed, Apr 22

The six Crusaders horses have been a part of the club's pre-match tradition for more than 30 years.

Crusaders scrap horses for matches at new Christchurch stadium

Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the "incredibly difficult" decision to retire the horses after more than 30 years in action was not taken lightly.

Tue, Apr 14

March 2026
Crusaders and All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams.

Crusaders and All Blacks prop has 'serious infection' in spine

Tamaiti Williams is in hospital, ruled out for the rest of the Super season and with his Test ambitions in doubt.

Mon, Mar 30

Tupou Vaa'i and the Chiefs react to conceding a try to the Brumbies in Canberra.

All Black's knee injury adds more pain to Chiefs' defeat

Tupou Vaa'i and two of his teammates have left the Chiefs' squad in Australia a week early following a dispiriting loss in Canberra.

Sun, Mar 22

Match officials, from left, Todd Petrie, Ben O' Keeffe and Maggie Cogger-Orr look at the big screen during the Blues v Chiefs match in round one.

'Frustration': Do Super Rugby officials have breakdown blindness?

Analysis: Suspicions remain – despite denials – that the ruck area is being refereed more leniently in Super Rugby, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, Mar 20

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

Crusaders captain David Havili in action against the Blues at Eden Park at the weekend.

Scuffle as tensions boil over at Crusaders training

Observers reported that prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker had a confrontation after the team's latest loss.

Tue, Mar 10

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

Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams.

Crusaders prop hit with three-week ban for foul play

Crusaders and All Blacks forward Tamaiti Williams will be sidelined for his team's matches against the Blues, Highlanders and Moana Pasifika.

Tue, Mar 3