Opinion
International Rugby
Contributors
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.
221 Articles
Latest
10 days ago International Rugby
Super Rugby is booming, but is it actually helping the All Blacks?
12 days ago International Rugby
Ian Foster has spoken about the trials and tribulations of coaching NZ
25 days ago Super Rugby Pacific
Title win this year could set Chiefs up to build a Super Rugby dynasty
38 days ago Super Rugby Pacific
Ardie Savea's performances for Moana Pasifika have been heroic
Opinion
‘Money is pouring into the All Blacks, yet the more they spend, the less return they get’
With NZ Rugby losing money off the field, is extra investment in the All Blacks bringing dividends on it?
Gregor Paul
20 May 2025, 5:11
Opinion
‘Rising force’ Proctor gives All Blacks Ioane dilemma
The form of Hurricanes 'facilitator' Billy Proctor could see Scott Robertson break up his established centre pairing.
Gregor Paul
08 May 2025, 1:59
Opinion
Why the Aussie revival is for real and what it means for New Zealand
The Wallabies and their Super Rugby Pacific franchises are close to being back at rugby's top table and that's good news for New Z…
Gregor Paul
29 Apr 2025, 17:40
Opinion
Mark Tele'a's departure sends unsettling message to NZRU over wantaway All Blacks
A breakthrough player of the year in 2023, to suggest the Blues winger is past his best at 28 is a lazy narrative. He will be miss…
Gregor Paul
22 Apr 2025, 23:32
Opinion
Is the All Blacks captaincy right for Scott Barrett?
As he struggles for form, the Crusaders kingpin may benefit from being relieved of the burden of skippering his country.
Gregor Paul
18 Apr 2025, 1:17
Opinion
Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year
The decision by Ineos to renege on a lucrative six-year deal was looking like having a catastrophic impact on NZRU's finances
Gregor Paul
03 Apr 2025, 4:03
Opinion
Razor has an about turn on All Blacks eligibility rules
The contentious eligibility rules implemented by the NZRU have been slowly accepted by head coach Scott Robertson
Gregor Paul
31 Mar 2025, 20:44
Opinion
'France may leave top players at home but will still be serious contenders in New Zealand'
Starting their season against a dangerous French team will be as hard for the All Blacks as the 2022 series against Ireland.
Gregor Paul
19 Mar 2025, 2:19
Opinion
New Zealand's coaching drain weakens the All Blacks
Clayton McMillan's departure to Munster is the latest in a long line of talented coaches leaving New Zealand and is a concern to t…
Gregor Paul
05 Mar 2025, 16:09
Opinion
Super Rugby rolls back the years but challenges lie ahead
Super Rugby Pacific has fallen on some fallow times in recent years but there are shoots of positivity emerging but the format is …
Gregor Paul
20 Feb 2025, 16:56
Opinion
From an uncertain position, Barrett and McKenzie are the All Blacks' key playmakers
They may once have felt unwanted by the national setup, but the two playmakers are now front and centre in the New Zealand backlin…
Gregor Paul
13 Feb 2025, 5:24
Opinion
'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'
Despite fierce debate, Scott Robertson is convinced the All Blacks should have access to offshore stars.
Gregor Paul
10 Dec 2024, 20:55
Opinion
Can Will Jordan avoid the All Blacks curse of turning 27?
Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Jeff Wilson and Julian Savea all shone in an All Blacks jersey but their light dimmed mid-career
Gregor Paul
26 Nov 2024, 20:55
Opinion
Despite defeat in Paris, the real reason the All Blacks are feeling upbeat
Signs of progress for Scott Robertson and a resurgent Australia are reasons for optimism for an All Blacks collective
Gregor Paul
20 Nov 2024, 23:28
Opinion
Why a win over Ireland may have just changed everything for this All Blacks team
Scott Robertson has had his critics since taking over but a comfortable win over Ireland has given his side newfound belief
Gregor Paul
12 Nov 2024, 18:28
Opinion
'Reckless' All Blacks must clean up act to return to No.1
An endemic lack of discipline is the biggest issue impacting New Zealand's ability to regain their former status.
Gregor Paul
06 Nov 2024, 16:26
Opinion
Rugby fans are about to find out what Robertson's All Blacks are made of
A rebuilding phase for New Zealand has laid the foundations and it is time to see how robust those building blocks really are
Gregor Paul
30 Oct 2024, 23:55
Opinion
Cautious Robertson 'has to produce wins more than next generation players'
The All Blacks coach's selection policy for their northern tour is in sharp contrast to his predecessors.
Gregor Paul
19 Oct 2024, 4:50
Opinion
The rugby world is concerned about Australia but signs of recovery are palpable
It has been a chastening period for Australian rugby but with a Lions tour next summer and World Cup in the distance, hope abounds
Gregor Paul
16 Oct 2024, 4:09
Opinion
Can New Zealand beat the world's best without Barrett at 10?
Even at 33, Beauden Barrett may be the All Blacks' 'franchise quarterback' through to Rugby World Cup 2027.
Gregor Paul
09 Oct 2024, 4:15
