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Ned Lester

Ned Lester is a New Zealand-based multimedia content editor with experience covering the diverse corners of the rugby world in the southern hemisphere. Ned brings a keen interest in sports psychology to the RugbyPass team and a background in writing across various disciplines. 

1224 Articles

Du'Plessis Kirifi: 'I've definitely taken the long road around to get here'

Du'Plessis Kirifi has had to wait longer than most for his first shot at an All Blacks cap, but the 28-year-old's tenacity and ded…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
26 Jun 2025, 10:59
Analysis

Stat chat: One Super Rugby-leading stat from every new All Black

Five new faces have been rewarded for exceptional 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaigns with All Blacks call-ups, and each has the st…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
25 Jun 2025, 14:46

Jason Ryan pinpoints the 'real point of difference' in new All Blacks pack

Four newcomers have been named to join the All Blacks forward pack to begin 2025, with one in particular furthering an emerging st…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Jun 2025, 16:42

Scott Robertson talks potential return of Rieko Ioane to wing

Just two specialist wingers were named in the first All Blacks squad of the year, something that came as a shock to all fans, give…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Jun 2025, 15:41

11 new faces to be led by new captain in 2025 Maori All Blacks

The Maori All Blacks have named a 29-strong squad to take on Japan XV and Scotland over the next two weeks.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Jun 2025, 11:39

Scott Robertson explains Ethan Blackadder's All Blacks omission

Robertson was left with no questions over the injury-prone 30-year-old's desire, but among an uber-talented field, someone had to …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
24 Jun 2025, 10:47
Analysis

Stat chat: How the Super Rugby Pacific finalists stack up

There is only one major statistical category in which the Crusaders have outperformed the Chiefs in 2025, but no one beats the sto…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
20 Jun 2025, 8:30

Moana Pasifika lock in Attacking Player of the Year for another season

One of Moana Pasifika's first big success stories, Miracle Faiilagi, has re-signed with the club for another season.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
19 Jun 2025, 6:19

Chiefs name 10 All Blacks in starting XV for Super Rugby Pacific final

The Chiefs will run out with 10 All Blacks in their starting XV for the Super Rugby Pacific grand final in Christchurch, with one …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
18 Jun 2025, 12:00

Moana Pasifika momentum hits snag with confirmed Ardie Savea sabbatical

Ardie Savea is on his way back to Japan for the 2026 Japan Rugby League One season, reuniting with the Kobe Steelers, where he pla…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Jun 2025, 14:01

What makes 2025 a pivotal year for All Blacks selection in the World Cup context

The first All Blacks squad of 2025 is less than a week from being named, and pundits have piled extra emphasis on the upcoming cam…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Jun 2025, 9:21

Hurricanes reveal list of eight departing players

The Hurricanes have revealed their list of departing players, which includes the already announced exit of Peter Umaga-Jensen, alo…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
17 Jun 2025, 6:22
Opinion

Chiefs player ratings vs Brumbies | 2025 Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals

The Chiefs have bounced back from a qualifying final upset loss against the Blues with a resounding win over a classy Brumbies out…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
14 Jun 2025, 17:39

'It was brewing': Ethan Blackadder talks Crusaders-Blues 'niggle'

There was no love lost between the Crusaders and Blues in their feisty semi-final on Friday night, with numerous scuffles and word…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
14 Jun 2025, 10:17

Scott Robertson adds Hurricanes specialist to All Blacks coaching ticket

Two-time All Black Bryn Evans has been snagged by the All Blacks to fulfil the role of lineout specialist for the upcoming season.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
14 Jun 2025, 6:52

Peter Umaga-Jensen calls time on Hurricanes career

The Hurricanes have announced the departure of midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen. The one-time All Black has signed to play in Japan m…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
14 Jun 2025, 5:56
Opinion

Crusaders player ratings vs Blues | 2025 Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals

The Crusaders may not have landed the first blow, nor the second, but they persevered and landed the knockout in the 86th minute t…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
13 Jun 2025, 18:00

James Parsons names his four locks for All Blacks loose forward selection

June 23rd's All Blacks squad naming is creeping closer and closer, and of the many, many tough selection calls coach Scott Roberts…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 Jun 2025, 13:04
Analysis

Stat chat: What separates the Crusaders and Blues ahead of the semi-final

The old foes are set for a blockbuster semi-final in Christchurch, and the stats show this year's Crusaders and Blues aren't as di…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
12 Jun 2025, 8:01

Tamaiti Williams ruled out for Crusaders' semi-final with Blues

The Crusaders will be without form loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams for their semi-final against the Blues in Christchurch.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 Jun 2025, 12:20
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