Contributors
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.
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Western Force vs Lions takes
Leinster stars flood Lions team to face Force
Eight debutants named for Maori All Blacks
Sititi injury sees All Blacks call in Blues star
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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 …
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…
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.
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
'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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.