The 31-year-old Canterbury Crusaders loose forward succeeded Richie McCaw as skipper after the side won their second successive World Cup, and third overall, in England in 2015.

The All Blacks will lose the services of long-serving and successful assistant coach Wayne Smith after this year's Rugby Championship.

The university student, who was studying psychology, statistics and criminology, loved dogs and planned to be a police dog handler.

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There is a pattern emerging with Hurricanes star Beauden Barrett but it is neither revelatory nor particularly worrisome.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has turned up the heat on the British and Irish Lions ahead of this summer's tour, warning the expectation on them will be "massive".

Sonny Bill Williams will not play against the Cheetahs on Friday after suffering a head knock against the Waratahs last weekend.

England rugby coach takes a dig at All Blacks' injury toll.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has sent a clear message with his announcement of an extended squad of 41 to tour New Zealand in June and July: he is fully prepared to sacrifice tour defeats for the greater cause of winning the test series against the All Blacks.

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Te'o says his selection ranks alongside winning State of Origin with Queensland and South Sydney's drought-breaking NRL premiership success.

Sonny Bill Williams will wear a unique jersey for the remainder of the Super Rugby season with the Plunket logo stitched on in place of the BNZ's.

Paris-based former All Blacks Dan Carter and Joe Rokococo have been officially cleared of doping by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD).

A security consultant who was charged after a listening device was found in the All Blacks' Sydney hotel room in August has pleaded not guilty.

England reportedly want to play the All Blacks in November and a revenue-sharing move could earn New Zealand Rugby more than $5 million for the London showdown.

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All of New Zealand should be cheering on England on Saturday in Dublin as they look to eclipse the All Blacks' winning streak of 18 consecutive victories.

Angry Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti has accused Dan Carter and his teammates of too much partying as the defence of their French Top 14 title hangs by a thread.

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In my Super Rugby season preview, I suggested the Australian teams could see the heels of the Kiwi teams and, just maybe, they might close the gap this year. But the gap is as wide as ever. So what is driving the men from across the ditch?

Dan Carter is facing massive scrutiny – being labelled "a shadow of his former self" – as he gets ready for a return to action with his French club this weekend.

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New Zealand Rugby is concerned about the state of Australian and South African rugby but probably not as concerned as it should be.

Former All Blacks halfback Byron Kelleher has been found guilty of domestic assault and fined in a French court.