Gregor Paul

2 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Gregor Paul

New Zealand hails the 'Ardie effect' Copied to clipboard 0 5:42am, 22 May 2025 No one, not even head coach Tana Umaga who made such an impassioned sales pitch and fought so hard to make the deal happen, could have imagined just how much impact Ardie Savea would have by joining Moana Pasifika. When Savea signed in July last year, Moana had only just found a financial backer to save them from possible extinction or at least needing a heavy financial bailout to continue.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gregor Paul

The accolades, victories and fans are starting to flow towards Moana Pasifika, but one of their star players – and maybe others – could be heading in the other direction. Kyren Taumoefolau, the 22-year-old wing who scored a hat-trick against the Blues last Saturday, is thought to be about to sign with the Chiefs – and assuming he does make the shift, it will engender the perception that Moana is being used as a breeding ground for New Zealand’s five foundation Super Rugby clubs.

2 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Gregor Paul |Bryn Palmer

New Zealand Rugby’s financial results, not normally an enlightening read, threw up a handful of intriguing questions when they were unveiled last week. Hidden in the numbers and the optimistic spin trying to make light of the fact that another $20m was lost ($9m was lost last year and $47m the year before that), was a significant hike in the amount of money that was spent on Teams in Black from $75m in 2023 to $84m in 2024.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gregor Paul

Moana Pasifika flanker Ardie Savea starred against the Blues on Saturday. Photo / SmartFrameOpinion by Gregor PaulRugby analyst and feature writerLearn moreTHREE KEY FACTS:Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika was initially criticised for risking his career development. Savea’s exceptional performance has proven doubters wrong, elevating Moana to a top-six position. His leadership and skills have drawn comparisons to Richie McCaw, enhancing his legacy.

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Gregor Paul

The NZ Secondary Schools team before facing Australia U-18s in 2024. Photo / SmartFrameHaving been told earlier this year that it was effectively being demoted to a trial team, the New Zealand Secondary Schools XV has been restored to its previous place as the pinnacle of the under-18 age-grade category. In a move that principals say blindsided them, they learned in March – via a press release – that New Zealand Rugby was launching an Under-18 team this year.