Liam Napier

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Liam Napier

Mark Tele'a and Rieko Ioane of the Blues celebrate a try. Photo / PhotosportBlues 46Waratahs 6Don’t write off the Blues yet. Sure, it’s been a frustrating, at times bewildering, descent from last year’s breakthrough title. Sure, the Blues need the Hurricanes to defeat Moana Pasifika in Wellington (or deny the visitors a bonus point win) on Saturday night to scrape into the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs in sixth place in an 11-team format. AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Liam Napier

Highlanders lock Fabian Holland is in line for his maiden All Blacks call up. Photo / PhotosportFabian Holland is on the cusp of completing his Netherlands-to-the-black-jersey dream. Since shifting to New Zealand as a teenager to pursue his childhood desire to play professional rugby, Holland has donned two black jerseys. The first for the NZ under-20s, the second with the All Blacks XV last November.

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Liam Napier

Josh Fusitu'a was recognised as the Blues player of the year. Photo / PhotosportAmid the Blues’ flatlining title defence, one fast-emerging talent has thrust his name into lights. Josh Fusitu’a started this year honing his propping craft behind Ofa Tuʻungafasi. The All Blacks veteran’s season-ending neck injury opened the door for Fusitu’a to seize his chance and after featuring in every match for the Blues, he’s graduated from prospect to the long-term future at loosehead.

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Liam Napier

All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams is sharing his mental health journey to help others. PhotosportTamaiti Williams is at the peak of his rugby powers. The 140kg All Blacks and Crusaders prop is such a dominant physical force he seems invincible. Mental health challenges do not discriminate, though. And they can strike at any time. A year ago Williams’ life was rocked when his daughter Kaea was born 13 weeks early weighing a tender 1.4 pounds (0.63kg).

2 weeks ago | espn.com | Liam Napier

New Zealand rugby is not exactly flush with emerging playmakers demanding they are ready to assume the mantle. One candidate, though, is proving a promising prospect who could, in time, evolve into a future All Blacks first five-eighth. Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and, when he returns from Japan next year, Richie Mo'unga will contest the All Blacks No. 10 jersey through to the 2027 World Cup. Beyond that juncture, though, the coveted backline director duties could be up for grabs.