Liam Napier is the Chief Sports Writer and Rugby Correspondent for New Zealand's Herald.
I’m Liam Napier and I have been a journalist since 2010. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved sport. My grandfather was a champion boxer and journalist. Childhood memories are filled with him listening to cricket at the beach, watching old boxing fights, All Blacks tests and attending rugby matches that dad coached. I've dabbled in all codes and contests since the age of four – from athletics to cricket and rugby – and now have the scars and dodgy knee to prove it. As my writing developed through high school in Foxton, it merged with my passion for sport. After completing a Bachelor of Communications and Graduate Diploma in Journalism at Massey University, I landed my first job as a journalist at a Waikato suburban newspaper. Journalism has allowed me to travel the world, savour many memorable experiences and meet exceptional people along the way. Nothing matches the addictive buzz of attending major sports events, and I love the freedom of expression our industry provides. Sport, for many, is an escape from the real world. It is a privilege, therefore, to play a small part in capturing and sharing those moments that spark wild emotions within fans. Telling athletes' personal tales is another special part of my role. While rugby is a big beast in New Zealand, I’ve been fortunate to cover World Cups in netball and cricket, boxing world title fights, league tests, as well as the Commonwealth Games and Olympic athletes. Long may it continue.
All Blacks' flat finale: Victory marred by underwhelming performance
All Blacks close season with win, but performance raises questions about future.
Liam Napier: Plummer's French exit another blow to All Blacks playmaking stocks
OPINION: The champion playmaker is set to cash in on a lucrative three-year French deal.
Liam Napier: Highs, lows, and lessons from Razor's first season
OPINION: Robertson's All Blacks are improving but are yet to convince of their status.
All Blacks fade as France slip through Kiwi fingers in Paris
Wins over England and Ireland in previous weeks took their toll at Stade de France.
Liam Napier: Why the All Blacks hold the upper hand over vulnerable French
The All Blacks are battled hardened while France are missing several starters.
ICC boss and former All Blacks captain contest NZ Rugby board
Global cricket boss and Taine Randell are among the new NZ Rugby board applicants.
Liam Napier: How Razor lit the fuse on his own Bomb Squad
OPINION: The All Blacks coach is managing his resources to unleash late impact.
All Blacks humble Ireland with underdog win
Ireland had won 19 consecutive tests at home until Saturday morning.
Liam Napier: Everything is stacked against the All Blacks in Dublin rematch
From injuries to the frothing Irish, the All Blacks have their backs to the Dublin wall.
Taylor’s absence shifts spotlight to Aumua, lineout for Ireland rematch
Two unproven hookers will be promoted for the pressure cooker rematch with Ireland.
'I've earned it': Joseph Parker edges closer to second world title shot
Parker could challenge Daniel Dubois for his heavyweight world title in February.
All Blacks do it the hard way to complete 2024 sweep of England
Scott Robertson's men secured their third successive victory over England.
Sir Wayne Smith: How the All Blacks can rule the world through attacking rugby
Sir Wayne Smith doubles down to further explain why attacking rugby can rule the world.
Why evolution could define All Blacks and England trilogy test
A third test evokes familiarity but the All Blacks and England are different from July.
NZ Rugby endorses former Wallaby to become World Rugby chair
No one from the Southern Hemisphere has ever held the coveted role.
All Blacks fade again after building big lead
The All Blacks' victory leaves a tinge of frustration.
NPC final: Savea rampages as Wellington seize extra-timevictory
The capital celebrates after the Lions' NPC victory over the Steamers.
Wellington edge Bay of Plenty in extra-time thriller
Wellington emerged from a knife-edge contest to be crowned champions.
'We're not copiers': Smith's plan for NZ to become rugby's leaders, again
The coaching guru outlines his vision to propel NZ rugby back to world rugby's summit.
Top NZ Rugby commercial boss leaves after one year in job
New Zealand Rugby has lost one of its biggest names.
'I don’t understand': NPC coach fires broadside at NZ Rugby over its future
Financial struggles and funding cuts threaten grassroots rugby.
'Where I want to be': NZ icon Portia Woodman-Wickliffe signs with Blues
Arguably the women's Goat, she's set to add another chapter by signing with the Blues.
'He would've come': All Blacks door not closed on Sotutu, says Robertson
The Super Rugby standout's future could lie overseas.
The future and the now: Why the All Blacks No 9 jersey is in safe hands
Two 23-year-old prospects will ensure the All Blacks are in safe hands at halfback.
Analysis: Riccitelli omission headlines contestable All Blacks XV selections
ANALYSIS: The Blues hooker is among the headline casualties from the All Blacks XV squad.
Liam Napier: Missed opportunities in All Blacks northern tour squad
ANALYSIS: At near every turn this year the All Blacks have favoured safe selections.
Roigard or Perenara? Robertson's difficult calls for northern tour squad
The 36-man squad to head to Asia and Europe will be named on October 7.
'Mana and emotion': Cane reflects on test century in All Blacks' home goodbye
The former captain, and teammate TJ Perenara, have played on NZ soil for the last time.
All Blacks beat Wallabies to end capital curse
The All Blacks banished the Wallabies and, more importantly, exorcised some demons.
Liam Napier: Who will be the next All Blacks No 7 after Sam Cane?
OPINION: Sam Cane will depart the All Blacks after this year, so who is his successor?
Tyrel continuing to carve Lomax legacy albeit in a different code
The All Blacks front row rock could have followed his father's footsteps to the Kiwis.
Razor turns back the clock to remedy All Blacks' frustrations
Coach Scott Robertson turns to experience to deliver a hopeful dominant victory.
Beauden Barrett set to replace Damian McKenzie for Bledisloe Cup test
Beauden Barrett is expected to start at first five-eighths in Wellington.
'I've had to be patient': Cane reflects with All Blacks century in sight
The former captain can reach the sacred milestone on Saturday.
Sir Wayne Smith joins All Blacks in bid to banish final-quarter woes
'The Professor' will lend his expertise to Scott Robertson's struggling side this week.
McKenzie in firing line as Robertson considers changes for Bledisloe Cup rematch
The 29-year-old has largely been unchallenged for the No 10 jersey.
'The perfect opponent': Parker calls out Dubois after knockout win over Joshua
The Kiwi heavyweight is targeting a return to the ring in December.
'I'm a realist': Robertson reacts as All Blacks survive Bledisloe thriller
Again, the All Blacks have failed to score a point in the last 20 minutes of a test.
Bledisloe Cup retained as All Blacks almost give up massive lead
The All Blacks fired and almost fatally fizzed to deliver another erratic performance.
Caleb Clarke reveals the secret behind his revival
For the first time in two years the All Blacks No 11 jersey is Caleb Clarke's to own.
All Blacks need to be more ruthless in Bledisloe Cup opener against Wallabies
Despite the pressure-filled backdrop, the All Blacks will attempt to break free in Sydney.
Liam Napier: What are Robertson’s likely selection shifts for the ABs v Wallabies?
OPINION: The ABs plan a power-based approach as the Wallabies contemplate a free hit.
All Blacks wanting more after six-year first in defeat to Springboks
After failing to score a try in Cape Town, the All Blacks must improve their finishing.
David Nyika delivers another knockout victory
David Nyika reveals future target after notching 10th win in dominant fashion.
Kiwi cruiserweight assumes new character to start road to world title
Mr Nice Guy now has everything in place to chart his path to the world title.
Olympians urge Government to rethink transgender policies
The group of over 50 claims the guidelines neglect female athlete's rights.
Liam Napier: Time is now for All Blacks to make bold selection changes
OPINION: With pressure mounting, Scott Robertson must double down on embracing youth.
Liam Napier: All Blacks know their biggest issue, do they know how to fix it
OPINION: It's obvious where the All Blacks must swiftly improve.
Four in a row! All Blacks wilt under pressure again
The Springboks officially have the All Blacks number.
Liam Napier: How ABs can win the showdown in Cape Town
OPINION: Injuries force All Blacks reshuffle as they seek to end losing streak against SA.
David Nyika secures new opponent for headline Auckland act
A veteran American is poised to step in after his original opponent failed a drugs test.
Nyika left scrambling for opponent as Aussie fighter fails drugs test
The cruiserweight was scheduled to fight later this month.
'Had them on the ropes': All Blacks unlikely to hit selection panic button
Continuity is likely to be favoured while the Springboks assess serious injuries.
Liam Napier: How the All Blacks kicked away another famous Ellis Park win
There's one lesson the team must absorb.
All Blacks denied by late Springboks' comeback
The All Blacks held a 10-point lead but went down to the world champions once again.
Liam Napier: Ellis Park legacy on the line for Scott Robertson’s men
OPINION: Five wins from their last six, there is something special about South Africa.
Revealed: How much NZR will have to pay MacDonald after All Blacks exit
Contracted for four years as an assistant, Leon MacDonald is gone after five tests.
'Get on with it': All Blacks attempt to move on from MacDonald disruption
They have little over a week to adjust after losing their coach.
Liam Napier: The challenge the All Blacks must master as Springboks loom
After retribution against the Pumas, the All Blacks face their toughest test.
How the All Blacks crafted a clinical response
The All Blacks delivered a simple, decisive, clinical response at Eden Park.
All Blacks rebound with ruthless win over Pumas
The All Blacks delivered a clinical, backs-to-the-wall response at Eden Park
Meet Cortez Ratima, the new breed of halfback named after a shoe
All Blacks and Chiefs halfback's name comes from his father's favourite sneaker.
Liam Napier: Scott Robertson’s All Blacks honeymoon is over
OPINION: If realities of test rugby's cauldron weren’t evident before, they are now.
Art of selection: Did Razor get cut right for All Blacks v Pumas rematch?
Scott Robertson continues a highly conservative path with his under-pressure All Blacks.
Liam Napier: Time to move Savea to No 7? Areas All Blacks must improve
Breaking down the selection changes and solutions the All Blacks must make this week.
Sam Darry reflects on starting debut and lineout lessons
The 2m lock states his case as one of few impressive performers in the shock Pumas loss.
How the All Blacks plan to respond in Pumas rematch
Coach Hansen: 'We need to be far better than where we were' after shock defeat to Pumas.
Caleb Clarke set for recall amid urgent need for changes
The All Blacks face a pressing challenge after their 38-30 defeat to Argentina.
Watch: Scott Robertson speaks to media after shock All Blacks loss
Robertson vows to improve for Eden Park rematch.
Stunning upset: Pumas pounce to beat All Blacks in Wellington
It's just the third time Argentina have beaten the All Blacks.
Liam Napier: The key to breaking the All Blacks' Wellington curse
It's been six long years since their last success in the capital.
Why Razor's All Blacks must deliver definitive progress to start Rugby Championship
Five weeks into Scott Robertson's era, the All Blacks must deliver results.
Liam Napier: A deep dive on the lock dilemma and the strategy rethink
OPINION: Barrett and Tuipulotu's absences severely deplete the All Blacks' lock stocks.
The five All Blacks selection debates
The All Blacks are poised to reinstate their first-choice team for the Rugby Championship.
Ioane under pressure to retain All Blacks' starting spot
Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown present compelling alternatives for the All Blacks.
Triple the pride: Sibling rivalry fuels Hotham family’s sporting success
The Hothams are set for heated debate about which sibling success sits top of the podium.
All Blacks halfback set for Japanese move
All Blacks halfback to depart at the end of the year to shine spotlight on halfback ranks.
The trait All Blacks selectors want in their halfbacks
This talent separates the best nines from the rest, forcing opponents to adapt in defence.
NZ boxer Pampellone books world title eliminator
Kiwi light heavyweight secures second chance fight to earn a world title shot.
All Blacks nod to future in win over Fiji
The successful excursion to the US left Scott Robertson with several selection headaches.