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.
![Sititi, Blackadder have chance to reshape Robertson's All Blacks loose forward mix](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sititi, Blackadder have chance to reshape Robertson's All Blacks loose forward mix
The coach is seeking the best balance for his side's back-row combination.
![All Blacks squad naming: Six new names to face Fiji](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks squad naming: Six new names to face Fiji
The All Blacks are looking to back up their series win against England.
![All Blacks prepare to unleash rookies for final July test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks prepare to unleash rookies for final July test
With two scratchy wins over England banked, the ABs are planning widespread changes.
!['Really proud of the effort': Robertson reflects on first series as All Blacks coach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Really proud of the effort': Robertson reflects on first series as All Blacks coach
'There’s no bonus points. It’s getting results and finding a way.'
![All Blacks pull off another great escape](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks pull off another great escape
Another week, another sigh of relief for Scott Robertson’s budding All Blacks.
![All Blacks hold on to edge England](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks hold on to edge England
All the action as the All Blacks came from behind to edge England at Eden Park.
![All Blacks seek to stop England's visions of sporting grandeur](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks seek to stop England's visions of sporting grandeur
England have visions of pulling off a sporting double act. The All Blacks must stop them.
![Liam Napier: How the All Blacks stay unbeaten and build momentum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: How the All Blacks stay unbeaten and build momentum
OPINION: England's rush defence challenged the All Blacks; new tactics planned to adapt.
![All Blacks must go forward or go home at Eden Park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks must go forward or go home at Eden Park
Forget the flashy playmakers. The All Blacks forward pack must make amends for Dunedin.
![All Blacks to favour tweaks over radical changes for England rematch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks to favour tweaks over radical changes for England rematch
Coach Scott Robertson could make changes to his XV for the second test at Eden Park.
![Time in the saddle: Why the All Blacks should improve from shaky first test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Time in the saddle: Why the All Blacks should improve from shaky first test
More time together should, in theory at least, ensure the ABs significantly improve.
![Stick or switch? All Blacks ponder changes for England rematch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stick or switch? All Blacks ponder changes for England rematch
Selection tweaks are pondered as they seek an improved attacking performance this week.
![TJ Perenara ruled out of second England test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TJ Perenara ruled out of second England test
The All Blacks will have to dig deep into their halfback stocks.
![Reality hits: Where Razor's All Blacks must swiftly sharpen up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Reality hits: Where Razor's All Blacks must swiftly sharpen up
A first-test escape leaves the coach targeting significant improvements against England.
!['We'll be more efficient': Razor relieved after blunt start](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We'll be more efficient': Razor relieved after blunt start
Scott Robertson admitted to frayed nerves on his first night in the ABs' coaching box.
![Scott Robertson's All Blacks era begins on nervy note](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Scott Robertson's All Blacks era begins on nervy note
The All Blacks survived a scare in Dunedin.
![Liam Napier: Keys to victory in Scott Robertson’s first test as All Blacks coach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: Keys to victory in Scott Robertson’s first test as All Blacks coach
OPINION: How will the year's opening test against England be won?
![Inside the dawn of the Scott Robertson era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside the dawn of the Scott Robertson era
In the professional era, never has an All Blacks coach carried such lofty expectations.
![What Razor's first All Blacks team says about new era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What Razor's first All Blacks team says about new era
Those expecting a Razor revolution should temper expectations for the opening test.
![Blackadder or Finau? How could Scott Robertson's first ABs team look?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blackadder or Finau? How could Scott Robertson's first ABs team look?
Blindside, halfback and wing are the most difficult selections in Razor's first test team.
![The former All Blacks assistant coach now in England’s camp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The former All Blacks assistant coach now in England’s camp
England have snaffled a former All Blacks assistant with potential inside information.
![Razor projects confidence in face of pressing All Blacks challenges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Razor projects confidence in face of pressing All Blacks challenges
A compressed preparation, rust and an improving England seriously threaten the All Blacks.
![Exclusive: England coach knows how to beat All Blacks at home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: England coach knows how to beat All Blacks at home
Steve Borthwick knows better than most the mammoth task at hand.
![All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan reveals deciding factor in Sititi's selection](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan reveals deciding factor in Sititi's selection
The All Blacks forwards coach was blown away by one performance from the Chiefs No 8.
![Razor on why he chose his captain: 'He’s won a lot of big games'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Razor on why he chose his captain: 'He’s won a lot of big games'
Coach explains his preference for southern man.
!['The toughest call': Robertson explains Sititi v Sotutu selection decision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The toughest call': Robertson explains Sititi v Sotutu selection decision
Why Razor chose his Crusaders man as All Blacks skipper.
![Liam Napier: The new caps to expect in Robertson's first All Blacks squad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: The new caps to expect in Robertson's first All Blacks squad
OPINION: Scott Robertson will name his 32-man squad on Monday evening.
!['We finally did it': Blues title just reward for long-serving veterans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We finally did it': Blues title just reward for long-serving veterans
After 21 years of struggle, Auckland is finally home to a champion side again.
![From Blues to bliss: Chiefs blown away as 21-year drought ends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From Blues to bliss: Chiefs blown away as 21-year drought ends
Caleb Clarke scored a hat-trick as the Blues dominated the Chiefs from start to finish.
![Friends to foes: Coaches' friendship sets scene for Super Rugby final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Friends to foes: Coaches' friendship sets scene for Super Rugby final
Opposing coaches for the Super Rugby final share a friendship that dates back decades.
![Joseph Parker packs on pounds as dangerous rematch looms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Joseph Parker packs on pounds as dangerous rematch looms
The Kiwi heavyweight has added 8kg of muscle to his frame as he eyes a dangerous rematch.
!['Greatest thing I could achieve': Ioane targets ending Blues' title drought](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Greatest thing I could achieve': Ioane targets ending Blues' title drought
The ABs centre has experienced the grandest stages but a Blues title would eclipse it all.
![David Nyika teams up with Joseph Parker in multi-fight deal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
David Nyika teams up with Joseph Parker in multi-fight deal
Highly touted cruiserweight prospect signs with Duco and Parker's first promotional foray.
![Inside the Govt's decision to backtrack controversial trans athlete policy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside the Govt's decision to backtrack controversial trans athlete policy
How Sport NZ's guidance changed the game for trans athletes in New Zealand.
![Blues cruise: Cotter's men waltz past Brumbies into Super Rugby Pacific final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blues cruise: Cotter's men waltz past Brumbies into Super Rugby Pacific final
Australia's winless run in knockout games on Kiwi soil continues.
![The Game Plan: Liam Napier's biggest Super Rugby semifinal talking points](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Game Plan: Liam Napier's biggest Super Rugby semifinal talking points
Analysing all the big talking points heading into the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals.
![Akira Ioane's Blues farewell in doubt, under injury cloud for semifinal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Akira Ioane's Blues farewell in doubt, under injury cloud for semifinal
An injury cloud hovers over a former All Black as he prepares to farewell the Blues.
![Blues' cruise into semis could come at a cost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blues' cruise into semis could come at a cost
The Blues will be sweating on the fitness of Patrick Tuipulotu ahead of the semifinals.
![Inside the race for the All Blacks' starting halfback](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inside the race for the All Blacks' starting halfback
Post the Aaron-Smith era, Liam Napier looks at who will lead the All Blacks at halfback.
![Liam Napier: The Crusaders need a first five - here's who they should target for 2025](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: The Crusaders need a first five - here's who they should target for 2025
After using five playmakers in 2024, the Crusaders desperately need to find a first five.
![Super 11? The changes coming to Super Rugby Pacific next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super 11? The changes coming to Super Rugby Pacific next year
The Melbourne Rebels' demise forces big changes for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
![Canes secure top spot as Blues let in late Chiefs try](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Canes secure top spot as Blues let in late Chiefs try
The Blues blew a three-try lead in their quest to secure a treasured bonus-point victory.
![Pressure on Blues to deliver swift response](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pressure on Blues to deliver swift response
With top spot and home finals up for grabs, now is the time the Blues must front.
![Civil war: What NZ Rugby's Proposal 2 vote means for the game](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Civil war: What NZ Rugby's Proposal 2 vote means for the game
The battle for governance of the game in Aotearoa will continue.
![Why one NZR proposal is doomed before the start line](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why one NZR proposal is doomed before the start line
Big provincial unions set to kill the push for governance independence at Thursday's vote.
![Crusaders upset Blues to save season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crusaders upset Blues to save season
With their coach under fire the Crusaders summoned a backs-to-the-wall upset of the Blues.
![The unheralded playmaker guiding the Blues' title quest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The unheralded playmaker guiding the Blues' title quest
An under-the-radar player is proving pivotal as the Blues try to snap their title drought.
![Teenage talent wars: How the NRL is poaching Kiwi schoolboys](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teenage talent wars: How the NRL is poaching Kiwi schoolboys
As rugby stands off, league is swooping to win the race to secure future talent.
![Aaron Smith calls for 'Giteau-law' for All Blacks eligibility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Aaron Smith calls for 'Giteau-law' for All Blacks eligibility
The long-standing policy of selecting All Blacks has become a hotly-debated topic.
!['You’ve got to go with your best player': Smith backs Savea for captaincy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'You’ve got to go with your best player': Smith backs Savea for captaincy
The Highlanders great has praised Savea's leadership and emotional IQ.
![Blues prove title credentials in win over Highlanders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blues prove title credentials in win over Highlanders
The air of inevitability over the Blues hosting the Highlanders proved rather apt.
![Awaiting the anointed: Razor selects his captain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Awaiting the anointed: Razor selects his captain
Scott Robertson indicates he has selected his All Blacks captain but won't reveal him yet.
![Liam Napier: What Cane's retirement means for All Blacks captaincy equation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: What Cane's retirement means for All Blacks captaincy equation
OPINION: It's now a two-horse race to lead the All Blacks in 2024.
![Late drama as Blues v Hurricanes delivers classic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Late drama as Blues v Hurricanes delivers classic
The Blues leapfrogged the Hurricanes after a top-of-the-table classic at Eden Park.
!['Too many': NZ Rugby hints at cutting number of pro teams](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Too many': NZ Rugby hints at cutting number of pro teams
NZ Rugby could be on the verge of major change as the financial reality begins to bite.
![NZR plots to bring Mo'unga home from Japan stint early](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZR plots to bring Mo'unga home from Japan stint early
Conversations are ongoing in an attempt to bring Richie Mo'unga home from Japan.
![Crucial clash at Eden Park could set Blues' playoff destiny](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crucial clash at Eden Park could set Blues' playoff destiny
The fullback's return boosts Blues against Hurricanes in a crucial match.
!['This is what I do': Kiwi boxer Mikhailovich gets world title shot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'This is what I do': Kiwi boxer Mikhailovich gets world title shot
After months of frustration, a Kiwi middleweight prospect is next in line for world title.
![Former Kiwis league player is NZ's first case of national rep with CTE](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former Kiwis league player is NZ's first case of national rep with CTE
Calls for action as the silent killer haunts New Zealand's sporting community.
![Massive response to appeal for family of rugby player who died after head knock](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Massive response to appeal for family of rugby player who died after head knock
It is understood the man's partner and his children were watching the match.
![Rugby player dies after head injury in Auckland match](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby player dies after head injury in Auckland match
It is understood the man's partner and his children were watching the match.
![Liam Napier: Loosies present most options, most headaches for Razor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: Loosies present most options, most headaches for Razor
ANALYSIS: Up to six talented loose forwards could be cast aside.
![Ruthless Blues send title statement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ruthless Blues send title statement
The Blues underlined their Super Rugby credentials with a seven-try wet weather clinic.
![Bryce 'Uncle' Heem: The 35-year-old defying age in Super Rugby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bryce 'Uncle' Heem: The 35-year-old defying age in Super Rugby
The oldest Blues player continues to led the way with record gym numbers and performances.
![Liam Napier: What Manu, and rugby, can learn from RTS, Benji struggles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: What Manu, and rugby, can learn from RTS, Benji struggles
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and SBW's cross code switches spell out lessons for Joey Manu.
![Liam Napier: Barrett bucks All Blacks trend with sabbatical option](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: Barrett bucks All Blacks trend with sabbatical option
OPINION: Barrett, Hurricanes and All Blacks will reap rewards of his Irish excursion.
![‘Close to my heart’: Vaa’i’s touching tribute as he chases All Blacks ambitions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Close to my heart’: Vaa’i’s touching tribute as he chases All Blacks ambitions
'May she rest in peace and hopefully she’s looking down with pride.'
![Former All Blacks coach tipped to assume charge of Fiji](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former All Blacks coach tipped to assume charge of Fiji
He spent a decade with the All Blacks. Now he's set to coach against them in July.
![Liam Napier: Why Ian Foster's Japan switch makes sense for everyone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liam Napier: Why Ian Foster's Japan switch makes sense for everyone
OPINION: The ex-All Blacks coach will link up with former boss Sir Steve Hansen.
![Revealed: Ian Foster lands first coaching role after leaving All Blacks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: Ian Foster lands first coaching role after leaving All Blacks
The former All Blacks coach has been out of work since last year's World Cup final.
![Super Rugby Pacific: Scotland’s loss is Blues’ gain as rookie fullback makes distinct impression](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby Pacific: Scotland’s loss is Blues’ gain as rookie fullback makes distinct impression
Cole Forbes was almost capped by Scotland but will now make his first start for the Blues.
!['Sour taste': Samoa top brass face backlash over coach's abrupt exit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Sour taste': Samoa top brass face backlash over coach's abrupt exit
Lima Sopoaga warns of trust loss among Samoan Rugby World Cup players.
!['In a perfect world you wouldn't play them': Cron on coaching against ABs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'In a perfect world you wouldn't play them': Cron on coaching against ABs
Once dubbed a national treasure, Mike Cron is plotting to coach against the All Blacks.
![Zhang rematch in doubt as Parker plots next move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zhang rematch in doubt as Parker plots next move
Parker could be two fights away from challenging for the heavyweight world title.
![Dame Patsy Reddy confirms hardline NZR governance stance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dame Patsy Reddy confirms hardline NZR governance stance
NZ Rugby chair confirms she will resign from her post if agreement can't be reached.
![NZ Rugby chair Dame Patsy Reddy threatens resignation over boardroom standoff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ Rugby chair Dame Patsy Reddy threatens resignation over boardroom standoff
Former governor-general threatens to resign as NZ Rugby chair if reform isn't achieved.
![NZ Rugby boss reveals his hopes for big changes to global game](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ Rugby boss reveals his hopes for big changes to global game
The 20-minute red card is set for a vote but reducing tackle heights remains polarising.