All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu will take on a fresh challenge in the new year, having been named a family chief in Samoa this week. The

Passionate French rugby supporters save their greatest admiration for the men in the front row, writes Wynne Gray.

Charlie Faumuina will play for French club Toulouse next year.

New Zealand Rugby will need to write out million-dollar-a-year cheques to keep Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden and Israel Dagg here.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expects other senior players to follow Owen Franks in inking new contracts with NZ Rugby.

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has denied reports that his club are trying to sign All Blacks fullback Ben Smith.

The second most capped All Blacks prop of all time and one of the best players in world rugby, Owen Franks, has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby.

How do you try and convince a committee you're not guilty of using performance enhancing drugs? Compare yourself to the All Blacks of course.

New Zealand Rugby are open to the idea of giving All Blacks skipper Kieran Read a Richie McCaw-esque sabbatical before the 2019 World

Beauden Barrett hadn't spent this much time with his brothers since they were in primary school.

One of the major sponsors of the All Blacks admitted last night that they have 'despaired' at the controversy that has enveloped the sport in 2016.

The world's best rugby player is now confirmed as New Zealand's best rugby player - Beauden Barrett.

An elite group of All Blacks are in line to join the millionaires club following moves by New Zealand Rugby to give players a significant rise in pay.

Prominent former players around the rugby globe are saying the game is about to realise Tana Umaga's fear and be transformed forever.

Beauden Barrett is expected to make an impressive sweep of tonight's NZ rugby awards, nominated for two of the most prestigious accolades.

As expected the All Blacks won't face England until November 2018 at the earliest.

COMMENT: Steve Hansen said he'd be happy to keep two of three off-contract All Blacks. But he can't be confident two will stay.

New Zealand's professional players have scored a massive windfall after signing a new pay deal a big raise in total cash payments.

COMMENT: No one in their right mind would take on the Springboks as a coaching venture right now, writes Paul Lewis.

Rugby legend Sir Colin Meads says he is winning his fight against cancer.

The Lions' new forward coach Steve Borthwick, could help crack the All Blacks code for next year's tour writes rugby legend Sir Clive Woodward.

Key said there was no reason why a state broadcaster couldn't air big matches, but the question was where the money would come from.

Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed one part of the game he feels his side will have the edge of the All Blacks next year...goal kicking.

All Blacks tests would have to be broadcast on free-to-air television under a proposed law change to be debated by Parliament.

Sir Colin Meads will be honoured in his home town of Te Kuiti with a mega cast bronze statue.

Byron Coll, best known as All Blacks super-fan Tim in thoseMastercard ads, helped Dan Carter pull an epic stunt on the entire team.

If rugby bosses are smart, they will encourage New Zealand and England to keep avoiding each other until the 2019 World Cup, writes Gregor Paul.

Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward says based on Sunday's victory over Australia, England are not yet ready to challenge the All Blacks at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, and Sam Whitelock have all been nominated as All Blacks Player of the Year.

The world record-breaking All Blacks will be vying for the coveted Team of the Year Award against the undefeated Black Ferns and Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes.