The Blues rugby franchise is gearing up for a Super Rugby season without All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

Super Rugby campaign #Superbangbang has been given the red card - with women's advocates hoping its replacement will send a better message.

The Blues are poised to announce they will play an official Super Rugby match in Samoa this year.

Sonny Bill Williams' Blues debut will come about six weeks into the Super Rugby season, the injured cross-code star predicts.

Highlanders five-eighth Hayden Parker will miss the Super Rugby season after suffering a knee injury in pre-season training.

Nehe Milner-Skudder has extended his contract with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for the next three years. Milner-Skudder's

BMW is reviewing its ambassador deal with Sonny Bill Williams after complaints about his links with controversial Muslim clerics.

Duco Events insist next month's Brisbane Tens tournament will feature top All Black talent.

New Zealand's depth at first-five - and shortage in other positions - was key to Aaron Cruden's move to Montpellier.

COMMENT: By design or accident, it doesn't matter, rugby has decided to deal with the "high shots", writes Wynne Gray.

Victim advocate Louise Nicholas says allegations Chiefs rugby players verbally abused two female parking wardens are "disappointing".

Stars are intrigued by talk of a rugby union adaptation of State of Origin, which could be launched in June.

A clean slate, full pre-season and a backline full of potential has Quade Cooper right where he wants to be.

Charlie Faumuina will play for French club Toulouse next year.

Former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has been named the next Chiefs coach, taking over from Scotland-bound Dave Rennie in 2018. Rennie

Former NRL star Marika Koroibete will be unleashed in the Brisbane Tens as he pushes for a starting Super Rugby spot.

A desire to ease Kieran Read's workload has thrust Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock into the captaincy role for their next Super Rugby

Of all the challenges that lie ahead of Maro Itoje in what Eddie Jones predicts will be his toughest year yet, it appears that trying to find ambition is not one of them.

Queensland Reds recruit Lachlan Maranta has brushed off criticism from a former Wallaby over his code switch.

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

Several big names have confirmed their participation in the early February tournament.

Rory Best has emerged as the front-runner for the captaincy of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland has expressed his concern for the well-being of Wales wing George North.

The Australian Rugby Union is starting to be a danger to itself with its determination to save the Western Force says Gregor Paul.

South African rugby chiefs have been linked to an audacious bid to try and hijack Dave Rennie's move to Glasgow Warriors. The Scotland

Is that a shiver of apprehension under Kiwi bedclothes, the first sign of anxiety at what is coming their way?

Liam Messam's return to the Chiefs will come ahead of next season's Super Rugby competition.

Dave Rennie has emerged as a shock candidate to become coach of the Springboks.

Boyd recently spent extensive time overseas, studying military camps, NBA teams, and the famous circus company.

All Blacks fans still have a bit to learn at how to express their fandom in a witty way, says Paul Lewis.