The NZRU is open to offering more sabbaticals as a carrot to encourage leading players to remain in New Zealand.

The complete betting guide to this weekend's Super 15 semifinals.

Rejected by the Hurricanes, All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu has signed with the Blues for the next two year.

The addition of a UK-based former Springbok to the Stormers has given Todd Blackadder cause to get his Brits in a tangle.

Colin Slade will take his first steps towards a place in the World Cup squad this weekend.

The Crusaders welcome back captain Richie McCaw for their Super 15 semifinal against the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town this weekend.

The Crusaders will ask superstar first five-eighth Daniel Carter to run more in a bid to snap him out of a "quiet" patch.

The Blues will wait until tomorrow before confirming whether Rene Ranger or Lachie Munro will be on the left wing on Saturday night.

Blues lock Anthony Boric is stationary in his race to be fit for the World Cup.

The All Blacks are booked to play a test in Christchurch next year, but that match and the Crusaders' home fixture list remains in limbo.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers from the elimination round where Stephen Brett tackling continues to be a liability for the Blues.

Wayne Smith, longtime member of the All Black setup, has signed on as an assistant coach for the Chiefs.

The New Zealand under-20 rugby team withstood a stirring challenge from England to land their fourth successive world title.

Destructive Blues wing Rene Ranger is in line for a timely return to the Super 15 playoffs.