The defence lawyer for George Moala's brother says a nightclub fight was caused by "oafish" drunks trying to bait the rugby star.

The girlfriend of an Auckland rugby star said he was trying to protect her when he got involved in a fracas that led to him being charged by police.

The man allegedly attacked by an Auckland rugby star has told the court about the moment he regained consciousness with blood "spraying" from his neck.

A star Auckland rugby player is on trial accused of attacking two men in a boozy nightclub brawl.

They'll hope it's not an omen for the coming Super Rugby season, but the Blues got that sinking feeling when 28 players were flipped from three waka ama during a training session on the Waitemata....

You're probably asking yourself, as I am, what the hell is a copy of Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead doing sitting on the kitchen bench inside the breezeblock bowels of the Blues HQ?

Some of our biggest sporting stars brought some much-needed Christmas cheer to Kidz First Hospital patients on Saturday afternoon.

Some of our biggest sporting stars brought some much-needed Christmas cheer to Kidz First Hospital patients on Saturday afternoon.

Takapuna Rugby Club will have special reason to cheer on the All Blacks on Sunday morning.

Leadership, locks and the staff have had a makeover at the Blues.

George Moala has played every minute of every game for Auckland this season, and the team's ironman has also just inked a new Super Rugby deal with the Blues as reward for his solid 2014 ITM Cup.

The Blues will start next year's campaign with a home match against New Zealand rivals the Chiefs at North Harbour Stadium, a slightly controversial venue for their defeat to the Sharks this year.

Former All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan has signed with the Blues for next season, a move coach John Kirwan says will help make up for Piri Weepu's departure.

The All Blacks' already strong outside back division is about to get stronger with the possible addition in the next few weeks of Charles Piutau.

Blues rugby star Tevita Li's bid to avoid a conviction after being caught drink driving has hit a stumbling block.

Blues rugby star Peter Saili is under investigation by police over an alleged assault.

Some years back, the Aberdeen Evening Express in Scotland reported on a big storm. At its height, a coastguard was asked by marine authorities to estimate wind speed.

Three years ago, Gareth Anscombe was on track to be an All Black. Now he is likely to find himself playing against the All Blacks in November as the 23-year-old first-five commits to Wales.

The first half of 2014 has very much been the Jerome Kaino show. Maybe the second will belong to Steven Luatua, who appears poised to re-emerge as a genuine international force.

After once more finishing a disappointing 10th in this year's Super Rugby competition, the Blues will today confirm the departure of their All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu.

Whatever the remedy for the Blues woes, John Kirwan has not found the answer, writes Wynne Gray.

The Blues are consistent - 10th last year and again this season.

Much decorated hooker Keven Mealamu shows his steel on the paddock and his gentleness off it.