A Massey University premier club player has been banned from playing rugby for two years after he admitted using a prohibited substance.

Chris Vui is excited about the prospect of his first tour with Manu Samoa next month, but uppermost in his mind is unfinished Mitre

Five out of 14 unions in the Mitre 10 Cup ran up losses last year and collectively the provinces are in the red for the first time since 2011.

Tony and Guy fill you in on all things sport today!

On this afternoon's NZ Herald Focus we have the latest on a Wellington daylight bank robbery and we meet Timmy and Tux - two very cool little penguins who have formed a special bond in rehab.

Today on Focus we follow up on our exclusive footage of cheating allegations against the Chiefs in last week's super rugby match against the Hurricanes and we have the latest on the police hunt for a teenage serial sex attacker.

Not since 1980 with Manawatu has a union outside the "big five" won the national provincial championship top title.

The Auckland Storm are on the brink of an astonishing 14th women's NPC title (out of a possible 15) since 1999.

John Plumtree has spent the past week in what is now recognised as enemy territory.

Hawke’s Bay’s Ranfurly Shield celebrations have officially ended after they were upset 23-21 by Northland.

Waikato won an ugly, but priceless victory just three days after Taranaki wiped the mat with them.

Counties Manukau are steeling themselves for their first stern Ranfurly Shield defence of the season in Pukekohe this afternoon.

Southland saved the best until last to fend off Bay of Plenty by 34 - 23 in Invercargill.

"Don't congratulate me - I haven't done the job yet," says Paul Feeney, the new Auckland NPC rugby coach.

University are disappointed red tape will prevent their All Black Steven Luatua from playing in today's Auckland semifinal against Ponsonby.

Ponsonby have claimed the first major club rugby silverware of the 2014 season with a solid 15-10 win over University.

It is early days in the club rugby season, but the first pieces of silverware will be won in Auckland today.

After being limited to training partner status during this year's Super rugby campaign, Malakai Fekitoa always had his sights set on the ITM Cup.

Nearly two years on since that triumphant night at Eden Park and the value of winning the World Cup is apparent at the top end of the game but out of currency at the community level.

Last year's epic semifinal clash was a distant memory as perennial champions Canterbury crushed Taranaki by 30-6 in Christchurch tonight.

One name is missing from Canterbury's team sheet for tonight's game against Taranaki.

Joel Everson should keep his phone on for the next couple of months. With most of New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises in need of at least one new lock, Everson shapes as a player in demand.

Forty-eight years of growing pains have ended in emphatic fashion for the Pakuranga club who stormed to a one-sided victory over University in the Gallaher Shield final at Eden Park yesterday.

Auckland premier club rugby action kicks off today with 15 teams - down from 16 - contending for the coveted Gallaher Shield.

The Highlanders' new big three have arrived and with them new challenges for head coach Jamie Joseph.

During the ITM Cup, new Chiefs midfielder Bundee Aki would have had few troubles producing a skite tape to impress the coaching staff of the Super Rugby champions.