To start with, a random and not fully explored thought. There's probably a lot of holes in it, but the overall concept is really exciting

There is a split in the English rugby ranks over the All Blacks' loss to Ireland, with Clive Woodward and Will Carling taking opposite views.

COMMENT: Before you call me heretic, hear me out: New Zealand rugby crowds are largely boring, writes Tony Veitch.

COMMENT: Warren Gatland's criticism will build anticipation for the Lions tour, writes Chris Rattue. But you have to guffaw in this case, writes Chris Rattue.

Sam Warburton will captain Wales in their four-match autumn Test series and in next year's Six Nations in a significant departure

Next year's Lions tour will attract up to 20,000 fans to New Zealand, boosting tourism spending but putting pressure on accommodation providers.

Warren Gatland has been given a stark warning about the institutionalised hostility his Lions squad will face in New Zealand.

The Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders are likely to be near full strength for their matches against the British and Irish Lions next year.

South African media have lauded the individual impact of Beauden Barrett and the steel of the Hurricanes defence as they come to grips

It's a lovely old cliché about defence winning titles. It's simple and, as the Hurricanes have proven, it's also true, writes Gregor Paul.

After 20 years of hurt, the Hurricanes at last claimed their maiden Super Rugby crown

Hurricanes win their first Super Rugby title after a 20-3 win over the Lions.

Herald rugby experts answer three big questions which could decide tonight's Super Rugby final.

Here's all the vital information you need to know ahead of the biggest Super Rugby match of the year.

When the Hurricanes saw their title dream smashed by the Highlanders, there was a sense they had blown their best chance.

Julian Savea has played a total of 36 minutes for the Hurricanes over the past two weeks but for his sake - and more importantly his

A new champion will raise the Super Rugby trophy next weekend, with the Hurricanes and the Lions booking their spots in the finale.

The Highlanders' hopes of defending their Super Rugby title have been crushed on the Ellis Park anvil this morning.

$449 too much for a Lions ticket you say? Try $1000 - all the way back in 1959.

Warren Gatland is currently seen as the top choice for coach of the Lions rugby team in their upcoming tour next year.

New Zealand Rugby has released ticket details for next year's tour of the British and Irish Lions, and the highest price for a test ticket has been set at $449.

COMMENT: As the Chiefs were humiliating Wales on Tuesday night, what became clear was the enormity of the task that lies ahead for next year's visiting British Lions.

They may have lost their starpower, but the Crusaders are playing as consistently as they ever have at this stage of the season

The Highlanders have rolled to a 34-15 victory over the Lions, delighting their fans at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The Chiefs seemed intent on increasing their degree of difficulty during yesterday's encounter with the Lions in Hamilton.

Join us for live updates as the Chiefs play their first home game of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

The kind thing to do would be for Sanzar to raise the white flag on behalf of the Sunwolves and pull the pin after one outing, writes Gregor Paul.