sup110217nadtrio.jpg - this pic is for cyber only Getting into the tour safari spirit are from left, IRC co-founder Tristan Tuckey

The return of Blues co-captain James Parsons from a concussion injury suffered five months ago has been both frustrating and rewarding.

The 20-year-old centre-wing scored a double in last weekend's practice match against the Blues.

The well-travelled Ben Te'o, England's try-scoring saviour against France, has other trips in mind, whether into a regular starting

Comment: With the latest development in the "Spygate" saga, the relationship between the NZ and Australia rugby unions is irreparably damaged, writes Gregor Paul.

No current All Blacks will be released to play in the Brisbane Global Tens, dealing a crippling blow to the tournament.

Paula Bennett says her appointment as Minister for Women shows the Government is taking women's rights seriously.

Finally a woman has joined the upper echelons of NZ's rugby heirarchy. Farah Palmer's first priority is to win over the nation's mums.

Tonight the All Blacks chase an exalted place in rugby history. But as Gregor Paul writes in this opinion piece, off-field the picture is not as rosy.

Relationship expert says NZ Rugby needs to reassess the support structures around how young sportspeople deal with being thrown into the limelight.

Repeated inappropriate incidents involving some of the country's top players is creating a culture that's "not entirely healthy" a brand expert says.

COMMENT: Our national sport is lurching from one scandal to another. Today, one female fan tells why she's giving the game away.

COMMENT: Working in the media these days feels like being a prosecutor in a court where the defence never turns up.

NZ Rugby Union officials have apologised to the four young people who were assaulted by rising rugby star Losi Filipo.

COMMENT: Given all the rugby union claim to have learnt, they should be exemplars of good behaviour and doing what is right.

"We should've acted two months ago" says NZ Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen.

COMMENT: Financially, it's probably not the best option for NZ Rugby to take tests away from our major cities but Hamilton delivers a great occasion.

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.

Few newspaper revelations have had a greater impact in rugby-mad New Zealand than those of Herald sportswriter Dylan Cleaver's in March.

NZ Rugby has partnered with Statistics NZ to try to determine whether the lasting impacts of concussions while playing rugby increase the risk of dementia.

Teimana Harrison fatally hit his friend with a jet ski in 2011, now he is enjoying a breakthrough season with England's Northampton Saints.

The on-field deeds of Lomu, who died today, captured the imagination of fans in all corners of the world during a 63-test career for the All Blacks.

Rugby boss seeks tips from other pro sports, reports Matt Nippert.

Steve Tew touched down in Auckland this morning happy to come home from an historic All Blacks win.

It's hard to describe how it feels to be the parent of a Rugby World Cup-winning All Black, says Dan Carter's dad.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO: The All Blacks' new World Cup base in London includes reminders from home as well as a substantial dose of the old enemy.

Dave Clark offers to redesign the ferns on three of the shortlisted flag submissions: "If we are going to do it, we need to do it right."

The All Blacks' traditional war dance, the Haka, will be given its full voice at Twickenham even if England reach the World Cup final.

Richie McCaw may be keen on using the silver fern in a new national flag - but NZ Rugby warned the design committee not to use its trademarked logo.

Former ruby player Glen Osborne wants to join the police force.