Blues players urged to step up and reward Umaga's hard work in final year of current deal.

Barrett's added weight plus pace and reach equals a nightmare for opposition defences.

It's just a matter of timing as former All Blacks captain gets set for contract extension.

Talented No10 stars in first hit-out but could miss season-opener against Highlanders.

Coach credits hard work before tournament with his sides' stunning results.

Huh? Departing Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd and All Blacks boss Steve Hansen never speak.

Greg Cooper has left as head coach of Stade Francais to be with his ill daughter.

Sonny Bill Williams has taken a break from training to make a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Toala has the opportunity to be a two-season Baby Black.

Raelene Castle believes Australian rugby is poised to rebound from a challenging year.

New Zealander brings the new perspective that game in Australian sorely needs to improve.

All Blacks fullback's form in training shows value of a break and need for global season.

All Blacks' world-leading fullback can't stay away from Highlanders HQ in Dunedin.

Vicious-looking wolf with questionable social life has been replaced by a cartoon figure.

Relegated from Reds to club rugby by new coach Thorn, Quade Cooper faces uncertain future.

More than three years after he was forced to quit playing, prop Afeaki's symptoms remain.

Onus on new captain to take charge in crucial moments as Tana Umaga seeks winning formula.

Augustine Pulu has been announced as the new captain of the Blues.

Portrayal of Irish stereotypes jar but more significant is change to recruitment policy.

All Blacks hooker faces another stint on the sidelines following his concussion troubles.

The Blues legend on a team dear to his heart, No10s, and the sporting ability of his son.

Tough halfback could be set to challenge hooker Parsons for Blues' captaincy next year.

Wellington captain hails Lions' resolve after earning promotion to domestic Premiership.

The All Blacks' midfield was blocked for Seta, so he changed to wing and is back in black.

OPINION: Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita's sentiment beat salary prospects.

Taranaki, for the sixth time, gets to write a new chapter in the Ranfurly Shield story.

Taranaki's Kylem O'Donnell may have scored the try of the season.

The new-look James Slipper has packed on an extra 10kg by living Brad Thorn's mantra

Liam Napier speaks to a former Wallaby attempting to put data above mythology.

Chris Rattue: Oh to see the real Beauden Barrett again - and here's the way how.