McKendry, Patrick

Siale Lauaki, left, Brayden Iose and Jone Rova celebrate the Hurricanes' semifinal win over the Blues.

Hurricanes and Chiefs promise spectacular Super Rugby final

The two best teams in the competition reached next Saturday's showdown after remarkably similar semifinal demolitions.

Sun, Jun 14

Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown will continue to coach against the All Blacks until after next year's World Cup.

Analysis: Brown's signing highlights NZR's eligibility inconsistencies

Tony Brown will continue to coach against the All Blacks before joining them – while Richie Mo'unga is already back but can't play for them.

Thu, Jun 11

'Faced a lot of adversity' - Hurricanes fuelled by past finals failures

Halfback Cam Roigard says his team are embracing the expectation as competition front-runners ahead of Saturday's semifinal.

Wed, Jun 10

1:32

Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown greets fans before his side's defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park last year.

'Massive coup': Former All Blacks No.10 on Tony Brown's appointment

Lima Sopoaga, coached by Brown at the Highlanders, says the All Blacks' new assistant will push the boundaries on attack.

Mon, Jun 8

Tony Brown will join the All Blacks in 2028.

Tony Brown to join as All Blacks assistant coach after World Cup

New Zealand Rugby's announcement will create a stir around the rugby world and add an edge to the All Blacks' tour of South Africa.

Mon, Jun 8

1:29

Hurricanes and Chiefs promise spectacular Super Rugby final

The two best teams in the competition reached next Saturday's showdown after remarkably similar semifinal demolitions.

Sun, Jun 14

Analysis: Brown's signing highlights NZR's eligibility inconsistencies

Tony Brown will continue to coach against the All Blacks before joining them – while Richie Mo'unga is already back but can't play for them.

Thu, Jun 11

'Faced a lot of adversity' - Hurricanes fuelled by past finals failures

Halfback Cam Roigard says his team are embracing the expectation as competition front-runners ahead of Saturday's semifinal.

Wed, Jun 10

1:32

'Massive coup': Former All Blacks No.10 on Tony Brown's appointment

Lima Sopoaga, coached by Brown at the Highlanders, says the All Blacks' new assistant will push the boundaries on attack.

Mon, Jun 8

Tony Brown to join as All Blacks assistant coach after World Cup

New Zealand Rugby's announcement will create a stir around the rugby world and add an edge to the All Blacks' tour of South Africa.

Mon, Jun 8

1:29

Leicester Fainga'anuku is tackled by the Blues during the Crusaders' playoff win at Te Kaha.

Analysis: Fainga'anuku's head knock puts concussion protocols in spotlight

The Crusader was rocked by a high tackle in his team's win over the Blues but did not receive a head injury assessment, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, Jun 7

2:23

'Lucky loser' playoff concept is 'weird', say Blues

If the Hurricanes and Chiefs win this weekend, the Blues will go through to the Super Rugby semifinals even if they lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Thu, Jun 4

Codie Taylor makes a break for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes last weekend.

'Adds more motivation' – Crusaders celebrate home comforts

The Crusaders have sold out their new stadium five times in a row and welcome a Blues team counting the cost after their defeat to the Chiefs.

Thu, Jun 4

May 2026

Faletoi Peni of Moana Pasifika carries the ball against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Moana Pasifika defiant to the end as they shock Brumbies

The team travelled to Canberra only after NZ Rugby stepped in to cover salaries and costs – and scored a memorable victory.

Sun, May 31

The Chiefs celebrate a try during their final round victory over the Blues in Hamilton in front of a dejected looking Zarn Sullivan.

Blues sunk by Chiefs but 'lucky loser' semifinal place looms

The Blues, needing a win over the Chiefs to secure a home qualifier, were thrashed, but they may yet make the top four, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 31

Tupou Vaa'i, left, and Scott Barrett in action for the All Blacks against Argentina last year.

Analysis: Scott Barrett's injury puts spotlight on All Blacks locking depth

Dave Rennie can currently select four Test locks in his squad next month but, beyond that quartet, the cupboard is rather bare, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, May 29

1:30

Moana Pasifika's players react to their defeat to the Reds at North Harbour Stadium.

NZ Rugby forced to step in to save Moana Pasifika's season

The broke franchise would be unable to play final game of the year against the Brumbies in Canberra without emergency funding.

Tue, May 26

Ruben Love runs in for his try for the Hurricanes against the Highlanders.

Analysis: Hurricanes' title push keeps Love in All Blacks' spotlight

Ruben Love is currently the best performing No.10 in the country and should look to July Test series with confidence, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 24

Caleb Tangitau brushes off a defender during the Highlanders' win over the Waratahs in Dunedin last weekend.

Extra edge as All Blacks hopefuls are put on notice by Rennie

Those in the New Zealand frame among the Chiefs and Highlanders may feel under more intense scrutiny during the round 14 match in Hamilton.

Thu, May 14

Sir Graham Henry pictured during his role as Black Ferns coach during the World Cup in 2022.

Analysis: What Sir Graham Henry's appointment says about Dave Rennie

Being challenged is key for an All Blacks head coach and Rennie's latest selection suggests he will be open to feedback, writes Patrick McKendry.

Wed, May 13

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie's Japanese club Kobe Steelers have finished top qualifiers after the Japan League One round robin.

'It has to be': Rennie on whether there's time to ready the All Blacks

The new head coach is juggling two jobs but has assistance from a variety of people – including NBA star Steven Adams and new selector Sir Graham Henry.

Tue, May 12