The long-time Taranaki coach was named as one of Dave Rennie's assistant coaches for the All Blacks earlier this year – but says he never saw himself destined for the top job.
Rugby
Friday 6:00am
6:17
Irish club Munster was one of the clubs keen on the All Blacks tighthead prop.
Thu, Jun 4
The controversial documentary detailing the life of the All Blacks legend will be released in NZ later this year.
New Zealand
Wed, Jun 3
Nonu had two stints at RC Toulon club between 2015 and 2026.
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
The All Blacks captain is set to miss the July Tests and South African tour at least.
Wed, May 27
The former All Blacks assistant, who was let go by NZ Rugby at the start of the year, will return to a franchise he has a long history with.
Mo'unga's run of nine straight club championships has ended after the Toshiba Brave Lupus were beaten in a Japan One quarter-final.
Mon, May 25
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
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
Analysis: The new All Blacks head coach is a master at making his thoughts clear without stating the obvious, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Tue, May 12
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.
The World Cup-winning coach has been recruited by Dave Rennie, bringing vast experience and an 85% test win record back to the national setup.
Newly confirmed chief executive Steve Lancaster says the competition's other aspects are tracking well but not enough fans are going to games.
Mon, May 11
The fixture that would return the Bledisloe Cup to a three-Test series and produce a reported $12.2 million to be split between the unions.
Thu, May 7
The organisation has called the result for 2025 "strong". It is better than the previous year, a $19.5m loss.
The long search for a replacement for Mark Robinson is over.
The All Blacks captain and veteran Crusaders lock was due to return from his sabbatical in a fortnight.
Wed, May 6
Richie Mo'unga has won nine domestic titles in nine years but Toshiba's struggles could end that remarkable run, writes Patrick McKendry.
Tue, May 5
Scott Robertson, who lost his job as All Blacks head coach recently, was conspicuous by his absence over a significant weekend.
Wed, Apr 29
The former player shared the view despite food poisoning claims that still tarnish the tournament to this day.
Mon, Apr 27
Leicester Fainga'anuku will make his starting debut in the pack for the Crusaders as they open this weekend's "Super Round" at their new Te Kaha stadium.
Wed, Apr 22
The competition is celebrating its 30-year anniversary but the vibe just seems off in 2026, suggest 1News writers Scotty Stevenson and Patrick McKendry.
Gilbert Enoka, who helped the All Blacks to two World Cup victories, returns after three years away.
Tue, Apr 21
The Chiefs No.10 starred again against the Hurricanes but a risky decision at the end of regulation time could have backfired, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, Apr 19
