Stories by Joe Porter

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen isn't backing away from his claims that New Zealand Rugby needs government money to stay at the top of the sport.

First-five Richie Mo'unga will finally get his chance to steer the All Blacks ship this weekend, but as Joe Porter writes, he's not the only player champing at the bit.

New Zealand Rugby's boss has again raised the issue of government funding to keep top All Blacks from going overseas.

The Black Ferns do battle with Australia at Eden Park tomorrow night, but for player in particular, just being there will be the realisation of a dream, and reward for never giving up. Audio

With his business socks on, because it's 'business time' in Super Rugby - Joe Porter ponders whether any side can topple the defending champions the Crusaders?

A Pacific team competing in the domestic New Zealand rugby competition will be key to any Pacific Super Rugby team getting off the ground.

Live wire Damian McKenzie faces his first real test as an All Blacks first-five this weekend, but is he a contender, or pretender, for Beauden Barrett's throne?

Analysis - The All Blacks are all set to take on France in the second test in Wellington and it could be a fiery affair in the capital, Joe Porter writes.

Fresh air has been breathed into the dream of a Pasifika Super Rugby team. Audio

Water cooler conjecture and smoko break debate, there's no hotter topic than an All Blacks team naming.

The New Zealand women's sevens team will have extra motivation when they take the field tomorrow. Video

Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze went from relative obscurity to mountain bike super stars after claiming a New Zealand one-two at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

What's the best way to win a Commonwealth Games medal? Train hard, sweat blood and tears and sacrifice everything in the purusit of success? Not neccessarily.

The New Zealand track cyclist Eddie Dawkins has won silver in the men's time trial at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, adding to the gold he won in the men's team sprint.

The New Zealand men's team pursuit have been disqualified from tonight's bronze medal ride at the Commonwealth Games after one of the team's bikes was found to be in breach of regulations.

New Zealand women's sevens player Ruby Tui has been hospitalised with the mumps on the Sunshine Coast, but she's in a stable condition and no one else in the team has contracted the virus. Video

The biggest clash of the Super Rugby season so far takes place in Wellington tomorrow night with joint favourites the Hurricanes and Crusaders doing battle.

New Zealand rugby boss Steve Tew believes future All Blacks are being plundered by overseas clubs, both union and league at schoolboy level.

With cyclone Gita and a rash of wild weather dominating this week's headlines, one could be forgiven for forgetting about the approaching Super Rugby storm.

The King has returned to the Blues and he's ready to rock and roll at this weekend's Brisbane rugby Tens. Video

Annoying to amazing, elegant to error-prone, the All Blacks' 2017 team was erratic - but ultimately successful.

The Kiwis' blood is in the water and the Fijians are circling.

While not a test, Sunday's clash between the All Blacks and Barbarians holds plenty of intrigue, with a couple of big names seeking redemption.

It's finals weekend in the domestic rugby competition, and there's pride to be restored, scores to be settled and history to be made.

Sports Call - This year's Rugby Championship was about as exciting as watching grass grow. Joe Porter ponders what's gone wrong with the Southern Hemisphere's flagship competition.