Aotearoa Rugby Pod

The All Blacks are stacked with midfield options. Quinn Tupaea is in outstanding form, Billy Proctor is excelling, Timoci Tavatavanawai's becoming impossible to ignore and Leicester Fainga’anuku's causing havoc wherever he plays. So does Jordie Barrett have to shift from 12 back to fullback? The Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates the balance of the All Blacks backline, i...

The Highlanders keep finding themselves in the fight against top Super Rugby sides — but too often they leave with nothing to show for it. So why does the same story keep repeating for Jamie Joseph's men? The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why the Highlanders are competitive for long stretches, yet continue to lose tight games. Right now, the Highlanders might be Super Rugby’s most frust...

The All Blacks back three is a big debate heading into the international season. Aotearoa Rugby Pod dives into why Caleb Clarke, Caleb Tangitau and Will Jordan could be the most balanced option — combining power, speed and elite game awareness. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All Blacks selection picture is tightening and some big calls will need to be made. This episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod focuses on the key positional battles at  halfback, centre and lock , with Scott Barrett, Noah Hotham and Billy Proctor in the spotlight. The team also breaks down  Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 , identifying the performances and trends shaping national selection,...

This isn’t just about rugby — it’s about raising better young people. New Zealand Under 20s and pathways coach  Kane Jury  joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod to explain how NZ develops its young athletes — and why parents and coaches play such a critical role in that journey. From preparing for the Rugby Championship and World Championship to teaching life skills off the field, Jury shares why...

Leicester Fainga’anuku’s man of the match performance for the Crusaders at open side has everyone talking. But is it the best way to use the hybrid centre/winger? He’s an elite player but will it work for the Crusaders against elite Super Rugby opposition, never mind the All Blacks versus the Springboks? This is less about the player, and more about whether the role stacks up under pressure. We al...

Caleb Tangitau and Anton Segner are two names building serious hype. We break down their form and skillsets, then break down the problems with the Blues defence and the Crusaders. 👇 Let us know: Who’s the next All Black you’re watching? Email: ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify & Apple Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast....

Rugby is evolving — on the field, in the stadium and how fans experience the game. In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley explains how the sport is taking its next step — from faster, more engaging play to a match day experience that goes beyond the 80 minutes. We get into: Evolution of the on-field product The shift towards a bigger in-stadium experience Why r...

Moana Pasifika is searching for new financial backing — and it could have major implications for Super Rugby. If they can’t secure support, what does that mean for the number of teams, the competition format, and the future of Pacific rugby in the professional game? The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why this moment matters, and why the ripple effects could be felt across the entire competition. L...

Since leaving the All Blacks, Jason Holland has helped shape Super Rugby's most potent attack at the Hurricanes. In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Holland breaks down: The key principles behind the Hurricanes’ attacking success The lessons he took from the All Blacks environment Why clarity and simplicity are central to performance And how those ideas will carry into his role as Blues head coa...

Leinster is starting to get the best out of Rieko Ioane’ — at centre or wing. After some early noise around his arrival — from the Johnny Sexton spat to adjustmenting to a new system — it’s starting to click. In recent performances against Edinburgh and Sale, Ioane has made a real impact — bringing speed, power, footwork and distribution that can break games open. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks dow...

Did Highlander Henry Bell get headbutted by Nick Frost … and still get penalised? A controversial Super Rugby moment has rugby fans split, after the tackler saw yellow and it's not the first time! So was this the right call — or does rugby has a problem? The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks it down, as well as asking if the Canes can be stopped and whether Damian McKenzie is in the Chiefs' top five playe...

In August, the All Blacks heading back into one of rugby’s toughest challenges - a full tour of South Africa. But this isn’t just about Test matches, for the first time in decades, New Zealand will face the unique grind of touring: Midweek matches Travel and squad rotation Adapting to South African conditions Managing physical and mental fatigue So do the modern All Blacks actually have the know-h...

Could Codie Taylor be the next All Blacks captain? We deep dive into what makes Taylor such a great player, leader and team mate, then ask whether he's the man for the job It’s one of the biggest off-field questions in New Zealand rugby right now — and we want your take. Email us on ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube #AllBlacks #CodieTaylor #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #CaptaincyDeb...

Where should Leicester Fainga’anuku fit in the All Blacks? It’s one of the most fascinating selection questions right now — and there’s no obvious answer. We also dive into your suggestions for All Blacks bolters/moneyball players from last week's episode, plus talk Samipeni Finau's epic showing for the Chiefs. 📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube, where you can enter the draw for six seats for t...

Scotsman Mike Blair is the man Dave Rennie has tasked with rebuilding what used to be the most feared attack in world rugby — the All Blacks. In this exclusive Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, the former Scotland captain opens up on how Mike Blair got the call from Dave Rennie, why Rennie trusts him with the All Blacks attack, and the pressure that comes with taking over such a famous rugby identity....

Midway through Super Rugby's round robin, who are the bolters or "moneyball" players Dave Rennie simply can’t ignore? We give a preview of our exclusive interview with new All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair, which drops later this week, as well as a breakdown of everything Super Rugby. Giveaway time To get six pitch side tickets to the Blues v Highlanders game at Eden Park on April 17, courte...

The Lam name means something in rugby — and Joel Lam is carving his own path within it. After struggling to break into the professional game, Joel stepped away from rugby and switched to league to keep chasing the dream. Now, he’s back — and rising with Moana Pasifika. In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Joel opens up on: What it’s really like carrying the Lam family name Why he left rugby for...

Former Scotland halfback Mike Blair has been named All Blacks attack coach — but for many New Zealand fans, he’s still an unknown. So who is he, and why does Dave Rennie trust him with one of the most important roles in world rugby? Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will Tana Umaga bring as the All Blacks defence coach? In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Jip and Bryn bring first-hand insight from inside a Tana Umaga environment, breaking down his coaching style, standards and the impact he could have on the All Blacks defence. New episodes, analysis and interviews every week covering the biggest stories in rugby. Catch all our content across @aotearo...

Who should be the next  All Blacks attack coach ? With Dave Rennie's deputies due to be named soon, we analyse leading contenders  Mike Blair and Scott Hansen, while asking whether Chiefs attack guru Roger Randle should also be considered. The ARP boys give the inside word what makes Tana Umaga a great fit at defence coach, then get into the big issues this week in Super Rugby. Catch all...

Is Canes loose Devan Flanders set to be an All Black? The Hurricanes loose forward is in red-hot form in Super Rugby, putting himself firmly in the frame for national selection. But with fierce competition in the loose forwards, does he force his way into the squad — or is he still on the outside looking in? In this episode, Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down: Flanders’ current form and impact for the...

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew break down why France won the Six Nations, analysing the tactics, players and key moments that made them the best team in Europe. We look at England's performance and why it was a move forward, Ireland's classy win over Scotland and how the Welsh pulled a rabbit out of the hat. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See aca...

After an incredible Six Nations tournament, we ask whether France, Ireland and the best of the North can knock over the Boks or All Blacks in the inaugural Nations Championship. We deep dive into Super Rugby's latest crazy results, ask if Devan Flanders should be the All Blacks number eight and discuss if World Rugby should introduce the 3+ try bonus point. As requested by a viewer .. here's a lin...

We catch up with Hurricanes and All Blacks open side Du'Plessis Kirifi to talk the ruthless Hurricanes attack, Asafo Aumua's 300kg squats and Dave Rennie's selection criteria. Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.