Rugby

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Date of star fullback’s return still uncertain

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leaps for the ball against Fijian Drua in May. Photo: Getty Images

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Date of star fullback’s return still uncertain

Star Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is recovering from surgery but will not know more about his immediate return to action until after he sees a specialist.

All Blacks edge England in thriller

New Zealand's Will Jordan celebrates scoring their second try against England. Photo: Reuters

All Blacks edge England in thriller

England's George Ford hit the post with a late penalty and then sent a drop-goal wide as the hosts let another lead slip to lose 24-22 to New Zealand at Twickenham.

Joe Marler apologises to NZ over haka comments

Joe Marler has apologised for his rant about the haka on X (formerly Twitter). Photo: Getty Images

Joe Marler apologises to NZ over haka comments

English prop Joe Marler has apologised for a social media post criticising the All Blacks haka.

All Blacks: de Groot dropped over protocol breach

Ethan de Groot will miss the game at Twickenham. Photo: Getty Images

All Blacks: de Groot dropped over protocol breach

Scott Robertson has axed regular starter Ethan de Groot from the All Black side to face England at Twickenham this weekend.

Strong, tested spine of Black Ferns in Matatu squad

Black Fern Maia Joseph will spearhead the Otago Spirit contingent in the 2025 Matatu squad.

Alcohol ban for French rugby players

Melvyn Jaminet was banned for 32 weeks over a racist social media post in July. Photo: Getty Images

Alcohol ban for French rugby players

The French Rugby Federation has banned players from drinking alcohol during national team gatherings as part of efforts to improve discipline.

'Ridiculous' haka needs binning: England prop

England prop Joe Marler. File photo: Getty

'Ridiculous' haka needs binning: England prop

England prop Joe Marler has added some spice to his team's clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend, saying the haka "needs binning".

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Taking games to regions could prove shot in arm for NPC

Wellington loose forwards Sione Halalilo (left) and Du Plessis Kirifi celebrate after their win...

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Taking games to regions could prove shot in arm for NPC

The Otago Daily Times canvassed plenty of people for their thoughts during our week-long series on the future of the NPC. Here are some reader opinions on the competition.

Blackadder and Papali'i may join All Blacks tour

Dalton Papali'i may join the All Blacks midway through their tour of Europe. Photo: Getty Images

Blackadder and Papali'i may join All Blacks tour

The All Blacks are set to boosted by the return of potentially both Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali'i midway through their tour of Europe.

All Blacks thrash Japan 64-19

All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a runs in to score a try. Photo: Reuters

All Blacks thrash Japan 64-19

New Zealand ran in 10 tries to kick off their end-of-season tour with a convincing 64-19 victory over a lively Japan side in an entertaining test at Yokohama's International Stadium.

Lions win NPC in extra-time thriller

Riley Higgins and Du Plessis Kirifi of Wellington celebrate during NPC final between Wellington...

Lions win NPC in extra-time thriller

After an enthralling, exhausting 100-minute final, the Wellington Lions have been crowned NPC champions after beating Bay of Plenty 23-20.

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No clear path ahead for NPC

Otago’s Finn Hurley tries his best to block the kick of Reece MacDonald, of Manawatu, during...

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No clear path ahead for NPC

We have explored the issues facing the NPC, and garnered the thoughts of some of those with a keen interest in New Zealand’s domestic rugby competition.

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Lions favourites, Bay expansive

Wellington’s Riley Higgins shakes off the tackle of Bay of Plenty’s Lucas Cashmore during their...

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Lions favourites, Bay expansive

Wellington and Bay of Plenty have made it through to tomorrow’s NPC final. Adrian Seconi offers up this quick guide.

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Changes must not come at expense of FPC growth

Waikato celebrate with the Farah Palmer Cup after beating Canterbury in this year's final. PHOTO:...

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Changes must not come at expense of FPC growth

What is in store for the future of the Farah Palmer Cup? Could it hang in the balance if something was to happen to the NPC? Kayla Hodge offers her thoughts.

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Make space, time for NPC stars

Otago fan Ian Arthur at his beloved Alhambra-Union club. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

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Make space, time for NPC stars

Our series on the future of the NPC continues. Club stalwarts Ian Arthur and Blair Crawford tell Adrian Seconi there needs to be a change.

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Back when NPC had stars, pulling power

Scenes from the day Otago demolished Waikato 49-20 at Carisbrook to win the 1998 NPC final. ODT...

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Back when NPC had stars, pulling power

Former Otago players Brendon Timmins and Brendon Laney, part of arguably the greatest team in NPC history, tell Adrian Seconi the competition needs to bring back the stars and the razzmatazz.

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Brown excited about job to which he has long aspired

Former Canterbury co-coach Mark Brown will take charge of the Otago NPC side next season. PHOTO:...

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Brown excited about job to which he has long aspired

Another Brown will take charge of the Otago NPC team next season.

Preseason match for Invercargill

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

Preseason match for Invercargill

There will be swedes and sushi — southern style — at halftime when the Highlanders play the Crusaders next year.

Stalwart whistler Carruthers volunteer of year

Rugby needs more people like Wayne Carruthers.

NPC advocated as vital pathway to Super level

Otago fullback Finn Hurley celebrates his try during an NPC game at Forsyth Barr Stadium this...

NPC advocated as vital pathway to Super level

The NPC faces an uncertain future as New Zealand Rugby grapples with the big-picture questions and the more pressing bottom line on the financial report.

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