Fainga’anuku at 7? Hype or Hit? Could the All Blacks follow the Boks blueprint?

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 success at the highest level starts long before professional rugby.This is a must-watch for anyone involved in youth sport.In this episode:Why coaching the person matters as much as the playerWhat parents get right — and wrong — in youth sportHow NZ aligns schools, U20s and the All BlacksPreparing young athletes for pressure and setbacks#Rugby #YouthSport #AllBlacks #Parenting #Coaching #NZRugbyCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 also talk Super Round, whether the losers of Golden Point get ripped off on the table and the Black Ferns' first title under Whitney Hansen.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify & AppleCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 experienceWhy rugby needs to think differently about entertainmentAnd how fans play a role in what comes nextThe latest on Moana Pasifika's futureRugby’s core is strong — but the next level is about how everything around it continues to grow.What would you add to take rugby to the next level?Email your ideas to [email protected] — we’ll take the best ones forward to the powers that be.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Later this week, we speak with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley to get answers from inside the game.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 successThe lessons he took from the All Blacks environmentWhy clarity and simplicity are central to performanceAnd how those ideas will carry into his role as Blues head coach📺 Subscribe for more rugby analysis, interviews and insight from @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels#Hurricanes #AllBlacks #SuperRugby #Blues #RugbyAnalysis #JasonHollandCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 down Ioane’s form, why perceptions are shifting, and what it means for Leinster heading into the business end of the season.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 players of all time.Follow @aotearoarugbypodoffical channels for more breakdowns on the biggest talking points in world rugby.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 matchesTravel and squad rotationAdapting to South African conditionsManaging physical and mental fatigueSo do the modern All Blacks actually have the know-how to handle it?We break down what makes South Africa tours so difficult, why history matters, and whether this current group is ready for the challenge.📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube#AllBlacks #Springboks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #SouthAfricaTour #RugbyDebate #AotearoaRugbyPodCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 jobIt’s one of the biggest off-field questions in New Zealand rugby right now — and we want your take. Email us on [email protected]📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube#AllBlacks #CodieTaylor #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #CaptaincyDebate #RugbyUnion #AotearoaRugbyPodCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.