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Ben Smith

A former financial analyst & auditor in retail banking, Ben is a columnist at RugbyPass specialising in opinion-based analysis, breaking down rugby as he sees it, to uncover what professional teams are trying to do around the world.

Sam Cane calls on NZR to change All Blacks eligibility rules

All Blacks captain Sam Cane has suggested that New Zealand Rugby review the eligibility rules as he prepares to play for the Tokyo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
28 Nov 2023, 15:05

Report: Michael Cheika set to remain Los Pumas coach until 2027

Former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika intends to stay on as Los Pumas head coach until the end of the next Rugby World Cup ac…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
27 Nov 2023, 18:54

Former All Black shines in Siya Kolisi's debut for Racing 92

Siya Kolisi's highly anticipated debut for Racing 92 was the story of the night in Paris but a former All Black has been praised f…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 Nov 2023, 22:28

Six potential Test debutants for the All Blacks in 2024

The 2024 season will be the first with new head coach Scott Robertson in charge and there is bound to be a host of new caps. Hist…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
26 Nov 2023, 21:05

'We expected better': Ex-All Black disappoints in first start in France

Former All Blacks halfback Brad Weber has disappointed in his starting debut for Stade Francais in a lopsided 30-6 loss to Pau in …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Nov 2023, 21:21

'I couldn't sleep': Antoine Dupont felt 'injustice' with Kiwi ref Ben O'Keeffe

Antoine Dupont has revealed in an interview with legendary footballer Thierry Henry for Bros that he "needed" to rewatch the game.…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Nov 2023, 18:38

Scott Robertson remains coy on next All Blacks captain

Incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is excited to write the next chapter of the 'legacy' as he prepares to take over fr…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
25 Nov 2023, 16:15

'He wants to come to league': Speculation swirls over Wallabies star's future

The future of Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase in the 15-man code could be up in the air after a bombshell meeting between the w…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
22 Nov 2023, 22:39

What Ian Foster expects from the All Blacks in 2024 and beyond

Ian Foster will no longer be the All Blacks head coach in 2024 but he is well placed to share a view on how he thinks they may far…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
22 Nov 2023, 20:04

Springbok midfielder calls time on career

Springboks midfielder and Stormers centurion Juan de Jongh has called time on his professional rugby career after 14 years at the …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
22 Nov 2023, 15:59

'There is confusion': Ian Foster on the problem areas in Super Rugby for the All Blacks

Now former All Blacks coach Ian Foster has weighed in on the state of Super Rugby Pacific and its ability to prepare New Zealand p…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
22 Nov 2023, 15:19

'Kwagga Smith had hands on the ground': Foster believes final should have ended with penalty to All Blacks

Departing All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has offered his take on the end of the Rugby World Cup final which saw the Springboks w…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
21 Nov 2023, 23:24

The three heaviest players in New Zealand that bring Uini Atonio-level size

There is a misconception that New Zealand has limited power options to combat this growing trend, but in Super Rugby squads there …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
21 Nov 2023, 16:45

The biggest positional holes the All Blacks must address under Scott Robertson

The bulk of the squad will return which means new head coach Scott Robertson will inherit a strong core of players in 2024 with mo…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
20 Nov 2023, 20:38

'Scars for life': Loss to Springboks haunts France centre Jonathan Danty after World Cup

Star inside centre Jonathan Danty, who returned from injury in time for the quarter-final, revealed that he couldn't take any time…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
20 Nov 2023, 17:32

Stephen Perofeta on what he thought of his 50-second All Blacks debut

Stephen Perofeta was one of eight All Blacks debutants in 2022 but his memorable experience last just 50 seconds after being subst…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
20 Nov 2023, 16:45

Former Black Ferns Sevens star leaves NRLW and signs with Blues

Super Rugby Aupiki has been boosted by the return of former Black Ferns Sevens star Niall Williams-Guthrie, who has signed with th…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 Nov 2023, 17:42

'What a shame': McLennan's bitter parting shot after being ousted by Rugby Australia board

Rugby Australia called an emergency board meeting which resulted in former Wallaby Dan Herbert being installed as the new Chair.

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 Nov 2023, 17:07

Siya Kolisi reveals former All Black legend convinced him of France move

Double-World Cup winner Siya Kolisi has revealed how former All Black legend Dan Carter played a part in influencing his decision …

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
19 Nov 2023, 16:21

Ex-All Black's warning over the 'alarm bells' going off in New Zealand Rugby

Weber was in Ian Foster's All Black squad in 2021 but found himself axed ahead of the Ireland series in 2022, instead representing…

Ben Smith
Ben Smith
18 Nov 2023, 17:26
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