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Contributors

Ned Lester

Ned Lester is a New Zealand-based multimedia content editor with experience covering the diverse corners of the rugby world in the southern hemisphere. Ned brings a keen interest in sports psychology to the RugbyPass team and a background in writing across various disciplines. 

Opinion

The winners and losers from the All Blacks' Autumn Nations Series

The All Blacks' 2024 season has been signed, sealed and submitted to the history books with no chance for revision.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
26 Nov 2024, 18:08

ASB New Zealand Rugby Awards nominees announced

Awards season continues with the ASB Rugby Awards the next on New Zealand's calendar. Rising stars are prominent throughout the c…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
28 Nov 2024, 16:48

Scott Hansen: How the All Blacks are building for the 2027 World Cup

2024 was anticipated as something of a rebirth for the All Blacks. With New Zealand's formerly undoubted global dominance eroded t…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
28 Nov 2024, 20:57

Chiefs back cohesion, add a splash of X-factor in 2025 squad

After back-to-back final losses, the Chiefs have backed continuity in their 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific squad, while injecting so…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 Nov 2024, 18:24

Crusaders farewell club stalwarts in 2025 squad

Some experienced heads have called time on illustrious Crusaders careers ahead of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 Nov 2024, 17:29

New All Blacks and Perenara replacement headline 2025 Hurricanes squad

The Hurricanes have revealed their 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific squad with nine new signings along with seven All Blacks.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 Nov 2024, 16:33

All Blacks call in more reinforcements after Sam Cane injury

The All Blacks have called upon three All Blacks XV players to join the top squad after counting their injury woes from the weeken…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
11 Nov 2024, 15:46
Opinion

All Blacks XV player ratings vs Georgia | Autumn Nations Series

23 of New Zealand's most promising aspiring rugby talents had an opportunity to tackle a legitimate international opponent in Sout…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
10 Nov 2024, 19:01

All Blacks lose Sam Darry for rest of Autumn Nations Series

A training injury has befallen All Blacks rookie Sam Darry and has ruled the lock out of the final two games of the team's 2024 ca…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
09 Nov 2024, 19:20
Opinion

France player ratings vs Japan | Autumn Nations Series

France opened their Autumn Nations Series campaign in commanding form, dishing out a hefty defeat to an ambitious but outclassed J…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
09 Nov 2024, 17:22

George Bell reaping rewards of competing with world's 'best' hooker

With Codie Taylor sidelined for the upcoming Ireland Test, All Blacks selectors have turned to Test rookie George Bell to fortify …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
06 Nov 2024, 23:11

Scott Robertson explains Ethan de Groot's Ireland omission

Ahead of their date with world No. 1 ranked Ireland in Dublin, New Zealand have decided to leave recent incumbent loosehead prop E…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
06 Nov 2024, 18:24

Report: All Blacks snub Ricky Riccitelli signs with Top 14 club

Having missed selection for both the All Blacks and All Blacks XV, Super Rugby Pacific champion hooker Ricky Riccitelli has report…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
05 Nov 2024, 20:50

Wallace Sititi: 'I think I've found my rhythm'

Perhaps the leading candidate for the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, Wallace Sititi continued his stellar rooki…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
03 Nov 2024, 22:26

Scott Hansen: 'We all know Damian, don't we? He's a gambler'

More shot clock drama stopped just shy of unfolding in the All Blacks' tight win over England over the weekend, with Damian McKenz…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
03 Nov 2024, 20:24

All Blacks talk late-game adjustments after clutch England win

After a Rugby Championship campaign plagued by late-game inaccuracy, the All Blacks produced a final quarter 10-point swing to ste…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
03 Nov 2024, 17:30

Scott Barrett's verdict on England's haka response

After a week of controversy, all eyes were peeled on Allianz Stadium as the drama kicked off minutes before the match did.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
03 Nov 2024, 2:02
Opinion

All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster | Autumn Nations Series

The All Blacks XV survived 75 minutes of toe-to-toe, blow-for-blow rugby with Munster to produce a devastating final five minutes …

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
02 Nov 2024, 17:43

Late blitz sees All Blacks XV secure testy win over Munster

New Zealand's development squad descended on Thomond Park eager to show All Blacks selectors what they're made of, but in their wa…

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
02 Nov 2024, 15:35

'He reminds me a bit of myself': Ardie Savea on Wallace Sititi

When the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year says you remind him of himself, that's a good sign you're doing something right.

Ned Lester
Ned Lester
30 Oct 2024, 21:45
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