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Contributors

Sam Smith

Roving reporter and RugbyPass Employee of the Month Runner Up, March 2016. Based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Chiefs loss caps off worst period in Scott Robertson's reign as wheels fall off the Crusaders' machine

It shows how good the Crusaders have been since Scott Robertson took over as coach in 2017 that Saturday night's loss to the Chief…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
18 Apr 2021, 0:34

'The VAR of rugby': Captain's referral under the spotlight after fans question the spirit of the Crusaders' final challenge

With no visible reason to challenge, Crusaders captain Scott Barrett threw a last ditch referral under the new rules which allow f…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
17 Apr 2021, 18:29

Watch: All Blacks trio cut Chiefs defence to shreds as Crusaders score scintillating try

A trio of All Blacks stars have combined to tear the Chiefs' defence apart during the two side's Super Rugby Aotearoa clash in Ham…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
17 Apr 2021, 4:20

Former cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams gives verdict on TJ Perenara's potential NRL move

Former All Blacks and rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams has given his verdict on TJ Perenara's potential move to the NRL.

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
17 Apr 2021, 2:57

Report: All Blacks set to face surprise opponent during multi-million dollar end-of-year tour

The All Blacks could reportedly square off against a surprise opponent in one of two additional tests to the three matches already…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
16 Apr 2021, 21:38

PRO14 champions Leinster react to 19 contract deals, 16 for players - including veteran Toner - who came through their academy

It has been a hectic week for PRO14 Leinster regarding player contracts and coach Leo Cullen has now summed up all the wheeling an…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
16 Apr 2021, 12:09

'My body has definitely been struggling': Edinburgh's Fraser McKenzie has quit with immediate effect

The 33-year-old Fraser McKenzie hangs up his boots following a 15-year career that included the lock making 119 appearances for Ed…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
16 Apr 2021, 5:44

Goosen becomes the latest big-name signing by Jake White's Bulls

New Bulls signing Johan Goosen, the 13-cap Springboks utility back, has been playing his rugby in recent years with French side M…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
16 Apr 2021, 5:25

Parisse lines up Toulon extension but the outlook is reportedly different for ex-All Blacks duo Nonu and Toeava

Toulon had placed great fate in Sergio Parisse, Ma’a Nonu and Isaia Toeava - three veteran 30-somethings - for the 2020/21 Top 1…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
16 Apr 2021, 5:01

'I've had two contact me overnight': Tongan internationals eye up place in 2022 Moana Pasifika squad

Two Tongan internationals have already indicated their interest in playing for Moana Pasifika just days after it was announced the…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
16 Apr 2021, 1:17

'The best hooker in the competition': Hurricanes and All Blacks stars back TJ Perenara's potential NRL move

A number of TJ Perenara's Hurricanes and All Blacks teammates have backed the halfback's potential move to the NRL.

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 22:33

Training in sunglasses, golf simulators, casino nights and a fascination with The Inbetweeners - Gatland and O'Connell trade Lions stories

Lions coach Warren Gatland and 2009 skipper Paul O'Connell were guests this week on a revealing new tour show hosted by David Flat…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 12:28

'I've loved every minute' - Scott Fardy calls time on professional rugby career

Leinster have confirmed that former Wallaby Scott Fardy will retire from rugby at the end of the current season.

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 11:37

Stade's Gael Fickou to join Racing early but that isn't the reason for this weekend's Parisian derby postponement

Gael Fickou wasn't due to link up with Racing until the 2021/22 season but his move will be accelerated despite the postponed week…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 11:26

Rainbow Cup adopts three trial law variations, including controversial use of red card replacement

With the troubled Rainbow Cup set to kick-off, organisers have jazzed things up by adopting some trial law variation approved by W…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 8:27

Barbarians announce their return to action following last October's infamous cancellation versus England

Thirteen Barbarians players - including ex-England skipper Chris Robshaw - faced RFU misconduct charges after last October's cance…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 7:52

Mitchell Drummond to start in his 100th Crusaders match as one of 10 changes to starting XV

Scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond will become the 20th Crusader in the history of the decorated Super Rugby outfit to notch up a century…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 2:33

'The choker label, it was a tough one to sit with me for 12 months until I guess the World Cup': Stephen Donald opens up on how that one kick changed his life

Stephen Donald, otherwise known as ‘” Beaver”, may have had one of the most turbulent careers in the history of All Blacks r…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
15 Apr 2021, 1:28

Watch: Hurricanes' exciting midfield prospect carves up the Chiefs and Highlanders at Super Rugby under-20 tournament

One of the standout prospects this week has been Hurricanes' midfielder Riley Higgins, a school leaver in 2020 from St Pats Silver…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
14 Apr 2021, 22:19

Crusaders hit by bad news as they lose All Black centre Goodhue for remainder of the season

All Blacks Jack Goodhue and Joe Moody will both spend time on the sidelines, with the Crusaders confirming their injuries in a sta…

Sam Smith
Sam Smith
14 Apr 2021, 20:32
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