A two-from-two Northern Tour from the All Blacks XV has displayed the depth of New Zealand's talent stocks once more, with no shortage of emerging stars making their case for higher honours.
Injuries in both of New Zealand's current touring teams have resulted in a bevy of changes ahead of the All Blacks XV's opening game against Munster this weekend.
New Zealand's best of the rest have been named for their two-match tour of Europe in November, revealing who's next in line for All Blacks duties in the eyes of Scott Robertson and his selectors.
The 2024/2025 season of the French Pro D2 is about to start, and the number of international players keeps growing with the likes of Courtney Lawes, George North, Chris Farrell, and Curwin Bosch having joined it.
With the August 28 deadline now passed for the final submission by all 20 teams of their 33-strong squads travelling to France, the names of the 660 players who will be involved at Rugby World Cup 2023 have been confirmed.
The All Blacks XV had an entertaining 41-27 win over Japan in sticky conditions in Tokyo with All Blacks XV centre Billy Procter a standout with four tries.
All Blacks XV Head Coach Leon MacDonald has named his playing 23 to challenge Japan’s national team, the Brave Blossoms in their second and final match of the Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup series.
England overcame the USA 43-29 at Twickenham on Sunday, handing out the most debuts in one match since 1947.
Marcus Smith capped an assured debut at fly-half with a try, with Sam Underhill, Ollie Lawrence, Jamie Blamire and Harry Randall also crossing.