The Silver Fern

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360915187/blues-coach-backs-pita-ahki-plug-midfield-gap-vacated-all-black-rieko-ioane

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/582134/is-antoine-dupont-the-best-rugby-player-in-the-world

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360914378/who-englishman-alex-robertson-next-coach-npc-champions-canterbury

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks-review-independent-oversight-and-key-changes-in-assessment-of-scott-robertson-and-his-men/premium/HZ6L3BKHTVEPPGK7HE3GTQ2NGE/

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2026:

Joe Schmidt had not been an international head coach.

Long time head coach of Ireland.

I wonder if there are many players who might be targeted by NH nations?

Papalii has an Irish mother, IIRC.

According to Paul Cully:

Outgoing NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson is in his last week in the job, so the work will then come under the responsibility of interim chief executive Steve Lancaster or the next full-time chief executive.

The Star-Times understands that key role won’t be filled by Six Nations boss Tom Harrison, however.

The Englishman was previously reported to be one of the front-runners to replace Robinson, but it is understood that he has withdrawn from contention.

https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360914038/all-blacks-black-ferns-and-super-players-line-pay-raise-new-zealand-rugby-revenue-climbs

Liam Napier said that Sean Marks is not in the mix.

@Tim Liam Napier's Rugby Direct podcast episode from December 8 mentioned players having those same issues with the coaches. Now he is reporting that they have been confirmed in the NZR review.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rugby-direct-84288564/?keyid[0]=Rugby Direct&pname=podcast_profile&sc=widget_share

@Steven-Harris said in NH Club Rugby:

@sparky how did Reiko go .?

Saw this in Irish Independent:

Making his first start after last weekend’s soft launch against a second-string Harlequins side at home, Rieko Ioane got a proper introduction to European rugby, and the All Black rolled up his sleeves and got stuck into the trenches, where James Ryan was immense. It was that kind of night.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby/bench-press-helps-leinster-overturn-half-time-deficit-and-pass-tough-welford-road-test/a1169182234.html

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/pressure-builds-on-all-blacks-coaches-as-internal-frustrations-emerge/S45WBKEFEFCY5MFPQJYYX3ZJDE/

The Herald understands feedback from players and staff presents a deeply concerning picture of the All Blacks environment, with multiple sources pointing to widespread internal frustrations.

Two assistant coaches, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, voluntarily departing in the last two years sparked red-flag concerns with how the All Blacks are being run. But the fresh, stinging feedback from within – with communication, trust, strategy and selection all believed to have been raised – cannot be ignored.

All teams have unhappy players with selection, but concerns with the All Blacks environment are believed to spread well beyond individuals alone.

Support from senior players proved powerful in Ian Foster retaining his position as All Blacks head coach in 2022 – as the players approached then NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson in his Johannesburg hotel room to strongly voice their views.

This time around, the opposite could be true.

At this stage, NZ Rugby is likely to allow Robertson further time to deliver significant improvements but if the players aren’t satisfied with the initial post-season All Blacks review findings and solutions – which could range from changes in coaching personnel to roles and responsibilities – they may request a second review is conducted.

https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/blues-introduce-hall-of-fame

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/2025-nz-rugby-awards-ardie-saveas-player-of-the-year-prize-caps-a-dominant-year/5AMBW2XMKJFX7APJUPN7TAVXHI/

LOL

@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2026:

Have been told that Nick Evans is the new assistant.

Reliable source so don’t think they are pulling my leg. Unsure when to expect an announcement but that’s about the only oil I’ve been able to provide

What role? Will he have much influence?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/super-rugby-pacific-hurricanes-sold-to-new-owners-as-wellington-rugby-offloads-50-stake/YIM54UQNNRFU3IRSIN6NZE34VM/

Healed, healthy and motivated, Stephen Perofeta ready to rise again for Blues in Super Rugby

https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360907547/healed-healthy-and-motivated-stephen-perofeta-ready-rise-again-blues-super-rugby

All Blacks set to beef up coaching ranks to improve tactical kicking and high-ball work

https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360909917/all-blacks-set-beef-coaching-ranks-improve-tactical-kicking-and-high-ball-work

IIRC, the NBA has a very different player development model - depending on college teams?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/new-zealand-rugby-in-talks-with-brooklyn-nets-general-manager-sean-marks-for-ceo-role-report/IOZYMHTMMNA53LJX3JUADCNCE4/