Robert Van Royen News Today

Here we go again. The uneasy truce between New Zealand's rugby fans and their head coach Ian Foster was exposed in its first test…

Ever wondered what the impact, and potential damage, would be if you were hit by blockbusting midfielder Ngani Laumape?

Stuff is counting down the 50 most influential players in world rugby. Here are those ranked 50-41. OPINION: Who are the most influential rugby players in the world? It’s a question asked in the stands at Eden Park, in bars down Courtenay Place, in clubrooms in rural Canterbury, and in the comments section on Stuff. First we assembled a panel of nine – Stuff rugby writers Aaron Goile, Marc Hinton, Paul Cully, Richard Knowler, and Robert van Royen; former All Black Aaron Mauger, former A...

Sam Cane (left) and Dane Coles will again provide some star power to Super Rugby Aotearoa. OPINION: Super Rugby Aotearoa begins with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders in Dunedin on Friday night. There will be plenty to discuss, and debate, over the coming months. Stuff rugby writers Richard Knowler, Robert Van Royen and Marc Hinton give their views on 10 talking points. 1 The new goal-line drop-out rule will mean fewer 5m scrums which, for obvious reasons, will annoy many forwards. Will th...

Perenara has his faults, and constantly chirping the refs didn’t reflect well, but his decision-making and willingness to work like a huntaway dog on a high country station was so important for the Canes. And now he’s gone. Robert van Royen: TJ Perenara’s somewhat erratic passing won’t be missed, but the ‘Canes will dearly miss the yappy Perenara’s energy and leadership, and his ability to push out to first five-eighth in the second half, as he did so often last season. Marc Hinton...

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/STUFF The Crusaders have announced a new logo, but will keep their name after a review sparked by the Christchurch terror attack. More than a year has passed since the Crusaders re-branded, bringing an end to the team’s extensive and dividing brand review. So, has it been smooth sailing since? Robert van Royen reports. Overall, the move to keep the name, but change the logo and theming, went down well in-house, although there were exceptions, Crusaders chief executive Col...

Team of the year – Crusaders and Canterbury women Nobody likes joint winners. It’s usually an easy way out, one used to prevent dissent. But these two Christchurch-based teams can only share this award, having both won their fourth straight title in 2020. Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images Canterbury were elated after winning their fourth straight Farah Palmer Cup title in front of their fans at Rugby Park in Christchurch. The Crusaders’ Super Rugby Aotearoa triumph was their fourth in as man...