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Rugby Direct: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Newstalk ZB
Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago21 min
Rugby Direct Episode 247: Rugby's greatest rivalry tour: The squad is set
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' 44-man squad named for South Africa and the United States on the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes have retained all 34 players from the Nations Championship Southern Series squad, while adding a further 10 players for the demanding seven-week campaign. With opportunities rewarded and tough calls made, who are the unlucky names to miss out? The boys dissect the selections, debate the biggest talking points, and look at what the expanded squad means for the All Blacks' ambitions abroad. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 1 weeks ago39 min
Rugby Direct Episode 246: Cameron Suafoa on rugby, life and his terminal cancer diagnosis
Rugby Direct is back with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, joined in studio by Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa for an inspiring and candid conversation. Suafoa opens up on one of the toughest periods of his life and career after being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, detailing the battle that followed, the support that helped him through, and the perspective he has gained from the experience. He also reflects on his return to professional rugby, his journey back to the Blues, and living with a terminal cancer diagnosis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 1 weeks ago41 min
Rugby Direct Episode 245: Ireland Beaten, South Africa Beckons
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ emphatic 40-21 win over Ireland, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The boys review a perfect opening block of the Nations Championship, with the All Blacks going three from three, and assess the key performances, talking points, and big takeaways from the series. They also look ahead to the next major milestone on the road to South Africa, analysing what changes Dave Rennie could make when he names his 44-man squad on Monday. Who’s played their way in, who’s under pressure, and what does the next chapter of the All Blacks’ campaign look like? It’s all covered on the latest episode of Rugby Direct. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 1 weeks ago20 min
Rugby Direct Episode 244: The team is in - Rennie’s big calls
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland. Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2 weeks ago33 min
Rugby Direct Episode 243: All Blacks Win Big, But Are They Getting Better?
Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' far-from-convincing 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington. Despite the comfortable scoreline, questions remain about the performance, selections, and overall direction of the side after two tests under Dave Rennie. The boys also debate one of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend: can the All Blacks extend their remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park when they face Ireland, or are the visitors primed to snap one of rugby's most iconic streaks? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2 weeks ago17 min
Rugby Direct Episode 242: Five changes and a fresh look ABs
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' five changes for Saturday's test against Italy and ask the big question: has Dave Rennie gone too far with his selections? The boys also look ahead to the second test of 2026, discussing what the changes mean for the All Blacks and what fans can expect when they take the field this weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago28 min
Rugby Direct Episode 241: A Winning Start, Rennie’s All Blacks Era Begins
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' winning start to the Dave Rennie era after their victory over France in Christchurch. What impressed most? Where are the areas for improvement? Plus, the lads cast an eye around the rugby world to break down the biggest results, standout performers and key talking points from a blockbuster weekend of international action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago25 min
Rugby Direct Episode 240: Rennie's first big calls: Right or wrong?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks team naming ahead of the test against France. Has Rennie got the big calls right? With Ruben Love at No. 10, Luke Jacobson wearing the seven jersey, and Damian McKenzie at fullback, the boys debate the key selections, the biggest surprises, and what it all means for the All Blacks moving forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About Rugby Direct
Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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