Stories by Joe Porter

Sports Call - The connection between New Zealand and Japanese rugby is growing all the time, with partnerships popping up all over the place, writes RNZ's Joe Porter.

While Japan might not be famous for its love of the oval ball, its connection with rugby dates back further than New Zealand's.

Former All Black Jamie Joseph is tasked with getting Japan to the knockout stages of a rugby World Cup for the first time.

Japan rugby coach Jamie Joseph says his side aren't ready to be involved in something as big as the proposed World League.

Japan, hosts of this year's rugby World Cup, appear set to be kneecapped by their own union in their lofty bid to bring a million new players into the game in the land of the rising sun.

Jandals and bare feet are still the choice of footwear and New Zealand's summer is in full swing, but yes, Super Rugby is about to kick off.

Fear and a desire to protect the status quo can get in the way of progression in women's sport, according to New Year's honours recipient Barbara Kendall.

The All Blacks of 2018: World Cup winners in waiting? Or pretenders to their predecessors throne?

Analysis - Are New Zealand the biggest poachers of rugby talent world-wide? Some stats released this week suggest the northern hemisphere sides are worse by a country mile.

After almost a year and plenty of soul searching, Dane Coles is about to be back in black.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen isn't backing away from his claims that New Zealand Rugby needs government money to stay at the top of the sport.

First-five Richie Mo'unga will finally get his chance to steer the All Blacks ship this weekend, but as Joe Porter writes, he's not the only player champing at the bit.

New Zealand Rugby's boss has again raised the issue of government funding to keep top All Blacks from going overseas.

The Black Ferns do battle with Australia at Eden Park tomorrow night, but for player in particular, just being there will be the realisation of a dream, and reward for never giving up. Audio

With his business socks on, because it's 'business time' in Super Rugby - Joe Porter ponders whether any side can topple the defending champions the Crusaders?

A Pacific team competing in the domestic New Zealand rugby competition will be key to any Pacific Super Rugby team getting off the ground.

Live wire Damian McKenzie faces his first real test as an All Blacks first-five this weekend, but is he a contender, or pretender, for Beauden Barrett's throne?

Analysis - The All Blacks are all set to take on France in the second test in Wellington and it could be a fiery affair in the capital, Joe Porter writes.

Fresh air has been breathed into the dream of a Pasifika Super Rugby team. Audio

Water cooler conjecture and smoko break debate, there's no hotter topic than an All Blacks team naming.

The New Zealand women's sevens team will have extra motivation when they take the field tomorrow. Video

Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze went from relative obscurity to mountain bike super stars after claiming a New Zealand one-two at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

What's the best way to win a Commonwealth Games medal? Train hard, sweat blood and tears and sacrifice everything in the purusit of success? Not neccessarily.

The New Zealand track cyclist Eddie Dawkins has won silver in the men's time trial at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, adding to the gold he won in the men's team sprint.

The New Zealand men's team pursuit have been disqualified from tonight's bronze medal ride at the Commonwealth Games after one of the team's bikes was found to be in breach of regulations.