Stories by Joe Porter

The bitter rugby rivalry between the Crusaders and Blues and Canterbury and Auckland has been re-ignited ahead of the tomorrow night's clash in Christchurch. Audio

Whetukamokamo Douglas is a Crusader and a Māori All Black, who's taken his famous name from the East Coast to Italy to Christchurch. Audio

The Chiefs are facing some uphill battles in the new Super Rugby season, but for some young players there are even tougher challenges at home. Audio

During men's health week this week, New Zealand athletes are playing a significant role in opening up on their struggles with mental health.

European clubs and not the Six Nations countries are now the major stumbling block to a global season says New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson.

Super Rugby Aotearoa is about to kick off for sports starved fans in New Zealand, so can anyone stop the Crusaders from marching to another title?

Kobus Van Wyk is worried about family in South Africa and misses his mum's cooking, but the Hurricanes wing is set to make New Zealand home.

Sam Cane has completed his ascent from schoolboy prodigy to All Blacks captain, so what kind of leader will he be? Joe Porter investigates.

David Nyika would love to have the swagger of Israel Adesanya, but his main focus is fighting for gold next year in Tokyo. Video

Tyrel Lomax loved growing up in Wainuiomata; early morning training's with dad before sharing kai with his mates. Video

Tyrel Lomax loved growing up in Wainuiomata; early morning training's with dad before sharing kai with his mates. Video

With rugby sidelined there's been little speculation over which players might bolt into the All Blacks, but one who seems destined to don the black jersey is Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi. Video

World Cup mountain biker Sam Blenkinsop is one of many athletes whose season is up in the air and he's gutted after making a flying start to 2020. Video

Staying connected to the outside world during the lockdown can be tough and for Julia Ratcliffe it's her day job that's keeping her sane.

Super Rugby kicks off this week and while it's the earliest the competition has ever started one thing remains the same - the Crusaders being favourites, writes Joe Porter].

As fans come to grips with the All Blacks being beaten by England and losing their chance to claim a third straight World Cup title, it's the players who are struggling the most.

The All Blacks won't be the only ones feeling plenty of nerves ahead of this weekend's Rugby World Cup semi-final against England in Yokohama.

The England coach Eddie Jones' silver tongue is in stinging form and shooting verbal barbs ahead of this weekend's mouth watering RWC semifinal against the All Blacks. Video

The semi-finalists have been found at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, but most people think the All Blacks clash with England will in essence be the final.

All Black star Ardie Savea will run out onto the field against Ireland tonight wearing a silicone pink wedding ring and visualising how best to play. Video

The Wheel Blacks are currently in Tokyo for the World Wheel Chair Rugby Challenge, going down 60-46 to Australia in their opening game.

The three Ellison brothers love living and playing in Japan but one of their biggest goals is retaining their Māori tikanga.

First Person - Fathers can show daughters how they should expect to be treated in relationships and show sons that the most despicable thing they can do is degrade and hurt women, writes Joe Porter.

The All Blacks captain says all eight quarterfinalists have the skills, physicality and belief to win the World Cup.

RNZ rugby reporter Joe Porter watched Japan beat Scotland to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in a pub in Tokyo with some fans - here are their reactions.