The lifeblood of the code at grassroots level has also been impacted by the pandemic. With a new Christchurch club season starting this Saturday, Chris Barclay reports.
As franchises cope with a third season disrupted by Covid, the Highlanders are facing a large expected loss this season, in line with the other four Kiwi teams.
Kendrick Lynn is not yet 40 but his coaching career has taken off. The former Highlanders and Stags utility back chats about being named head coach of leading French club Lyon.
Covid-19 outbreaks in the Blues, Highlanders, and Crusaders squads have forced New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to amend the DHL Super Rugby Pacific Round 5 schedule.
Legendary Counties Manukau, Blues and All Blacks winger Joeli Vidiri will be farewelled at Navigation Homes Stadium, where he produced so many memories for rugby fans.
Anti-apartheid protesters and rugby fans who supported the Springboks tour in 1981 are being sought to recount memories of that divisive winter for Christchurch school children through an oral history initiative.
Niall Gregg has been bumped up to head coach this season. Not bad for a 24-year-old from Ireland who arrived in New Zealand six years ago with just a dream.