Rugby Direct

By Newstalk ZBSports News Sports News Rugby

Rugby Direct episodes

March 03 Rugby Direct - New All Blacks coach announced
Elliott Smith breaks down the breaking news that Dave Rennie has been confirmed as All Blacks coach, succeeding Scott Robertson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8 min
March 01 Rugby Direct Episode 205
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round three of Super Rugby pacific, with only one New Zealand side winning over the weekend, what went wrong for the rest of them. We dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of it all.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
41 min
February 26 Rugby Direct: Episode 204
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview the third round of Super Rugby Pacific.

They also discuss the latest changes to the NZ Rugby high performance environment and how it could change the game across New Zealand.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 min
February 22 Rugby Direct - Episode 203
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley review round two of Super Rugby Pacific, The Brumbies thump the Crusaders, What's going wrong for the defending champs?

Also, the boys review the latest matches out of the 6 nations, and could Stephen Larkham be a smokey to be part of the next All Black coaching staff?

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
38 min
February 18 Rugby Direct - Episode 202
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley preview round two of Super Rugby Pacific. They also discuss Dalton Papali’i’s move to the French Top 14 side Castres Olympique and Leicester Fainga'anuku being dropped to the bench.

And for the first time, the boys dive into the mailbag.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 min
February 15 Rugby Direct - Episode 201
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier review round one of Super Rugby Pacific who shone who didn't and who has the most to work on as we head into round two of the competition.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34 min
February 11 Rugby Direct - Episode 200
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the team lineups for the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific.

They also discuss their Super Rugby fantasy lineups for the opening weekend and take a look at the latest developments in the Blues replacement coach saga.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21 min
February 09 Rugby Direct - Episode 199
On the latest edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier preview the Super Rugby season - who will be the big movers and who is likely to be spat out the back? We give our predictions for winners and circle a few players who might have a breakout season.

We also cover the latest in the All Blacks coaching race, the Six Nations underway and cast an eye over the Rugby World Cup schedule for 2027.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
47 min
January 26 Rugby Direct - Episode 198
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the fallout around Scott Robertson's departure from the All Blacks, the criteria NZ Rugby has set for coaching applicants, and who the contenders are in what looks to be a small-field race.

We also discuss Vern Cotter being ruled out of said race by taking on the Queensland Reds job from next year.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 min
January 15 Rugby Direct - Episode 197
The New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed the news they have parted ways with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson just 2 years in to his 4-year contract.

Following an in-depth review of the 2025 season, NZR Chair David Kirk confirmed the trajectory of the team is not where it needs to be in the current Rugby World Cup cycle and the search for a new head coach will start immediately.

Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith and New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul unpack today's announcement.

LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20 min

About Rugby Direct

From the publisher's feed

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…