Aotearoa Rugby Pod

Anton Segner interview: Behind His Rise Towards The All Blacks 02.06.2026 30Min.

Anton Segner joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod for an in-depth conversation about transforming from a prospect into one of Super Rugby's most influential loose forwards.The Blues flanker discusses bulking up, earning a starting role, his relentless drive for improvement, lessons from Richie McCaw and Kieran Read, his friendship with Crusaders star Leicester Fainga'anuku and the challenge awaiting the Blues in Christchurch this weekend.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crusaders Rising, Hurricanes stumbling? Super Rugby Finals Preview 01.06.2026 57Min.

The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs have arrived, amidst final round chaos.The Hurricanes are top qualifiers despite a heavy loss to the Crusaders, the Chiefs are confident after dismantling the Blues, and the Brumbies are under pressure from a shock defeat to Moana Pasifika. ARP's Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall look at who will win and why.We also get into who should be the All Blacks props and who you'd have with the squad as an apprentice.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: Who gets the last home playoff? | Blues, Crusaders or Brumbies? 27.05.2026 14Min.

The final round of Super Rugby Pacific has plenty to play for.The Hurricanes and Chiefs have secured home finals, but the battle between the Blues, Crusaders and Brumbies for the remaining home playoff spot will help define the finals series. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew breakdown how it could play out.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anton Segner for the All Blacks? 26.05.2026 16Min.

Anton Segner is making a serious push for the All Blacks.The Blues openside has emerged as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s form loose forwards, combining breakdown menace, defensive work-rate and strong carrying to put himself firmly in Dave Rennie’s selection frame. Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates whether Segner deserves an All Blacks call-up, alongside Ardie Savea, and whether his all-round game now makes him impossible to ignore.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Forgotten All Black Making A Serious Push 25.05.2026 1Std. 5Min.

David Havili is back in the All Blacks conversation.Dropped by Scott Robertson in 2024 and largely forgotten in the midfield debate, the Crusaders captain reminded everyone of his quality with a match-winning display against the Chiefs.The Aotearoa Rugby Pod asks whether the 30-test veteran could force his way back into national selection this season.The crew also dives into:Super Rugby Pacific’s tightening top six raceThe teams most likely to surge lateAnd one of the toughest selection calls imaginable:Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: The Selection Rule Defining Rennie’s All Blacks 20.05.2026 16Min.

What is B.I.G.G.A — and why does Dave Rennie value it so highly?Bryn Hall and James Parsons explain “Back In Game, Go Again,” a Dave Rennie work-rate metric that shapes his selections.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: Who Can Stop The Canes Right Now? 19.05.2026 7Min.

Their attack is electric, their defence has tightened, and they’re winning games in multiple ways.So the big question is: who can actually stop the Hurricanes, now they most likely have home advantage through the playoffs?There appears to be one major contender and one dark horse.The ARP crew also breaks down the top six contenders with two rounds to go until the playoffs.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Mo’unga Walk Straight Back Into The All Blacks? 15.05.2026 1Std. 3Min.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod team debates whether Richie Mo'unga should return from Japan and immediately into the All Blacks.Would changing overseas eligibility policies strengthen New Zealand rugby or undermine the system?The crew also unpack B.I.G.G.A, the Dave Rennie work-rate metric and how it could shape future All Blacks selections. Could it make Lucas Casey a great option?Plus, the Hurricanes beating the Blues and James Parsons' tense post-match exchange with Vern Cotter.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruahei Demant on Bristol, Whitney Hansen & the Blues’ loaded Aupiki squad 13.05.2026 42Min.

Black Ferns and Blues co-captain Ruahei Demant has experienced the other side! A sabbatical to English club Bristol has taught her plenty about rugby in the home of the World Cup champions. She has returned home with new knowledge and a desire to use it to help the Blues defend their Aupiki title.She chats with Aotearoa Rugby Pod about... What she learnt playing for Bristol Bears Women in England’s PWRHow overseas rugby challenged and improved her gameThe secrets she learnt about Canada's success What’s already changed under new Black Ferns coach Whitney HansenYoung stars Amarante Sititi and Braxton Sorenson-McGeeThe stacked Blues Women squad ahead of their Super Rugby Aupiki defenceA great insight into the growth of the women’s game globally and where New Zealand rugby is heading next.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: Why NZ Fell Short Of Boks At U20s 12.05.2026 11Min.

Why didn’t New Zealand win the Under 20 Rugby Championship — and why did the Baby Boks look so dominant throughout the tournament?The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down how South Africa built such a powerful U20 side and discusses NZ prioritising different goals at age-grade level.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Jordie Shift To 15? All Blacks’ Midfield Squeeze 11.05.2026 51Min.

The All Blacks are stacked with midfield options.Quinn Tupaea is in outstanding form, Billy Proctor is excelling, Timoci Tavatavanawai's becoming impossible to ignore and Leicester Fainga’anuku's causing havoc wherever he plays.So does Jordie Barrett have to shift from 12 back to fullback?The Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates the balance of the All Blacks backline, including Josh Moorby's chances, before getting into who will make the Super Rugby top 6.Later this week .. Under 20s Rugby Championship review + Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant on how English rugby opened her eyes to a different way.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: Super Rugby's most frustrating team? 07.05.2026 12Min.

The Highlanders keep finding themselves in the fight against top Super Rugby sides — but too often they leave with nothing to show for it.So why does the same story keep repeating for Jamie Joseph's men?The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why the Highlanders are competitive for long stretches, yet continue to lose tight games. Right now, the Highlanders might be Super Rugby’s most frustrating team: good enough to push anyone… but unable to consistently finish the job.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: All Blacks Back 3 SOLVED? Clarke, Tangitau & Jordan 05.05.2026 6Min.

The All Blacks back three is a big debate heading into the international season.Aotearoa Rugby Pod dives into why Caleb Clarke, Caleb Tangitau and Will Jordan could be the most balanced option — combining power, speed and elite game awareness.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ABs Selection Heats Up: Scott Barrett, Proctor and Hotham Under the Microscope 04.05.2026 1Std. 10Min.

The All Blacks selection picture is tightening and some big calls will need to be made.This episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod focuses on the key positional battles at halfback, centre and lock, with Scott Barrett, Noah Hotham and Billy Proctor in the spotlight. The team also breaks down Super Rugby Pacific Round 12, identifying the performances and trends shaping national selection, before discussing the significance of Gilbert Enoka’s return to the All Blacks management group.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Every Sports Parent Should Know | NZ Under 20s coach Kane Jury on Youth Development 28.04.2026 51Min.

This isn’t just about rugby — it’s about raising better young people.New Zealand Under 20s and pathways coach Kane Jury joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod to explain how NZ develops its young athletes — and why parents and coaches play such a critical role in that journey.From preparing for the Rugby Championship and World Championship to teaching life skills off the field, Jury shares why success at the highest level starts long before professional rugby.This is a must-watch for anyone involved in youth sport.In this episode:Why coaching the person matters as much as the playerWhat parents get right — and wrong — in youth sportHow NZ aligns schools, U20s and the All BlacksPreparing young athletes for pressure and setbacks#Rugby #YouthSport #AllBlacks #Parenting #Coaching #NZRugbyCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fainga’anuku at 7? Hype or Hit? Could the All Blacks follow the Boks blueprint? 27.04.2026 1Std. 9Min.

Leicester Fainga’anuku’s man of the match performance for the Crusaders at open side has everyone talking. But is it the best way to use the hybrid centre/winger?He’s an elite player but will it work for the Crusaders against elite Super Rugby opposition, never mind the All Blacks versus the Springboks?This is less about the player, and more about whether the role stacks up under pressure.We also talk Super Round, whether the losers of Golden Point get ripped off on the table and the Black Ferns' first title under Whitney Hansen.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHORT: Two Future All Blacks? Tangitau & Segner 22.04.2026 12Min.

Caleb Tangitau and Anton Segner are two names building serious hype.We break down their form and skillsets, then break down the problems with the Blues defence and the Crusaders.👇 Let us know: Who’s the next All Black you’re watching? Email: ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify & AppleCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby’s Next Step — And How Fans Can Shape It 21.04.2026 34Min.

Rugby is evolving — on the field, in the stadium and how fans experience the game.In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley explains how the sport is taking its next step — from faster, more engaging play to a match day experience that goes beyond the 80 minutes.We get into:Evolution of the on-field product The shift towards a bigger in-stadium experienceWhy rugby needs to think differently about entertainmentAnd how fans play a role in what comes nextThe latest on Moana Pasifika's futureRugby’s core is strong — but the next level is about how everything around it continues to grow.What would you add to take rugby to the next level?Email your ideas to ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz — we’ll take the best ones forward to the powers that be.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Moana Pasifika’s Future Affects Every Team in Super Rugby 20.04.2026 59Min.

Moana Pasifika is searching for new financial backing — and it could have major implications for Super Rugby.If they can’t secure support, what does that mean for the number of teams, the competition format, and the future of Pacific rugby in the professional game?The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why this moment matters, and why the ripple effects could be felt across the entire competition.Later this week, we speak with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley to get answers from inside the game.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Holland: All Blacks lessons behind the Hurricanes attack 16.04.2026 32Min.

Since leaving the All Blacks, Jason Holland has helped shape Super Rugby's most potent attack at the Hurricanes.In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Holland breaks down:The key principles behind the Hurricanes’ attacking successThe lessons he took from the All Blacks environmentWhy clarity and simplicity are central to performanceAnd how those ideas will carry into his role as Blues head coach📺 Subscribe for more rugby analysis, interviews and insight from @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels#Hurricanes #AllBlacks #SuperRugby #Blues #RugbyAnalysis #JasonHollandCatch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.