Rugby Direct

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• Rugby Direct Episode 232: All eyes on the title - looking ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific finals 02.06.2026 30хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a blockbuster playoff weekend as the race for the title heats up.   With the finals now locked in, who are the genuine favourites and which side could swoop in late and steal the win?   Plus, they dig into the latest on rising star Fehi Fineanganofo – is he staying put?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct - Bruce Sharrock tackles the biggest issues facing rugby 28.05.2026 43хв

  A big-name guest on Rugby Direct this week, as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined in studio by the highly influential player agent Bruce Sharrock.   The trio tackle the biggest issues facing New Zealand rugby – the fight against league, where the game is heading, and what must change if rugby is to remain king.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 230 28.05.2026 22хв

  Big news on Rugby Direct!  Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the news the Crusaders are set to usher in a new head coach for 2027 – a story broken by Napier himself.  Plus, it’s the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, so the lads run the ruler over every matchup, including the headline debate: resting the stars – smart management or a buzzkill for fans?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct Ep 229 25.05.2026 36хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Crusaders keeping their hopes of a home playoff alive, while the Hurricanes lock up top spot and secure home advantage throughout the postseason. Plus, the boys look ahead to the future of Super Rugby — could a return to the conference system be on the cards in 2027?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 228 22.05.2026 22хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier look ahead to the penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific — can we expect any upsets as the playoffs loom?   The boys also dive into the latest confirmed departures among Kiwi Super Rugby players and ask the big question: is New Zealand rugby’s middle tier starting to be exposed?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 227 18.05.2026 30хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Super Rugby run home — with the top two all but locked in, can anyone stop the red-hot Hurricanes? Plus, the future of rising star Fehi Fineanganofo — is there a genuine chance he stays in New Zealand and pushes for All Blacks honours? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 226 14.05.2026 15хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to Dave Rennie fronting the media for the first time since he took charge of the All Blacks.  They also unpack the surprise return of Sir Graham Henry as a selector, and look ahead to a crucial round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct - Steve Lancaster talks challenges shaping rugby in Aotearoa 13.05.2026 42хв

  In this special episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are joined in studio by the new New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster. The trio dive into the game’s biggest talking points - from governance and the future of Super Rugby to player pathways and the challenges shaping rugby in Aotearoa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 224 11.05.2026 32хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down all the biggest talking points from Round 13. Another All Black is set to head offshore at season’s end, NZ Rugby digs in on its stance around Mo’unga and Frizell returning via the NPC, and the pressure mounts on Moana Pasifika — is there still time to turn it around? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 223 07.05.2026 33хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the big breaking news: the appointment of Steve Lancaster as NZ Rugby’s new CEO. The boys give their first reaction and unpack what the appointment means for the game.  There’s also a cause for concern for the Hurricanes with Cam Roigard sidelined – is the ‘Cain Train’ starting to derail? Plus, they open up the mailbag and tackle your questions.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 222 04.05.2026 35хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect round 12 of Super Rugby. The top three are pulling clear - but who’s best placed to grab the final three playoff spots as the race tightens? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 221 30.04.2026 28хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Christchurch Super Round – what worked, what didn’t, and whether it could help revive Super Rugby.  Plus, they preview round 12 of the competition and debate the return of the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup – is it a winner or a risk worth taking?  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 220 22.04.2026 43хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined by Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies for a wide-ranging chat about Super Rugby Pacific, including the growing challenges surround team ownership in the competition.  The boys also look ahead to the highly anticipated Super Round, set to play out this weekend at Christchurch’s brand new One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 219 20.04.2026 32хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier rip into a massive Round 10. The Hurricanes’ title charge takes a serious hit after a stumbling loss to the Chiefs, the Black Ferns flex their muscle with a statement win over Canada, and there’s no shortage of other talking points across the rugby landscape. Don’t miss the latest episode of Rugby Direct. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 218 16.04.2026 38хв

  On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the uncertain future of Moana Pasifika and what their potential exit could mean for Super Rugby as a whole. How would the competition be reshaped if they were to walk away?  The boys also preview Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, before opening the mailbag to pick their first All Blacks XV of the 2026 season.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 217 14.04.2026 27хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack all the fallout from Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific. The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend - including the big question of whether anyone can slow down the red‑hot Hurricanes. They also review the Black Ferns’ opening win of their 2026 campaign and the Crusaders officially turn the page on a storied past - ushering in a new era at their new stadium by retiring the famous horses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 216 09.04.2026 24хв

  On the latest Rugby Direct podcast, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss a busy post-Easter weekend of news in the rugby world, with former All Black Shannon Frizell returning home and New Zealand Rugby closing in on a high performance director announcement. We also look back at a truncated round eight of Super Rugby and ahead to a full slate in round nine of the competition, with a particular focus on the top of the table Hurricanes and Blues match.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 215 02.04.2026 21хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack the reaction and wider implications of Gregor Paul’s Ardie Savea column published in the New Zealand Herald, sparking debate across the rugby landscape. The duo also cast an eye ahead to a notably light Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific, discussing what it means for teams and fans alike as the competition only has three games. Plus, there’s time for a moment of reflection as they farewell the Crusaders’ iconic 'temporary' home stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 214 29.03.2026 28хв

  On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into all the fallout from Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific. The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend — including whether anyone can stop the red‑hot Hurricanes — before going head‑to‑head on who should be the next All Blacks captain.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• Rugby Direct: Episode 213 26.03.2026 24хв

  On today’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and producer Mark Kelly break down the newly released 2026 NPC schedule. The duo also preview Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, before Elliott sits down with Blues fullback Peyton Spencer for an in‑depth chat. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.