The Barrett brothers – Beauden, Scott and Jordie – are all alumni of Francis Douglas in New Plymouth and they all starred in the school’s 1st XV. Deputy principal Tim Stuck had the pleasure of coaching all three but was first to admit they had some key elements embedded in their game even before arriving at Read more
Sonny Bill Williams says the All Blacks have evolved during his decade with the team. They can now put aside differences including religion and speaking openly about personal struggles is the norm, “I think the cool thing in the last 12 months is a lot of boys in the team are real, speak their mind, Read more
AIG is the principal sponsor of the All Blacks. Climate change activists are putting pressure on the All Blacks to cancel the sponsorship deal with the insurance company. This followed a tip-off from an AIG staff member which revealed that AIG is insuring the on-ground works at the Adani Carmichael mine site, in northern Queensland, Read more
A study from the University of Otago is calling for moral as well as social values to be considered in the rugby selection process. Associate professor Tania Cassidy and Otago graduate Ryan Rosevear say the focus of provincial unions is on player development but New Zealand Rugby (NZR) focuses primarily on improving performance. The study Read more
“The title instantly jumps out: ‘$EED or GR€€D? The Book Most Pastors Want You to Read!’” writes Nik Simon in the New Zealand Herald. “It sits at the top of former All Black Salesi Tu’ipulotu ‘Charles’ Piutau’s book collection in his Belfast apartment, next to ‘An Intensive Course in Tongan’ and a collection of other Read more
Six former students of Francis Douglas Memorial College featured in this year’s British and Irish Lions tour. The three Barrett brothers, Beauden, Scott and Jordie and Liam Coltman were in the All Blacks. Ricky Riccitelli played for the Hurricanes. Teihorangi Walden was in the Highlander’s team. Watch Video: What’s in the Water at Francis Douglas Read more
Tuga Mativa and his mate All Black Ardie Savea have put St Mary’s College in Wellington on the world rugby map. St Mary’s College Sevens team was first formed less than two years ago. In 2016 the girls won every tournament they entered and are the current National Secondary School Champions. Now, in April, they hope Read more
Four former students from Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth have been selected for the All Blacks tour squad. Along with the three Barrett brothers, Beauden, Scott and Jordie, Liam Coltman had been named as a hooker on the tour. Martin Chamberlain, the principal of Francis Douglas Memorial College, said they were not only Read more
An 8-year-old student at Marian Catholic school in Hamilton has been rewarded for his good deeds by getting a visit from some All Blacks. When he was just 6 years old a Byron Casson asked himself, “If people can’t afford canned food, how can they afford a can opener?” So he set up a lemonade stand Read more
The All Blacks are among a number of Kiwi household names sporting white armbands in support of child charity Cure Kids. The charity, which has a vision to “find cures for kids”, has launched a campaign, in partnership with the national team and New Zealand Rugby, to raise awareness around the need to invest in Read more