Rugby

After a long Super Rugby season, a final that seemed inevitable

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — After 77 matches in the regular season and five more in the playoffs, Super Rugby has thrown up the final that seemed obvious since the tournament began.

Jun 14, 2025 8:26 PM Read more >

The Chiefs beat ACT Brumbies and will face the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final

HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Hamilton-based Chiefs will travel to Christchurch to play the Crusaders in next weekend's Super Rugby final after beating the ACT Brumbies 37-17 on Saturday to reach the title match for the third-straight year.

Jun 14, 2025 3:12 AM Read more >

The Crusaders will host the Super Rugby final after edging the Blues 21-14 in the first semifinal

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — The Christchurch-based Crusaders will host the Super Rugby final for a record eighth time after edging the Blues 21-14 on Friday to end the Blues' one-year title reign.

Jun 13, 2025 3:47 AM Read more >

Canada rugby coach Steve Meehan names 59-player long list ahead of summer tests

Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has announced a long list of 59 players, including 20 who are uncapped, ahead of the team's summer test matches. The 24th-ranked Canadian men take on No. 22 Belgium on July 12 and No.

Jun 12, 2025 2:08 PM Read more >

Fiji names Salesi Rayasi for Wallabies and Scotland tests

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Former Super Rugby winger Salesi Rayasi has been named in Fiji’s 32-man squad to play Australia and Scotland in rugby tests next month.

Jun 11, 2025 8:49 PM Read more >

No more second chances: Chiefs vs. Brumbies, Crusaders vs. Chiefs in the Super Rugby semis

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Hamilton-based Chiefs are keenly aware there are no more second chances as they head in Saturday’s Super Rugby semifinal against the last Australian hope, the ACT Brumbies.

Jun 11, 2025 7:56 PM Read more >

Black sports trailblazer Billy Boston, 90, becomes rugby league's first knight

Billy Boston, who blazed a trail for Black sportspeople in Britain during the 1950s and '60s, became the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Jun 10, 2025 7:40 AM Read more >

Fagerson becomes first injury casualty for Lions as Bealham called up for Australia rugby tour

DUBLIN (AP) — Scotland prop Zander Fagerson was ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia because of injury on Monday, with Ireland international Finlay Bealham called up as a replacement.

Jun 9, 2025 4:36 AM Read more >

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson to step down at year's end

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson will step down at the end of the year, creating a vacancy in one of the most powerful jobs in New Zealand sport.

Jun 8, 2025 6:54 PM Read more >

All Blacks great Stu Wilson, known for his ebullient personality and pioneering play, dies at 70

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Stu Wilson , an elusive All Blacks winger whose playing style reflected his ebullient personality, has died. He was 70. Wilson's death was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby, which did not specify a cause.

Jun 8, 2025 5:26 PM Read more >