Paul Cully

Super officials admit refs got it wrong in Moana v Blues fiasco Ardie Savea’s side should not have had their 55th minute try disallowed. But in the upcoming international season, the goalposts shift again.

Not even the world's best player and top referees understand rugby's rule book. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360693...

‘Unsustainable’ New Zealand Rugby reports $19.5m loss Chief executive Mark Robinson says NZ Rugby’s ‘high fixed-cost structure’ is not working despite record revenues of $285m in 2024.

Confirmed: A $19.5 million loss for New Zealand Rugby. www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360681...

Schmidt to stay on as Wallabies coach until 2026 as part of Kiss handover Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has extended his contract and will take the national side on the Spring Tour as part of a handover to his successor Les Kiss.

At this point Schmidt might as well stay on. www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

Sky Sport data reveals what Kiwis are really watching - and how Overall Super Rugby audiences are up modestly, the NRL is down by 1% and A-League, Formula 1 and golf have recorded strong increases.

Super Rugby up marginally, NRL a fraction lower, but big winners are football and F1. And digital. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360658...

The numbers don’t lie – why Super Rugby is the best club comp in the world A rugby-loving French data scientist has examined the figures and found that Super Rugby is superior to its European counterparts.

It was a pleasure to talk to @paulcully.bsky.social a few days ago about my analysis of the Super Rugby Pacific season. His article is now up on the Sydney Morning Herald website: www.smh.com.au/sport/the-nu...

Lolesio’s Japan move puts Lions and World Cup hopes at risk Wallabies five-eighth Noah Lolesio has agreed to move to Japan to play club rugby in 2026, with an option to play until the end of 2027.

Lolesio heads to Japan. www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

Hurricanes seek $1m injection as financial strain persists The Super Rugby club lost $700,000 in 2024 after a $1.4m deficit in 2023 as depressed crowd numbers hit hard in the capital.

Concernimg news Pt II. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360636...

Wellington rugby woes: Troubled union posts another $1m-plus loss The WRFU has paid the price of not living within its means as gaming revenue target proves wildly over-ambitious and NPC playoffs cost $75,000.

Concerning news for Wellington rugby fans Pt I www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360635...

Why NPC rugby broadcasts are under threat Wall-to-wall television coverage of the provincial game could become a thing of the past under the broadcast deal in the process of being hammered out.

www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360631...

‘Not viable’: Kiwis kill RA plan to stage lucrative Bledisloe Cup on Anzac Day After initial enthusiasm, New Zealand Rugby bosses say they won’t support an annual clash between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in April - despite the fact it could earn them millions.

BledisNo. www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

How Mo’unga could play against the Lions as All Blacks play France The world-class No 10 has made no secret of his desire to keep playing international rugby, and the ‘Anzac XV’ could well grant him the chance.

Understand that Mo’unga is keen to face the Lions for Aus-NZ side. Would be a big coup for that fixture. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360621...

Sky flexes muscles with strong Super Rugby, Warriors numbers As NZ Rugby talks with broadcast rival DAZN, Sky has recorded significant growth across rugby, the NRL and - in particular - the A-League.

Hurricanes-Blues attracts 639,000 viewers. Super Rugby appears to be on track for another year of double-digit growth. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360602...

All Blacks-Boks to get a money-spinning fourth instalment in 2026 Rugby’s ‘Greatest Rivalry’ is set to make a massive splash next year when the All Blacks and Springboks introduce their four-yearly tour concept.

www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360600...

NZ Rugby poised for lucrative revenue-share deal with Springboks New Zealand Rugby is closing in a tour deal that will allow it to benefit from South Africa’s current strength and rivalry with the All Blacks.

Interview with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360588...

The Mo’unga debate: Why NZ Rugby won’t shift on All Blacks eligibility The man at the forefront of rugby’s player retention battle has made it clear that regulations around national selection are here to stay.

Its still a No from NZ Rugby. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360579...

Trimmed-down Te Whare grabs Japanese rugby chance The Kiwi cult hero was cut by the Dolphins but he’s now down to 108-110kg and helping his new side beat Richie Mo’unga in Japan Rugby League One.

An interview with Valynce Te Whare on weight, his Japan move, the future and Wayne Bennett. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360580...

Wales' defeat against Italy leaves Warren Gatland running out of road Simon Thomas They say all roads lead to Rome, but for Warren Gatland the road must soon surely lead to the exit ramp. There’s no guarantee that a win over Italy alone would have seen him retain his jo...

Here are my thoughts on Wales’ 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome and what it means for Warren Gatland after the worst performance yet during his 14-match losing run.
nation.cymru/sport/wales-...

Super Rugby chief takes expansion off the table for now The final touches are being put on strategy work until 2028 and Super Rugby Pacific is set for a period of consolidation.

No new Super entrants on the horizon - with one caveat. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360570...

Blues confirm profit of 'between $500k-$1m' but warn model is fragile Chief executive Andrew Hore says sold-out Super Rugby final at Eden Park was key as pressure remains on Super Rugby clubs’ finances.

💰 www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360572...

O’Gara keen on Wallabies job as RA opens door to overseas candidates The highly rated Irishman has thrown his hat into the Wallabies’ coaching ring with Joe Schmidt set to step down in October.

🇮🇪 x 🇦🇺 www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

Boks aren’t too old to win third RWC in a row, says Brown Springboks attack coach Tony Brown says South Africa’s veterans are key to their bid to eclipse the ABs’ feat of back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins.

Second part of interview with Tony Brown. Springboks in no hurry to get rid of veterans+their No 10 battle.
www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360568...

Wallabies stand to bank millions under new TV bonus linked to wins Nine is in the final stages of securing a new five-year deal to broadcast rugby union worth more than $210 million that pays up if the Wallabies can turn their form around.

The new deal, if agreed, is a 40 per cent increase on the current arrangement which includes the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour. It is unclear how much Nine will provide in cash versus contra (free advertising). www.afr.com/companies/sp...

Brown opens up on Boks, beating the ABs - and huge Eden Park test The Sunday Star-Times catches up with the former All Black who is now plotting their demise as attack coach of the Springboks.

I catch up with the Springboks attack coach in the world’s greatest city. www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360565...

Sydney to host 2027 Rugby World Cup final as Melbourne secures 11th-hour deal Twenty-four years after Jonny Wilkinson kicked that drop goal to win the Rugby World Cup at Homebush, another decider will be played at the Olympic venue.

Some great detail in this story - including the flat fee RA is getting for 2027 RWC. www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

Rugby, cricket hold “conversations” on bundling broadcast rights New Zealand’s sporting codes are getting creative as they attempt to create leverage for their content in a softer broadcast market.

Interesting development in sports broadcasting - 🏉 x 🏏 = 💰💰? www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360558...

Breakout ABs star in doubt for Super season Wallace Sititi is carrying a knee injury which requires surgery and will have him sidelined for at least some of the Chiefs’ campaign.

www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360549...

The Highlanders have announced that Forbes listed billionaire Charles Gibbon has invested in the franchise.

Win Bledisloe every two years: Rugby Australia sets out bold five-year goals A new strategy paper through to 2029 released by RA includes some lofty ambitions.

RA’s list for Santa. www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

Only two survivors from the current board - Catherine Savage and Rowena Davenport. Choice of chair the next big step.

NZ Rugby has just announced its nine board members (subject to ratification). They are:
Caren Rangi
Catherine Savage
David Kirk MBE
Doug Jones
Grant Jarrold
Greg Barclay
Keven Mealamu MNZM
Julia Raue
Rowena Davenport