Stories by Joe Porter

Sports Call - Liam Squire can be expected to be named in the All Blacks squad. Rugby reporter Joe Porter envisions that it all came to Steve Hansen in a dream...

Black Fern Aleisha-Pearl Nelson shouldn't be playing rugby, at least that's what the doctors said, though the Auckland prop has beaten the odds twice to achieve her ultimate dream. Audio

Dual rugby and league international, now Black Ferns hooker, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate is forging her own path in the black jersey and is helping to blaze a trail for rugby loving girls in Northland. Video, Audio

Analysis - RNZ rugby reporter Joe Porter looks at who the biggest winners and losers are from the latest All Blacks cull and what it means for the world cup.

The All Blacks host South Africa in a sold out test in Wellington tomorrow night and all eyes will be on whether the Springboks can conjure up another boil-over in the capital.

Analysis - The Crusaders have the chance to create a dynasty that's never been matched in Super Rugby, writes Joe Porter.

A Crusaders Super Rugby three-peat looms, but how much will a win mean to a region and city recovering from earthquakes and the Christchurch terror attacks, writes Joe Porter. Audio

Sports Call - Don't expect many bolters or shock selections, Steve Hansen's first All Black squad for a World Cup year will be typically conservative, writes Joe Porter.

The semi-finals have arrived in Super Rugby and the big question is, can anyone stop a Crusaders three peat?

Japan is becoming a leading destination for New Zealand rugby players heading offshore, but is it a rugby pro's paradise or a field of disappointment?

Sports Call - The connection between New Zealand and Japanese rugby is growing all the time, with partnerships popping up all over the place, writes RNZ's Joe Porter.

While Japan might not be famous for its love of the oval ball, its connection with rugby dates back further than New Zealand's.

Former All Black Jamie Joseph is tasked with getting Japan to the knockout stages of a rugby World Cup for the first time.

Japan rugby coach Jamie Joseph says his side aren't ready to be involved in something as big as the proposed World League.

Japan, hosts of this year's rugby World Cup, appear set to be kneecapped by their own union in their lofty bid to bring a million new players into the game in the land of the rising sun.

Jandals and bare feet are still the choice of footwear and New Zealand's summer is in full swing, but yes, Super Rugby is about to kick off.

Fear and a desire to protect the status quo can get in the way of progression in women's sport, according to New Year's honours recipient Barbara Kendall.

The All Blacks of 2018: World Cup winners in waiting? Or pretenders to their predecessors throne?

Analysis - Are New Zealand the biggest poachers of rugby talent world-wide? Some stats released this week suggest the northern hemisphere sides are worse by a country mile.

After almost a year and plenty of soul searching, Dane Coles is about to be back in black.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen isn't backing away from his claims that New Zealand Rugby needs government money to stay at the top of the sport.

First-five Richie Mo'unga will finally get his chance to steer the All Blacks ship this weekend, but as Joe Porter writes, he's not the only player champing at the bit.

New Zealand Rugby's boss has again raised the issue of government funding to keep top All Blacks from going overseas.

The Black Ferns do battle with Australia at Eden Park tomorrow night, but for player in particular, just being there will be the realisation of a dream, and reward for never giving up. Audio

With his business socks on, because it's 'business time' in Super Rugby - Joe Porter ponders whether any side can topple the defending champions the Crusaders?