Wellington, Feb 27 NZPA - Former All Black and current Crusaders assistant coach Mark Hammett has been appointed head coach of the Hurricanes for two years from 2011, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Hurricanes franchise announced today.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Auckland, Dec 28 NZPA - While the All Blacks marvelled at Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan's Santa Maria della Grazie, New Zealand rugby's own backdrop for 2009 hardly qualified as a masterpiece.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, Dec 20 NZPA - One hundred tests won in a decade of rugby, yet still the long faces from All Blacks supporters.

The past 10 years has seen one team dominate the international landscape more than any team in the game's history.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 16 NZPA - If you want to spy on us, come and take your best shot, says All Blacks assistant rugby coach Steve Hansen.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 16 NZPA - Having been overtaken by Mike Delany, All Black Stephen Donald admits his immediate rugby future probably lies at second five-eighth.

If All Blacks rugby fans had to pick a rugby team to have as the AB's current bunnies then the Wallabies would be right up there. Only England would be a realistic chance of knocking the Wallabies out of first place. 

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By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Tokyo, Nov 1 NZPA - All Blacks assistant rugby coach Steve Hansen fired back at his old sparring partner Robbie Deans today after the frustrated Wallabies coach accused their opponents of cynical play not befitting the occasion.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Tokyo, Oct 31 NZPA - Richie McCaw is baffled his long-time rugby sparring partner George Smith isn't starting tomorrow, while his new opposite Rocky Elsom is just itching to prove he's the man to inspire the Wallabies.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Tokyo, Oct 30 NZPA - Talk of player dissatisfaction, too much player power and increasing edginess at board level isn't something Robbie Deans is used to as a rugby coach.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Tokyo, Oct 30 NZPA - Phase two of an indifferent rugby year starts tomorrow for Richie McCaw's All Blacks, who says his side are on edge and desperate to maintain their high standards from Wellington.