

Rugby Direct Episode 238: In, out, and unlucky - breaking down Rennie’s first squad
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad - who’s in, who’s new, and who can feel unlucky to miss out. The boys also reflect on a one-sided Super Rugby Pacific final, with the Hurricanes delivering a dominant performance to…

Rugby Direct Episode 237: Finals Fever and All Blacks Picks
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the Super Rugby Pacific final – the teams are locked in, but who’s lifting the trophy on Saturday night? The boys also give their predictions for the All Blacks squad ahead of Monday’s announcement... who will mak…

Rugby Direct Episode 236: Blowouts Before the Big Dance
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a pair of one-sided Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals and what they mean heading into the big dance. With both the Hurricanes and Chiefs dominant in their respective match-ups, the boys assess where the final might be wo…

Rugby Direct Episode 235: Semi-final showdowns - who's making the big dance?
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, previewing the upcoming semi-finals and breaking down who’s best positioned to book a spot in the big dance. They run the ruler over each matchup, analyse t…

Rugby Direct Episode 234: Cane train charging: Semis loom and ABs coaching coup
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to a major coaching coup for New Zealand Rugby, with Tony Brown signing on as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2028. The boys also turn their attention to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals - can anyone stop the Cane tra…

Rugby Direct Episode 233: Breaking down the key matchups of the Super Rugby playoffs
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive headfirst into the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, breaking down all the key matchups as the playoffs get underway. Plus, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation ab…

Rugby Direct Episode 232: All eyes on the title - looking ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific finals
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a blockbuster playoff weekend as the race for the title heats up. With the finals now locked in, who are the genuine favourites and which side could swoop in late and steal the win? Plus, they dig into the latest …

Rugby Direct - Bruce Sharrock tackles the biggest issues facing rugby
A big-name guest on Rugby Direct this week, as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined in studio by the highly influential player agent Bruce Sharrock. The trio tackle the biggest issues facing New Zealand rugby – the fight against league, where the game is heading, and what must change if rug…

Rugby Direct: Episode 230
Big news on Rugby Direct! Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the news the Crusaders are set to usher in a new head coach for 2027 – a story broken by Napier himself. Plus, it’s the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, so the lads run the ruler over every matchup, including the headline debate…

Rugby Direct Ep 229
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Crusaders keeping their hopes of a home playoff alive, while the Hurricanes lock up top spot and secure home advantage throughout the postseason. Plus, the boys look ahead to the future of Super Rugby — could a ret…