New Zealand Rugby is acknowledging an ongoing shortage of specialist front rowers at a club level. 

Some clubs are even struggling to field teams due to a lack of props and hookers available to them. 

NZR’s Head of Rugby Participation and Development, Mike Hester told Piney it’s unfortunately not a new problem.  

He says it’s one they’ve faced for some years now, and they’re doing some work in both the short and long term to try and address it. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

New Zealand Rugby is acknowledging an ongoing shortage of specialist front rowers at a club level.&nbsp;
Some clubs are even struggling to field teams due to a lack of props and hookers available to them.&nbsp;
NZR’s Head of Rugby Participation and Development, Mike Hester told Piney it’s unfortunately not a new problem. &nbsp;
He says it’s one they’ve faced for some years now, and they’re doing some work in both the short and long term to try and address it.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Weekend Sport with Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB brings you all the action and reaction to the sporting weekend.

Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Mike Hester: New Zealand Rugby Head of Participation and Development on the shortage of specialist front rowers at a club level

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ca2f9773-dc00-448d-bea2-b414001f2a27/transcript

The Chiefs crashed from a 24-7 lead to fall 33-24 to the Brumbies in Super Rugby in Canberra. 

The visitors were on course to upset prop James Slipper's record 203rd game with 24 minutes remaining, before three tries in ten minutes changed the course of the game for the Brumbies. 

The home side then capped the win with a Corey Toole try with a minute left. 

Chiefs Coach Jono Gibbes told Piney they have to look at the error rate. 

“We we’re inaccurate and we gave the ball back to them after only one phase ... we gave them opportunities to get back in the game, and you know, a good team like that, you do that, you invite danger.”  

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Chiefs crashed from a 24-7 lead to fall 33-24 to the Brumbies in Super Rugby in Canberra.&nbsp;
The visitors were on course to upset prop James Slipper's record 203rd game with 24 minutes remaining, before three tries in ten minutes changed the course of the game for the Brumbies.&nbsp;
The home side then capped the win with a Corey Toole try with a minute left.&nbsp;
Chiefs Coach Jono Gibbes told Piney they have to look at the error rate.&nbsp;
“We we’re inaccurate and we gave the ball back to them after only one phase ... we gave them opportunities to get back in the game, and you know, a good team like that, you do that, you invite danger.” &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Jono Gibbes: Chiefs Coach on the 33-24 loss to the Brumbies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f7940acf-c485-4ba8-9f46-b414003040ba/transcript

A milestone moment for Auckland FC as they host Macarthur this afternoon, bringing up their 50th match in football's A-League. 

Defender Francis de Vries has been there every for game since the team's entry to the competition at the start of last season. 

He says it's a privilege to be part of the Black Knights squad. 

De Vris told Piney the team’s consistency can be attributed to the way they break things down week by week and look at what each person needs to do individually and what the team needs to do as a whole. 

“If you can consistently do that and then have quality as we do within the squad, then it’s a great recipe for success.” 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A milestone moment for Auckland FC as they host Macarthur this afternoon, bringing up their 50th match in football's A-League.&nbsp;
Defender Francis de Vries has been there every for game since the team's entry to the competition at the start of last season.&nbsp;
He says it's a privilege to be part of the Black Knights squad.&nbsp;
De Vris told Piney the team’s consistency can be attributed to the way they break things down week by week and look at what each person needs to do individually and what the team needs to do as a whole.&nbsp;
“If you can consistently do that and then have quality as we do within the squad, then it’s a great recipe for success.”&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Francis de Vris: Auckland FC Defender on the team's 50th match, the clash against Macarthur

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0be75a2a-888d-457c-98c4-b414002bc3a6/transcript

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 21 March.

Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 21 March. 
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 21 March 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0c3f292d-2287-40df-88ea-b41400247a9f/transcript

Mike Hester: New Zealand Rugby Head of Participation and Development on the shortage of specialist front rowers at a club level

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