Rugby news from New Zealand:
Digging their studs in: Disapproving Hawke’s Bay principals refuse to bend tournament rules to let Briar Hales play to win: Disapproving principals are refusing to bend the rules of a Hawke’s Bay rugby tournament to let an 11-year-old girl play to win, as nationwide backlash against the decision grows.Briar Hales, a Year 7 Havelock North Intermediate… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
Super Rugby: Return of All Black front-rowers hands Crusaders big advantage: The Highlanders have Ben Smith back for their quarter-final in Christchurch but the Crusaders have been able to select an All Black tight five following the return from injury of both Owen Franks and Codie Taylor, a state of affairs… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
Best of Bender: Ranking Ben Smith’s top performances for the Highlanders: Ben Smith has played some mighty games for the Highlanders over the decade he has been in the team. Steve Hepburn of the Otago Daily Times picks 10 of the best. 10 v Chiefs, Hamilton, 2016, won 25-15 This was a tough match for… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
Tattooed Mongrel Mob member Puk Kireka starts Givealittle fund to further his education: A Kiwi Mongrel Mob member with a Notorious face tattoo has started a Givealittle page to help fund his education.After being in prison twice, Puk Kireka, 31, has chosen to change his life around by studying sport and recreation… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
All Blacks: Highlanders great Ben Smith named to start against Crusaders: Highlanders co-captain Ben Smith has been named to start at fullback against the Crusaders in their Super Rugby quarter-final on Friday.Smith has been battling a hamstring strain for more than a month after leaving the field against… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
Brumbies style is more South African than Aussie, suggests Sharks skipper
