Locals go for the Shield

Rugby news from New Zealand:
Locals go for the Shield: It will likely be an all-local Steelform Wanganui team which gets the honour of challenging for the Ranfurly Shield against Waikato in a fortnight after coach Jason Caskey announced his 26-man squad late on Sunday.Dealing with a… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby

Rugby: Counties Steelers name injury-depleted squad: Super Rugby was not kind to incoming Counties Manukau Steelers coach Darryl Suasua, but he has still named a 32-man Mitre 10 Cup squad with no shortage of talent.The Chiefs trio of outside back Glen Fisi’iahi, and loose forwards… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby

Rugby: Huge test ahead for young Hurricanes hooker: The semifinal spotlight will fall squarely on the two young Hurricanes hookers charged with stepping into Dane Coles’ shoes to face the Chiefs.The prognosis on the skipper after his rib damage was still unclear this morning, but… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby

Steve Hansen extends term as New Zealand All Black: WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) ” Steve Hansen has signed a two-year contract extension as head coach and will guide the New Zealand All Blacks to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.Hansen, who coached New Zealand to victory at the 2015 World… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby

Patrick McKendry: No pressure, but Super Rugby title is Hurricanes’ to lose: At the risk of sending any superstitious Hurricanes’ supporters brave enough to read this into a state of nervous shock, this is the year for their team – they won’t get a better chance to win a Super Rugby title.Their road to their… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby

Submit YOUR rugby news here.