Rugby

One of the most popular participation sports in New Zealand, rugby is passionately followed by thousands of fans.

From children's grades right through to the All Blacks, rugby is an important part of New Zealand culture.

Super 14

The Super 14 has finished for 2008 with The Crusaders once again victorious.

The team lend their name to the Reading Crusade which will take place again in 2009.

New laws werre being trialled in 2008. The experimental changes are detailed on the Super 14 site, and cover almost every area of the game in some way: posts and flags, lineouts, kicking from behind the 22-metre line, tackle, ruck, maul and scrum. See also the history of the Super 14.

2007 was Rugby World Cup year - the tournament was held in France in September and October. Twenty nations competed for the William Webb Ellis Trophy. Read our Rugby World Cup backgrounder.

The Black Ferns, New Zealand's women's rugby team, won the Women's Rugby World Cup on 18 September 2006.

Full details of the Air New Zealand Cup competition structure, draws, results, news etc can be found on the competition website. There is also a website for the Heartland Championship.

Rugby websites

www.Nzrugbynet.co.nz

Comprehensive website for New Zealand rugby clubs and regional unions, schools, coaches and referees. Everything from draws and results to coaching manuals and discussion forums.

allblacks.com

Official website of the All Blacks. Also links to information about the Super 14 competition and all other national rugby teams including the Black Ferns women’s team.

Black Ferns

Official website of the New Zealand Women's rugby team.

Canterbury Rugby Union

Official website of the Canterbury union featuring club information and competitions as well as news and information about the Crusaders Super 14 team and the Canterbury Air New Zealand Cup team.

New Zealand Rugby Museum

Museum in Palmerston North home to a comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia and records. Website has extensive information and articles about the history of the game in New Zealand and elsewhere.

Planet Rugby

Gives an international perspective on the game. News and results from rugby playing countries around the world.

Rugby @ Stuff

News about New Zealand rugby.

International Rugby Board

The governing body of the game. The laws of the game, international competitions, world rankings.

IRB Rugby World Cup

Official website of the Rugby World Cup.

Small Blacks

Website for junior rugby players. Includes skills information and competitions.

Touch Rugby New Zealand

News and informationabout local and representative competitions, coaching and refereeing touch.

Other Rugby websites

Christchurch City Libraries Internet Gateway lists an extensive range of rugby websites local, national and international.