32
There are old school
expectations about what a
career path should look like.
But maybe it’s time for some of
that old thinking to change.
40
Is there a player exodus
or not? And if there is, how
damaging will it be for the
national game in 2016?
44
We begin our new series Food
of Champions which will
provide insight into what fuels
are going into the bodies of
the best players. This issue
we catch up with All Black
halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow
who is, although he won’t
admit it, a whiz in the kitchen.
They seem unimposing but there is something
miraculous about the way the All Blacks’ three
SmithsConrad, Aaron and Ben – play the
game of rugby.
24
contents
JUNE/JULY 2015
56
Rugby might have deeper
issues than the rules being
unfathomable – such as a
culture of cheating and
covering things up.
62
Former All Black Rico Gear
has returned to his roots
and is developing talent in
Poverty Bay.
66
Finally, after 20 seasons of
professional football, Brad
Thorn has called it quits and
announced his retirement. We
pay tribute to a legend.
72
Jax Roper has returned from a
life-changing coaching stint in
Africa and wants other Kiwis to
follow suit.
76
Stephen Brett has relished
his move to France – especially
now that he has ended up
in Lyon.
80
The New Zealand Rugby
Players’ Association details
some of its recent initiatives
and stories of what past and
current players are up to in
Player’s Own.
92
Somehow it can just happen
– a coach has the most
extraordinary and unexpected
meltdown that leads to them
being unemployed.
96
All you need to know about
what is coming up in world
rugby over the next two
months.
A PLAYER
APPEARS
CONCUSSED,
WHO MUST TAKE
RESPONSIBILITY?
RECOGNISE | REMOVE | RECOVER | RETURN