Black Ferns and Blues co-captain Ruahei Demant has experienced the other side!

A sabbatical to English club Bristol has taught her plenty about rugby in the home of the World Cup champions. She has returned home with new knowledge and a desire to use it to help the Blues defend their Aupiki title.

She chats with Aotearoa Rugby Pod about...

• What she learnt playing for Bristol Bears Women in England’s PWR
• How overseas rugby challenged and improved her game
• The secrets she learnt about Canada's success
• What’s already changed under new Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen
• Young stars Amarante Sititi and Braxton Sorenson-McGee
• The stacked Blues Women squad ahead of their Super Rugby Aupiki defence

A great insight into the growth of the women’s game globally and where New Zealand rugby is heading next.

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Why didn’t New Zealand win the Under 20 Rugby Championship — and why did the Baby Boks look so dominant throughout the tournament?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down how South Africa built such a powerful U20 side and discusses NZ prioritising different goals at age-grade level.

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The All Blacks are stacked with midfield options.

Quinn Tupaea is in outstanding form, Billy Proctor is excelling, Timoci Tavatavanawai's becoming impossible to ignore and Leicester Fainga’anuku's causing havoc wherever he plays.

So does Jordie Barrett have to shift from 12 back to fullback?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod debates the balance of the All Blacks backline, including Josh Moorby's chances, before getting into who will make the Super Rugby top 6.

Later this week .. Under 20s Rugby Championship review + Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant on how English rugby opened her eyes to a different way.

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The Highlanders keep finding themselves in the fight against top Super Rugby sides — but too often they leave with nothing to show for it.

So why does the same story keep repeating for Jamie Joseph's men?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why the Highlanders are competitive for long stretches, yet continue to lose tight games.

Right now, the Highlanders might be Super Rugby’s most frustrating team: good enough to push anyone… but unable to consistently finish the job.

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The All Blacks back three is a big debate heading into the international season.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod dives into why Caleb Clarke, Caleb Tangitau and Will Jordan could be the most balanced option — combining power, speed and elite game awareness.

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The All Blacks selection picture is tightening and some big calls will need to be made.

This episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod focuses on the key positional battles at halfback, centre and lock, with Scott Barrett, Noah Hotham and Billy Proctor in the spotlight.

The team also breaks down Super Rugby Pacific Round 12, identifying the performances and trends shaping national selection, before discussing the significance of Gilbert Enoka’s return to the All Blacks management group.

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This isn’t just about rugby — it’s about raising better young people.

New Zealand Under 20s and pathways coach Kane Jury joins the Aotearoa Rugby Pod to explain how NZ develops its young athletes — and why parents and coaches play such a critical role in that journey.

From preparing for the Rugby Championship and World Championship to teaching life skills off the field, Jury shares why success at the highest level starts long before professional rugby.

This is a must-watch for anyone involved in youth sport.

In this episode:

• Why coaching the person matters as much as the player
• What parents get right — and wrong — in youth sport
• How NZ aligns schools, U20s and the All Blacks
• Preparing young athletes for pressure and setbacks

#Rugby #YouthSport #AllBlacks #Parenting #Coaching #NZRugby

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Leicester Fainga’anuku’s man of the match performance for the Crusaders at open side has everyone talking. But is it the best way to use the hybrid centre/winger?

He’s an elite player but will it work for the Crusaders against elite Super Rugby opposition, never mind the All Blacks versus the Springboks?

This is less about the player, and more about whether the role stacks up under pressure.

We also talk Super Round, whether the losers of Golden Point get ripped off on the table and the Black Ferns' first title under Whitney Hansen.

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