Rugby Direct
Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.
Episodes
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Super Rugby run home — with the top two all but locked in, can anyone stop the red-hot Hurricanes?
Plus, the future of rising star Fehi Fineanganofo — is there a genuine chance he stays in New Zealand and pushes for All Blacks honours?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier react to Dave Rennie fronting the media for the first time since he took charge of the All Blacks.
They also unpack the surprise return of Sir Graham Henry as a selector, and look ahead to a crucial round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are joined in studio by the new New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster.
The trio dive into the game’s biggest talking points - from governance and the future of Super Rugby to player pathways and the challenges shaping rugby in Aotearoa.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down all the biggest talking points from Round 13.
Another All Black is set to head offshore at season’s end, NZ Rugby digs in on its stance around Mo’unga and Frizell returning via the NPC, and the pressure mounts on Moana Pasifika — is there still time to turn it around?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the big breaking news: the appointment of Steve Lancaster as NZ Rugby’s new CEO. The boys give their first reaction and unpack what the appointment means for the game.
There’s also a cause for concern for the Hurricanes with Cam Roigard sidelined – is the ‘Cain Train’ starting to derail?
Plus, they open up the mailbag and tackle your questions.&n...
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect round 12 of Super Rugby.
The top three are pulling clear - but who’s best placed to grab the final three playoff spots as the race tightens?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the Christchurch Super Round – what worked, what didn’t, and whether it could help revive Super Rugby.
Plus, they preview round 12 of the competition and debate the return of the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup – is it a winner or a risk worth taking?
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier were joined by Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies for a wide-ranging chat about Super Rugby Pacific, including the growing challenges surround team ownership in the competition.
The boys also look ahead to the highly anticipated Super Round, set to play out this weekend at Christchurch’s brand new One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omny...
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier rip into a massive Round 10.
The Hurricanes’ title charge takes a serious hit after a stumbling loss to the Chiefs, the Black Ferns flex their muscle with a statement win over Canada, and there’s no shortage of other talking points across the rugby landscape.
Don’t miss the latest episode of Rugby Direct.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier delve into the uncertain future of Moana Pasifika and what their potential exit could mean for Super Rugby as a whole. How would the competition be reshaped if they were to walk away?
The boys also preview Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, before opening the mailbag to pick their first All Blacks XV of the 2026 season.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio....
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack all the fallout from Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific.
The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend - including the big question of whether anyone can slow down the red‑hot Hurricanes.
They also review the Black Ferns’ opening win of their 2026 campaign and the Crusaders officially turn the page on a storied past - ushering in a new era at ...
On the latest Rugby Direct podcast, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss a busy post-Easter weekend of news in the rugby world, with former All Black Shannon Frizell returning home and New Zealand Rugby closing in on a high performance director announcement.
We also look back at a truncated round eight of Super Rugby and ahead to a full slate in round nine of the competition, with a particular focus on the top of the table Hurrica...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier unpack the reaction and wider implications of Gregor Paul’s Ardie Savea column published in the New Zealand Herald, sparking debate across the rugby landscape.
The duo also cast an eye ahead to a notably light Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific, discussing what it means for teams and fans alike as the competition only has three games.
Plus, there’s time for a moment o...
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into all the fallout from Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific.
The boys break down the biggest talking points from the weekend — including whether anyone can stop the red‑hot Hurricanes — before going head‑to‑head on who should be the next All Blacks captain.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and producer Mark Kelly break down the newly released 2026 NPC schedule.
The duo also preview Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, before Elliott sits down with Blues fullback Peyton Spencer for an in‑depth chat.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return for an emergency episode breaking down the major news out of New Zealand Rugby.
They discuss the newly unveiled coaching team of All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, which features All Blacks great and current Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga, and Jason Ryan as the only member carried over from Scott Robertson’s tenure.
LISTEN ABOVE
On this week’s episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Nick Bewley discuss how the cream is rising to the top of Super Rugby Pacific.
With two months still to play, they debate whether any teams outside the top six can mount a genuine challenge, before reviewing all the action from Round Six.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return on the latest Rugby Direct to preview Round 6 of Super Rugby Pacific.
The boys dive into Clark Laidlaw’s re-signing with the Hurricanes through to the end of next season and wrap up the Six Nations with a look back at the final round.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss suggestions Tana Umaga is a contender for an All Blacks coaching role under Dave Rennie.
They also delve into the reports of punches being thrown at a Crusaders training session, and check out the mailbag to answer questions from listeners.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the latest Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down a dramatic Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific — a weekend where the Crusaders were the only Kiwi side to fall. Are the Chiefs and Hurricanes emerging as the teams to beat? Plus, we bring you the latest on who Dave Rennie is eyeing for his All Blacks assistant coaching group.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high profile stories. Now listen throughout the week with the official 20/20 After Show, the True Crime Vault, and our spotlight of true crime originals.