Rugby News – August 2026

Summary

The All Blacks' 105-year rivalry with the Springboks — teams ranked No 1 and No 2 in the world — takes centre stage in Rugby News' August 2026 issue, with Campbell Burnes previewing the Dave Rennie era's first South African tour as "Clash of the Titans." Rassie Erasmus, 53, sits on 56 Tests as Springboks coach, having taken over in 2018, while Rennie has embedded "non-negotiables" in the All Blacks' culture after taking 44 players on tour in the Republic. For readers who follow New Zealand provincial and international rugby, this 90-page issue delivers the tour preview, match reviews and Heartland Championship coverage.

The tour preview opens with Erasmus keeping the Boks winning through an astute rotation policy, selecting players from Japan, France and the UK as well as South Africa. Tony Brown has signed with the All Blacks from 2028. The All Blacks took 44 players on tour — the editor notes they could probably get by with 32-33 (the 1996 squad took 36). This is the seventh All Blacks tour of South Africa. Match reviews cover the first Test of the Rennie era (All Blacks v France in Christchurch), Will Jordan becoming the most prolific tryscorer in All Blacks' Test history (v Italy), and the penultimate home Test against Ireland.

The editor marks 50 years of the NPC — 51st year of the competition — with preview editions planned over the next 2-3 issues covering all 14 unions. The Heartland Championship kicks off August 15 with Adam Julian previewing all 12 unions. Kendra Cocksedge, three-time WRWC winner, contributes a column on Aupiki V and the rise of Hurricanes Poua. The National Club Finals results page shows union labels from Northland through Southland. Campbell Burnes wishes the All Blacks well on "this demanding and much-awaited tour."

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / International Rugby

p.06 · Clash of the Titans — All Blacks to South Africa
Campbell Burnes previews one of the most eagerly awaited bilateral tours of the last 30 years. Rassie Erasmus, 53, has 56 Tests as coach; he took over in 2018 and has built depth by selecting players from Japan, France and the UK. Dave Rennie has embedded "non-negotiables" in All Blacks culture. The All Blacks took 44 players — the editor notes 32-33 would suffice — on the seventh tour of South Africa. New Zealand fans should check free-to-air coverage on TVNZ+ for Saturday matches.

▸ Column

p.12 · Tony Johnson — Springboks Are Kings, But Drug Use Tarnishes the Image
Johnson argues that the Springboks are the best team in world rugby but their image is being damaged by drug use through the levels. The column addresses a sensitive topic rarely covered in rugby media. Administrators should review their in-competition testing protocols across all representative levels.

▸ Match Review

p.16 · All Blacks v France — First Test of the Rennie Era
The first Test under Dave Rennie at Christchurch's covered stadium was described as "enthralling but far from perfect." The review covers the performance gaps that Rennie will address before the South African tour. Selectors should focus on set-piece stability after the French Test revealed weaknesses.

▸ Match Review

p.18 · All Blacks v Italy — Will Jordan Makes History
Will Jordan became the most prolific tryscorer in All Blacks' Test history during this match. The review covers the milestone and the overall team performance. Jordan's try-scoring rate suggests he could hold the record for a decade if he maintains fitness.

▸ Match Review

p.20 · All Blacks v Ireland — Best Display of 2026
The All Blacks' penultimate home Test of the season was described as their best display thus far in 2026. The review analyses what worked tactically. Coaches should study the defensive patterns that neutralised Ireland's attacking structure.

▸ Provincial Preview

p.80 · Heartland Championship — 12 Unions Ready for August 15
Adam Julian previews the competition covering 12 unions ahead of the August 15 kickoff. The Heartland Championship is a crucial breeding ground for provincial talent. Local rugby fans should attend opening-weekend matches to assess the season's contenders.

▸ Club History

p.84 · Hastings Rugby and Sports Club — 31 Years of Success
A Hawke's Bay club that is the product of a successful merger 31 years ago is profiled. The article covers the club's community impact and player development pathway. Clubs considering a merger should study Hastings' governance structure and membership retention strategies.

▸ Column

p.88 · Kendra Cocksedge — Aupiki V and Hurricanes Poua
The three-time WRWC winner gives her perspective on Aupiki V and the rise of the Hurricanes Poua, who narrowly missed the final but won many admirers. Cocksedge's analysis highlights the growing professionalism of women's provincial rugby. Fans should attend Aupiki matches to support the development pathway.

▸ Results

p.90 · National Club Finals Results
Full results from the national club finals across all unions: Northland 22, North Harbour 26, Auckland 30, Counties Manukau 34, Waikato 38, Bay of Plenty 42, Taranaki 48, Hawke's Bay 52, Manawatu 56, Wellington 60, Tasman 64, Canterbury 68, Otago 72, Southland 76. The results page serves as a reference for club rugby followers tracking their region's representative strength.

▸ Regulars

p.14 · Editor's Note — Campbell Burnes on 50 years of NPC
p.83 · Full Heartland Championship Draw
p.16-20 · All Blacks Match Reviews

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Editor's Take

A focused, well-edited tour issue that delivers exactly what its readership needs. The "Clash of the Titans" preview is genuinely informative — Erasmus's 56-Test record, Rennie's non-negotiables, the 44-player squad figure and the 105-year rivalry give it specific weight. The Will Jordan try-scoring record and the Kendra Cocksedge column highlight individual achievements alongside team coverage. Weakness: the France, Italy and Ireland match reviews are too short — each reads as a summary rather than analysis — and the "drug use tarnishes image" column lacks specific evidence. Best for All Blacks supporters tracking the South African tour and Heartland Championship followers; casual rugby fans will find the match reviews too brief.

Strengths
• Tour preview names Erasmus's 56-Test record, 44-player squad and 105-year rivalry
• Will Jordan try-scoring milestone is a verifiable, historic achievement
• Heartland Championship preview covers all 12 unions with August 15 kickoff date

Weaknesses
• Match reviews (France, Italy, Ireland) are summaries rather than tactical analysis
• Drug-use column raises a serious accusation without supporting evidence

Verdict: Recommended — Essential reading for All Blacks tour followers and Heartland Championship fans.