The 27-year-old has won 17 caps for the Kiwis but if all goes well in Japan it could be a springboard to him one day representing the All Blacks.
Fri, Apr 26
Jones went on a trek in Fiordland to reconnect with his whenua (land) and tīpuna (ancestors).
Wed, Apr 24
The Crusaders and All Blacks prop posted to social media announcing their daughter was born at just 27 weeks.
Fri, Apr 19
Jordie Barrett's season at Dublin club Leinster next year means Scott Robertson's key back faces an intimidating itinerary, writes Patrick McKendry.
Wed, Apr 17
The All Blacks midfielder has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2028, a contract that includes a season for Irish powerhouse Leinster.
Tue, Apr 16
The former All Blacks coach is suddenly in demand again after the World Cup final defeat to the Springboks.
Wed, Apr 10
The loose forward is on the brink of playing his first Super Rugby game of the season after a horror run of injuries.
Super Rugby went missing at the weekend, and the players are ready for a fight with NZ Rugby. The game is at a crossroads, writes Patrick McKendry.
Tue, Apr 9
New Zealand Rugby Players' Association take gloves off in battle for a fit-for-purpose and independent board and leadership structure.
Wed, Apr 3
A knee injury will rule Hurricanes halfback out of the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Former All Blacks coach paid credit to retiring lock Whitelock, the most capped All Black of all time.
Former All Blacks assistant Mike Cron's interview with 1News is interrupted by his new boss.
Tue, Apr 2
Legendary scrum doctor Mike Cron has more than 30 years of coaching experience to add to the Australian side.
Ponsonby Rugby Club has churned out more All Blacks than any other in the country and celebrates 150 years this weekend.
Sun, Mar 31
NZ Rugby's opposed the policy, saying it would lead to an exodus of All Blacks and younger players who could receive higher salaries overseas.
Sat, Mar 30
The All Blacks head coach faces a delicate balancing act managing disappointment if he attracts veteran lock back home, writes Patrick McKendry.
Thu, Mar 28
New model is presented to board but 1News understands several sticking points remain.
Wed, Mar 27
New Zealand women take first win of the season as the All Blacks sevens lose their Cup final to a rampant Argentina.
Mon, Feb 26
The Chiefs got the job done in round one against the Crusaders but they didn't look the same without their first-five, writes Patrick McKendry.
George Bower to start in Super Rugby opener following knee reconstruction, with Crusaders fielding two former All Black props on the bench.
Thu, Feb 22
New Crusaders coach Rob Penney knew he faced a rebuilding job - Will Jordan's shoulder surgery means it just got tougher, writes Patrick McKendry.
Tue, Feb 20
The Crusaders have confirmed surgery on Jordan's shoulder injury means he's unavailable for selection during the season.
Shoulder injury which may require surgery could rule the free-running outside back out of the Super Rugby season.
Mon, Feb 19
He's lost weight already but Tuipulotu's injury suffered in pre-season doesn't require surgery.
Thu, Feb 15
The All Blacks midfielder and Blues centre and his partner shared the news on Instagram yesterday.
Sun, Feb 4