Rugby is evolving — on the field, in the stadium and how fans experience the game.

In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley explains how the sport is taking its next step — from faster, more engaging play to a match day experience that goes beyond the 80 minutes.

We get into:

• Evolution of the on-field product
• The shift towards a bigger in-stadium experience
• Why rugby needs to think differently about entertainment
• And how fans play a role in what comes next
• The latest on Moana Pasifika's future

Rugby’s core is strong — but the next level is about how everything around it continues to grow.

What would you add to take rugby to the next level?

Email your ideas to ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz — we’ll take the best ones forward to the powers that be.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels

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Moana Pasifika is searching for new financial backing — and it could have major implications for Super Rugby.

If they can’t secure support, what does that mean for the number of teams, the competition format, and the future of Pacific rugby in the professional game?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down why this moment matters, and why the ripple effects could be felt across the entire competition.

Later this week, we speak with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley to get answers from inside the game.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels

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Since leaving the All Blacks, Jason Holland has helped shape Super Rugby's most potent attack at the Hurricanes.

In this Aotearoa Rugby Pod interview, Holland breaks down:

• The key principles behind the Hurricanes’ attacking success
• The lessons he took from the All Blacks environment
• Why clarity and simplicity are central to performance
• And how those ideas will carry into his role as Blues head coach

📺 Subscribe for more rugby analysis, interviews and insight from @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels

#Hurricanes #AllBlacks #SuperRugby #Blues #RugbyAnalysis #JasonHolland

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Leinster is starting to get the best out of Rieko Ioane’ — at centre or wing.

After some early noise around his arrival — from the Johnny Sexton spat to adjustmenting to a new system — it’s starting to click.

In recent performances against Edinburgh and Sale, Ioane has made a real impact — bringing speed, power, footwork and distribution that can break games open.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down Ioane’s form, why perceptions are shifting, and what it means for Leinster heading into the business end of the season.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels

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Did Highlander Henry Bell get headbutted by Nick Frost … and still get penalised?

A controversial Super Rugby moment has rugby fans split, after the tackler saw yellow and it's not the first time!

So was this the right call — or does rugby has a problem?

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks it down, as well as asking if the Canes can be stopped and whether Damian McKenzie is in the Chiefs' top five players of all time.

Follow @aotearoarugbypodoffical channels for more breakdowns on the biggest talking points in world rugby.

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels

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In August, the All Blacks heading back into one of rugby’s toughest challenges - a full tour of South Africa.

But this isn’t just about Test matches, for the first time in decades, New Zealand will face the unique grind of touring:

• Midweek matches
• Travel and squad rotation
• Adapting to South African conditions
• Managing physical and mental fatigue

So do the modern All Blacks actually have the know-how to handle it?

We break down what makes South Africa tours so difficult, why history matters, and whether this current group is ready for the challenge.

📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube

#AllBlacks #Springboks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #SouthAfricaTour #RugbyDebate #AotearoaRugbyPod

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Could Codie Taylor be the next All Blacks captain?

We deep dive into what makes Taylor such a great player, leader and team mate, then ask whether he's the man for the job

It’s one of the biggest off-field questions in New Zealand rugby right now — and we want your take. Email us on ARP@Fandommedia.co.nz

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

#AllBlacks #CodieTaylor #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #CaptaincyDebate #RugbyUnion #AotearoaRugbyPod

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels

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Where should Leicester Fainga’anuku fit in the All Blacks?

It’s one of the most fascinating selection questions right now — and there’s no obvious answer.

We also dive into your suggestions for All Blacks bolters/moneyball players from last week's episode, plus talk Samipeni Finau's epic showing for the Chiefs.

📺 Full episodes and clips on YouTube, where you can enter the draw for six seats for the Blues v Highlanders on April 17, thanks to Barfoot and Thompson

#AllBlacks #RugbyPodcast #NZRugby #LeicesterFaingaanuku #RugbyDebate #SuperRugby #AotearoaRugbyPod

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