All Blacks

South African Rugby released the 2022 schedule of home matches on Tuesday, which includes Tests against Wales in Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town in July.

It will be Wales’ first trip to South Africa since 2014, when they lost 38-16 in Durban, before suffering a 31-30 defeat in Nelspruit.

With COVID-19 travel restrictions likely to still be in force later in the year, the Boks are hoping to play both Rugby Championships matches against the All Blacks at home – in Nelspruit on August 6 and Johannesburg a week later.

Williams is now 36, and about to embark on the final chapter of his sporting career as he “scratches the itch” to give boxing a proper crack.

But Williams is more than a sportsman these days. After hanging up the boots he moved into the commentary box with broadcaster Stan in Australia, and away from the industry entirely he has used his platform to advocate on behalf of asylum seekers.

The game’s global governing body voted to overhaul its one-nation-per-player policy late last year, enabling test-capped players to switch from one country to another after a three-year stand down period, provided they qualify for another nation via birthright.

Since the change in ruling, which came into effect on January 1, numerous players have become available to switch international allegiance, while many others will be able to do so later this year.

The 30-year-old has played 66 tests since making his debut in 2015 and was part of the Rugby World Cup 2015-winning squad.

"I'm hugely grateful for another opportunity to play in New Zealand, especially given the current Covid situation around the world," Taylor said.

"My wife Lucy and I have a young family, and putting my family first was a big part of my decision. We love it here in Christchurch and we're settled and happy.

Savea made headlines around the globe two years ago when it was announced that he would wear protective eyewear for his side’s pool match against Canada.

During a second half appearance in his side’s 63-0 rout in that match, the 28-year-old only wore the goggles for a short amount of time, and never used them for New Zealand’s following clash against Namibia as they fogged up in the Tokyo humidity.

The 24-year-old spoke of his love for rugby league during a recent interview on the What a Lad podcast, hosted by his former Hurricanes teammate James Marshall.

While he did not indicate a code switch was imminent, Barrett said: “To be honest, every off-season or every time I’m sitting there watching a rugby league game, I think, s..t I’d love to go over there and play some league just for a season.

“And who knows, I might. It crosses my mind a lot.

He's played 57 Tests and 100 Super Rugby matches.

"It's a bloody good footy scene here in New Zealand and I've got a great set up down here in Christchurch, so looking forward to getting stuck in again over the next few seasons and playing my part," he said.

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster says the signing is great news.

"He's a hugely respected member of our squad and goes about his work in a quiet, understated way.

The 23-year-old outside back has pipped Australia’s Andrew Kellaway, Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit and England’s Marcus Smith for the prestigious award, which has been previously picked up by the likes of Romain Ntamack, Rieko Ioane and Maro Itoje.

While Jordan made his test debut in 2020, no awards were dished out last year due to the significantly affected international calendar which saw a huge disparity in the number of games played by each nation.

Black Ferns debutant Liana Mikaele-Tu'u has been nominated for Black Ferns player of the year alongside loose forwards Les Elder (captain) and Kennedy Simon.

Black Ferns Sevens Captain Sarah Hirini has been nominated for two awards. She will contest the Black Ferns Sevens player of the year award alongside Gayle Broughton and Tyla Nathan-Wong.

Hirini is also up for the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year, alongside Māori All Blacks Captain Ash Dixon and All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith.

Stade de France in Paris this morning.

After leading 24-6 at half-time, the French weathered an all Black fightback in the second half and sealed the victory with a try to Damian Penaud in the 66th minute.

New Zealand had not lost against Les Bleus since 2009 and had been unbeaten in France since 2000.

It was the final game of the All Blacks' 2021 season and followed a 29-20 loss to Ireland last week. It was the second back-to-back defeat for the team in 12 months.