Scotty Stevenson is a senior sports writer for The Spinoff, and a commentator and columnist.
The pending announcement of the Sunwolves’ exit from Super Rugby suggests that the Nations Championship is the future. However, trickle-down economics may be a hard sell.
Regardless on where you stand on the Owen Farrell Incident, the last 72 hours demonstrate one thing: rugby union revels in confusing its own fans.
The death of famed sports pundit Dr Z adds extra motivation for six of the USA Eagles as they prepare to take on the Māori All Blacks on Sunday.
A domestic rugby final at NZ's most famous ground, and it's free to all. This could be the start of something, writes Scott Stevenson
In what could be World Rugby’s most game-changing play since the introduction of the Rugby World Cup in 1987, plans for an annual ‘League of Nations’ tournament show the governing body’s intent to keep the international game on top.
Tonight's Super Rugby final will be a repeat of last year’s match up. No matter what you may think about Super Rugby’s complex format, there's no doubt both Crusaders and Lions deserve to be there, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Isa Nacewa hung up his boots yesterday after leading his beloved Leinster to Champions Cup and Pro14 Glory. It has been a remarkable career for a man who deserves to be known for so much more than not playing for the All Blacks.
Scotty Stevenson pays tribute to the charms of Auckland's Heritage Hotel, where the new All Black squad was announced over the weekend.
Hurricanes winger Ben Lam has been a revelation this season, but looks unlikely to be in the All Black’s thinking for June. Scotty Stevenson discusses the reasons why, and what it says about how tough it is to make the team.
If Israel Folau really wants to stay in Australian rugby union, he’s got a funny way of showing it, writes Scotty Stevenson. Oh, and Rugby Australia is being played.
As the Hurricanes held off the Chiefs on Friday night, Scotty Stevenson had a chance to reflect on the simple joy of watching a game.
New Zealand Rugby needs its biggest city to be in love with rugby union. But, if last weekend is anything to go by, Auckland may be considering a love affair with that other rugby code. Can the Blues win over a jaded public?
Last week the Highlanders reigned victorious over the Crusaders in the southern derby. Scotty Stevenson explores the metaphysical reasons why they beat the old foes from up the road.
There are more problems than solutions when it comes to the integration of Sevens World Series events, but, as Scotty Stevenson discovered in Sydney, it is clearly the way forward for the sport.
From Auckland to Methven, two Aussie lads chased the essence of New Zealand rugby. Scotty Stevenson recounts their journey.
Another big name All Black has been tempted to the Northern Hemisphere. Scotty Stevenson reports.
The Black Ferns recognition as the World Rugby Team of the Year is a big deal for women athletes around the world.
Wellington and Hurricanes stalwart Brad Shields may be in line to play for England at the next World Cup after turning down the chance to join the All Blacks on tour. Cue predictable outrage. But spare us the guilt trip, writes Scotty Stevenson.
The Samoa Rugby Union needs a hand up, not a hand out, writes Scotty Stevenson. It also needs a complete administrative overhaul and an end to the culture of intimidation, cronyism and silence that disrespects the players and the game.
There's not a lot of hope for Australian rugby ahead of tonight's test, says Scotty Stevenson.
To the sound of country music, long suffering Northland rugby fan Scotty Stevenson fears a winning season could be inevitably lost.
There will be motivation aplenty for both teams tomorrow when the All Blacks face the Springboks at Albany, but the most motivated of all might be the only guy in the All Blacks team who remembers what it is like to lose to South Africa in New Zealand.
The All Blacks have chosen to share the love in the selection this weekend – that’s good news for one man who continues to graft away in the background, and would be just as happy hunting pigs in the Canterbury high country, writes Scotty Stevenson.
It should be New Zealand provincial rugby’s greatest rivalry, but the Battle of the Bridge barely rates a mention on the list of great contests. Is 2017 the year to change all that? Scotty Stevenson certainly hopes so.
At least one person will have a bob each way when the Black Ferns take on England in the final of the women's World Cup on Sunday morning, writes Scotty Stevenson.
New Zealand and Australia have always enjoyed a well, special, sporting relationship. But if this week has proved anything it is that the Wallabies and the All Blacks barely have a relationship at all any more, writes Scotty Stevenson.
