Dylan Cleaver

Contributing writer

Dylan Cleaver has been immersed in sports journalism since 1996, covering three Olympic Games, various world cups and two pigeon races. He has won more than 30 national journalism awards. He is the founder of the sports newsletter The Bounce – find it at dylancleaver.substack.com

Kane Williamson and Trent Boult at the T20 World Cup (Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

Kane Williamson latest Black Cap to turn down NZ Cricket contract

The move will see 'Steady the Ship' relinquish the captaincy in all forms of the game – but NZC sees it as a positive development.

By Dylan Cleaver | 19th June, 2024

Contributing writer

Sam Whitelock after the 2023 World Cup semifinal win over Argentina (Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images)

Sam Whitelock hangs up his boots

'I’d hate for somebody to come and watch a game I was playing and say to his kid: 'See that guy there, he used to be awesome'. That would grind my gears.'

By Dylan Cleaver | 3rd April, 2024

Contributing writer

Tu Wyllie as a rugby player in 1974 and at a parliament protest in 2002 (Image: Tina Tiller)

Inside the years-long fight to have a former All Black’s CTE recognised by ACC

Exclusive: How Tutekawa Wyllie and his wife Margaret won their landmark battle and broke new ground for rugby-related head injury claims.

By Dylan Cleaver | 14th January, 2024

Contributing writer

Illustration: Toby Morris / Design: Tina Tiller

The All Black, the ghost and the leaky bucket: Writing Carl Hayman’s memoir, Head On

'Here we were in Taranaki, our home province, yet we were somehow lost in Toulon.'

By Dylan Cleaver | 7th January, 2024

Contributing writer

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and the Black Caps’ Trent Boult at the 2023 Cricket World Cup (an event that does, arguably, still matter) (Photo: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

International cricket is withering on the vine – why do we still play so much of it?

Players are sending a clear and obvious message: there’s too much cricket and not enough of it matters.

By Dylan Cleaver | 11th December, 2023

Contributing writer

Sam Cane and the Webb Ellis cup (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Rugby got the World Cup final it deserved

Welcome to rugby in the 21st century, a sport that ties itself in knots with its laws and thinks the way around that is to add, not subtract, layers of complexity.

By Dylan Cleaver | 30th October, 2023

Contributing writer

NZ Rugby has the opportunity to change the game forever – but will they?

NZ Rugby has the opportunity to change the game forever – but will they?

An organisational revolution could be on the cards for a sport that's become 'bogged down in boardrooms'.

By Dylan Cleaver | 31st August, 2023

Contributing writer

Counties Manukau halfback Cam Roigard scores v Southland (Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Is the NPC still fit for purpose? Three questions with a provincial rugby CEO

New Zealand Rugby's CEO doesn't think so. Does the head of Counties Manukau Rugby agree?

By Dylan Cleaver | 19th August, 2023

Contributing writer

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Mount Smart feels different all of a sudden

As the team solidifies its playoff credentials, has hope given way to expectation for the Warriors faithful?

By Dylan Cleaver | 18th July, 2023

Contributing writer

Illustration: Toby Morris / Design: Tina Tiller

The All Black, the ghost and the leaky bucket: Writing Carl Hayman’s memoir, Head On

'Here we were in Taranaki, our home province, yet we were somehow lost in Toulon.'

By Dylan Cleaver | 2nd July, 2023

Contributing writer