Former All Black and current head of player welfare and high performance at the International Rugby Players, Conrad Smith, questioned the priorities of the game amidst a gruelling player schedule.
The Springboks' one-off warm-up clash against the All Blacks at Twickenham in August is fast approaching a sell-out.
All Blacks and Blues tighthead prop Nepo Laulala will join a Top 14 club after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Star New Zealand utility back Beauden Barrett has admitted that he does not know in which position he will play for the All Blacks during the upcoming international season.
Veteran scrumhalf Brad Weber's World Cup hopes took a major blow after not being announced in New Zealand's primary Test squad.
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt have announced a squad of 36 players for the upcoming Rugby Championship.