Interview
chiefs-manawa
Contributors
Rikki Swannell
A sports broadcaster for 20 years working across a variety of codes and major events, mainly heard as a commentator on HSBC SVNS and World Rugby competitions. Author of two rugby books - Sevens Sisters and Beaudy (get in early for Christmas), and host of In House on Rugby Pass TV. Uses words for a living but struggles to write a pithy bio.
15 Articles
Latest
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241 days ago australia-women-sevens
Paris Olympics: Women’s sevens team-by-team guide
Exclusive
Rikki Swannell: 'It was the most visceral reaction I’ve ever seen or heard in sport.'
Since its return to the games rugby sevens has captured the imagination and Paris should take that quality to the next level
Rikki Swannell
14 Jul 2024, 17:20
Opinion
'We’re so far behind England and France that we can’t even see how far we’ve fallen'
Last weekend, in the final match of the Pac Four, in what was New Zealand’s last of just three home tests this season, a crowd o…
Rikki Swannell
30 May 2024, 6:15
Exclusive
Kennedy Simon: The two sides to the Black Ferns co-captain
It seems it’s always been that way, and Simon’s path to the Black Ferns co-captaincy has been far from linear. In fact, she wa…
Rikki Swannell
22 May 2024, 6:15
Interview
'If we're going to match them and be better, the work needs to go in between now and the World Cup'
Hannah Porter knows what it takes to win World Cups. As an astute utility back she helped the Black Ferns to the trophy in 2002 an…
Rikki Swannell
29 Feb 2024, 4:43
Opinion
Super Rugby Aupiki: A team-by-team preview ahead of the expanded competition
It’s time for Super Rugby Aupiki to establish itself in New Zealand’s sporting landscape.
Rikki Swannell
21 Feb 2024, 7:38
Interview
'I struggle with performance anxiety. I've had to face my fears': Katelyn Vahaakolo on her breakthrough season
There’s an unapologetic energy to Katelyn Vahaakolo. She is who she is, and doesn’t mind you knowing it. She describes herself…
Rikki Swannell
24 Jan 2024, 4:40
Analysis
SVNS 2024: Previews of all 12 women's teams
The 2024 Sevens (or SVNS as it’s now known), season will see the women’s teams play a record eight rounds and, for the first t…
Rikki Swannell
28 Nov 2023, 4:32
Opinion
Why combining Canadian Women 15s and 7s could reap rewards
A new spirit of collaboration is sweeping through Rugby Canada with the hope it will net long term rewards.
Rikki Swannell
19 Sep 2023, 11:03
Interview
Another bite of the cherry - WXV will ignite epic New Zealand vs England rivalry once again
The next time the inevitable list of “greatest rugby games ever” is compiled one sure to feature is last year’s World Cup fi…
Rikki Swannell
16 Aug 2023, 8:45
Exclusive
Rikki Swannell: 'Everybody is always going to have an opinion on a commentator'
Everybody is always going to have an opinion on a commentator, it happens to the guys as much as it happens to women, but criticis…
Rikki Swannell
09 Aug 2023, 12:11
