Interview
Super Rugby Aupiki
{{item.n}}
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.
28 Articles
Latest
sevens-women
Michaela Brake: 'I realised I didn’t need to quit sevens'
1
80 days ago
Pacific Four Series
Can Whitney Hansen re-establish Black Ferns as world's best?
7
123 days ago
Internationals Womens
Sorensen-McGee pens 'unique' and bespoke deal with New Zealand Rugby
1
132 days ago
sevens-women
What makes the Black Ferns Sevens so untouchable?
158 days ago
Interview
'Words that carry weight, carry mana': Demant talks World Cup disappointment and Bears
There are few players as thoughtful as Ruahei Demant. Her words carry weight and mana – a M?ori word often used to describe a le…
Rikki Swannell
24 Nov 2025, 5:26
3
Analysis
The ten best sevens converts heading to the World Cup
The past few iterations of the Women’s Rugby World Cup has seen a smattering of players who’ve traditionally focused on sevens…
Rikki Swannell
13 Aug 2025, 5:40
1
Exclusive
The Bremners: The sisters competing for the same Black Ferns shirt
There’s nothing flashy about the Bremners. They’re workers, doers, a double act made of tough stuff who are heading to the Rug…
Rikki Swannell
29 Jul 2025, 7:10
8
Interview
Charlotte Caslick: Life choices, rugby bucket list and recent surgery
Charlotte Caslick could have been enjoying a nice Sevens off-season. Instead, she was in the heart of the Wallaroos midfield, play…
Rikki Swannell
16 Jul 2025, 7:03
1
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe comes out of retirement to play at RWC 2025
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe wants to play at another Rugby World Cup. She’s confirmed she’s coming out of international retiremen…
Rikki Swannell
21 Apr 2025, 12:29
28
Super Rugby Champions Final: What it means for the women's game
The match between New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aupiki champions and Australia’s Super W winners marks the first step in closer ti…
Rikki Swannell
16 Apr 2025, 7:29
3
Exclusive
Maiakawanakaulani Roos: The Black Fern living by her name
A self-described “heart leader”, she’s also a warrior on the field, with an engine and grit that belies an almost cherubic f…
Rikki Swannell
10 Apr 2025, 2:00
1
Exclusive
Michaela Brake: 'I love putting pressure on myself'
The post-Paris whirlwind appears to have suited the winger, who seems to go through life “all gas, no brakes”, showing a willi…
Rikki Swannell
01 Apr 2025, 3:47
3
Interview
Why making a bet on herself is starting to pay dividends for Shoshanah Seumanutafa
When Super Rugby Aupiki starts this weekend, Shoshanah Seumanutafa will be something of a rarity when she takes the field for the …
Rikki Swannell
28 Feb 2025, 4:35
Exclusive
Super Rugby Aupiki coaches assemble ahead of 2025 season
Rikki Swannell meets with the four Super Rugby Aupiki head coaches for a Q&A ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season.
Rikki Swannell
04 Feb 2025, 4:51
Exclusive
The birth of a star: Santo Taumata - from Te Puke to the Black Ferns
To say Santo Taumata burst onto the scene is an understatement. Picking her for a Test debut against Australia in 2022 in her firs…
Rikki Swannell
04 Dec 2024, 6:21
Exclusive
Jo Yapp reflects on first year as Wallaroos coach
It’s been relentless, a whirlwind, but ultimately, it’s also been a successful year for the Wallaroos first-ever full-time coa…
Rikki Swannell
06 Nov 2024, 7:05
Analysis
Paris Olympics: Women’s sevens team-by-team guide
The world’s best women’s sevens teams will compete at an electric Stade de France, but who will claim gold?
Rikki Swannell
17 Jul 2024, 0:04
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, 14:20
1
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, 3:15
12
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, 3:15
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, 1:43
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, 4:38
1
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, 1:40
2
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, 1:32
