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Elliott Smith
Rugby Commentator and Deputy Sports News Editor - Newstalk ZB
Elliott Smith is a Rugby Commentator and Deputy Sports News Editor for Newstalk ZB.
I'm Elliott Smith and I've worked in a variety of roles in the media since 2010. After a broadcasting internship, I got a full-time role in the copywriting department at The Radio Network in Christchurch and picked up weekend work covering sport. Now I'm the lead rugby commentator and deputy sports news editor at Newstalk ZB, and a regular rugby columnist for the New Zealand Herald. I've loved sport and media since I was a young kid - every (and I mean every) creative writing task at school when I was in primary inevitably led to me wedging rugby into my prose. My dad who worked for Newstalk ZB would take me around the club rugby grounds on a Saturday as he reported on the various fixtures in New Zealand's best city, Christchurch. I've travelled to the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups for Newstalk ZB, as well as reporting on league tests abroad and hosting sports talkback shows on ZB.
Check out Elliott’s latest content
Elliott Smith: The most surprising All Blacks stat of 2023
The All Blacks' reform may be the difference between World Cup glory or coming up short.
Tight Five: Don't rule out ABs throwing World Cup curveball
OPINION: Elliott Smith analyses the biggest talking points from the world of rugby.
Elliott Smith: The truth about Eddie Jones' mind games
Eddie Jones has done funny things to the All Blacks.
'Much less attention': Why All Blacks are going under the radar in Argentina
The All Blacks aren't getting much publicity in Argentina.
'Every game is vital': Jason Ryan on All Blacks' World Cup preparations
Ryan says it’s a new season and new competition so there’s not much looking back.
Elliott Smith: The unwelcome distraction to All Blacks' World Cup preparations
OPINION: It probably wasn’t what Ian Foster would've liked his players doing.
Elliott Smith: Rugby is not dead - here's why
Those spouting the myth that rugby is dead only needed to look a couple places this week.
Elliott Smith: Why NZ has a Super Rugby coaching problem
There is a dearth of head coaches in NZ willing and ready to step up to Super Rugby level.
Re-sign, or let them leave? The two fascinating decisions for NZ Rugby
Two star players are out of contract - but re-signing them isn't as simple as it looks.
Elliott Smith: The 34-year-old who should be an All Blacks bolter
OPINION: The All Blacks should be looking closely at giving a debut to the veteran.
Why rugby could be making its biggest leap in two decades
OPINION: This year’s under-20 World Cup feels like a harbinger for the future of rugby.
The Super Rugby star who was overlooked by NZ for so many years
He was overlooked by several teams when they had him right under their noses.
Why the Super Rugby draft idea is a stinker
Opinion: The Super Rugby draft is a fine idea to float, but it sinks on further analysis.
Elliott Smith: The biggest problem with Super Rugby Pacific
Opinion: Super Rugby Pacific's problems boil down to one thing.
Elliott Smith: The one thing holding back rugby's best idea in years
OPINION: Rugby continues to struggle with putting the fan front of mind in the experience.