Rugby Hive

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legends Kieran and Nicole Crowley for #RugbyHive Episode 33. Kieran played in the backline for the All Blacks from 1983-1991 (19 Caps) winning the 1987 Rugby World Cup on home soil. He was also part of the New Zealand team that won the Bledisloe Cup in 1985, 1990 and 1991. Kieran played 199 times for club team Taranaki, scoring 1,723 points, and later coached Taranaki from 1998-2007. Kieran spent eight years coaching the Canadian Men’s 15s team, taking them to the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. He then spent five seasons with Benetton in Italy, which is when this interview was recorded during 2020. Since we spoke, Kieran was named Coach of the Year while at Benetton Rugby guiding them to a Pro 14 Rainbow Cup Championship (2021), before being selected as the Head Coach of Italy in May of 2021. He led Italy to a 22-21 win over Wales in the 2021 Six Nations, and then recorded one of the biggest upsets to date for the Azzurri by defeating Australia 28-27 in the Autumn tours of 2022. Kieran’s daughter, Nicole, also grew up New Zealand until she moved to Canada with her family at 12 years of age. She played for Team BC in 7s and 15s, captaining them to a National Championship. At just 18 years old while completing an internship at Rugby Canada, Nicole got the opportunity to become Manager of the Canada Women’s 15s team. From there she worked on contract with Rugby Canada while finishing her Business degree at the University of Victoria, where she was also a member of the UVic Vikes rugby team. Nicole managed the Women’s 15s side through their 2017 World Cup campaign as well as the Women’s 7s team to the Pan American Games, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and Olympic Qualification. Since our interview, Nicole moved North with her partner (who works in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police), living in the remote sub-Arctic in the Northwest Territories, in a town of only 450 people and with no roads connecting it to other towns. Nicole is the Director of Recreation for the municipality where she is highly involved with Special Olympics NT and Sport North, where she works to help disadvantaged and remote kids from communities like hers, access sporting opportunities. In this episode we talk about Kieran and Nicole’s rugby backgrounds, their accomplishments in the sport, and how they both used rugby as a vehicle to live and work in different countries and experience new cultures. The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Gilbert Rugby Canada, Bru’s Biltong, Biltong Canada and EnduroSport. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends #RugbyHive

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Kelly Griffin for #RugbyHive Episode 32.   Griffin signed a full-time training contract in 2011 with USA Rugby, and along with 7 other teammates to became the first group of professional women’s rugby players in the United States. She played on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series from 2011 to 2016, leading the country in tournament appearances, and was the only athlete of the "original eight" to have remained in residency throughout the four-year in the build-up to the 2016 Olympics.   Griffin was part of the USA team that medaled at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens, going undefeated in pool play, and claiming the Bronze Medal by beating Spain in sudden death overtime. She also competed as part of Team USA at the Pan American Games claiming a Bronze Medal. Griffin made history by captaining the USA Women's Olympic rugby team, which competed in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, the inaugural Olympiad to include women's rugby.   She has transitioned to a successful coaching career at the University of Santa Barbara, and also the Premier 7s Women’s Loonies in 2021/2022, leading them to the Inaugural Championship title in Memphis, Tennessee!   In this episode we talk about the development of the women’s game in the USA, the Olympic Games, and various dream team players that Griffin played alongside and against. We also look at the Premier Rugby 7s in North America, coaching the game to newer players, and that famous rugby tattoo!   The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Gilbert Rugby Canada, Bru’s Biltong, Biltong Canada and EnduroSport. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends #RugbyHive

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Siviwe ‘Shakes’ Soyizwapi for #RugbyHive Episode 31. Soyizwapi is the South African 7s (known as the Blitzboks) Captain, who has represented his country on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series since 2016, winning the prestigious Series title in 2017, 2018 and 2021. He captained South Africa to a Gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, with the Blitzboks defeating Fiji 31-7. At the time of this recording, Shakes has scored over 130 tries on the Series, the 4th highest try scorer in history for the Rainbow Nation, behind Fabian Juries (179), Cecil Afrika (179) and Seabelo Senatla (230). In this episode we talk about Soyizwapi’s family, his time in the Eastern Cape at Dale College, and rising in the rugby ranks through the Kings, Stormers and eventually the successful Blitzbok 7s side. We talk about hosting the recent Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, and Head Coach Neil Powell’s final event after 15 years inside the South African 7s setup. Soyizwapi reveals his South African 7s Dream Team, plus the best opponents he has ever faced, and cracks us up with some hilarious pranks on tour! The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Gilbert Rugby Canada, Bru’s Biltong, Biltong Canada and EnduroSport. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends #RugbyHive

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legends Jerry Tuwai and Ben Gollings for #RugbyHive Episode 30. Tuwai is a two-time Gold medal winner with Team Fiji, having won the first ever Olympic medal for Fiji at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 event. He then captained Fiji 7s to their second Gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He is the current top try scorer of all-time for Fiji on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with 134 tries, and was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019. Tuwai comes from humble beginnings in Suva, and credits his parents for his achievements, and cites them as his main motivation to perform and achieve accolades in rugby. When he was young, Tuwai’s father and mother saved enough money to buy him his first pair of rugby boots. As his mother handed them over she said to him “ this is your knife and fork". Gollings, who still holds the record for most points scored on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, is the new Fiji 7s Head Coach. He represented England 7s from 2000 to 2011, amassing 2,652 points. In today's episode we chat with Jerry Tuwai about his two Gold medal experiences, growing up in Fiji, and his new player/coach role alongside Ben Gollings. We also find out about his ability to avoid a fitness test, and how Fiji's preparations are going ahead of the Rugby World Cup 7s, Commonwealth Games and remaining stops on the Sevens Series.  We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Wintergreen. Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Andrew Swain for #RugbyHive Episode 29. Swain began his career in sports broadcasting working for Triple M in Brisbane, Australia, whilst also playing grade rugby for the famous Brothers Rugby Club. He moved to Sydney to work for Fox Sports News in 2007 covering everything from Ice Hockey to SuperCars to Rugby World Cups. Whilst honing his commentary skills, he won a Judd Cup for local club Colleagues. He started calling rugby at club level, and moved on to calling Super Rugby, Test Rugby, Sevens, U20s to become one of the most respected play by play commentators in world rugby. In today’s episode we talk about his extensive broadcasting background, rugby in Australia, and the next generation of Women's 7s stars from his country. Please note this episode was recorded back in 2020, and our first podcast where our guest recorded in his car. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Wintergreen. Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Sean Holley for #RugbyHive Episode 28. Holley is a TV Rugby Analyst for BBC Wales Scrum V, does work for BT Sport, Sky Sports, S4C and hosts the Sony Award winning ‘Rugby Nation’ weekly show on Nation Radio. He writes technical coaching articles for several publications and has a regular monthly column in the World’s largest selling rugby publication, Rugby World. Holley was Head Coach for Ospreys Rugby where he spent nine Seasons – over 250 games. He has worked with British Lions, Grand Slam winners, All Blacks and Springboks including the likes of Shane Williams, Gavin Henson, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Tommy Bowe, Justin Marshall, Jerry Collins, Scott Gibbs, Mike Phillips and many more. He has also worked as a Coach for the Welsh Rugby Union at all levels including the National Team in 2005 and 2009. Holley was the longest serving and most successful Welsh Regional Coach helping the Ospreys to win 5 titles and 3 Heineken Cup Quarter Final places. In 2013 he was appointed Head Coach for Bristol Rugby where in his first season Bristol finished top of the English Championship scoring a record number of tries and points. He left in 2016 have helped Bristol gain promotion to the Aviva Premiership. Holley has a great deal of experience in education, teaching, lecturing and developing a range of further and higher education courses. He wrote and developed the first ever ‘Rugby Studies’ Course through BTEC and established the fore-runner to the now Scarlets Rugby Academy at Coleg Sir Gar. He also is the creator of the exciting new iBroadcast program in collaboration with Aspire2Be. He is also much sought after by Businesses and Governing Bodies to speak about a range of topics including:-‘Developing High Performance Teams’; ‘Winning Teams’; ‘Modern Professional Coaching Environment’ amongst others. Holley works as an Ambassador for Venatour Travel, Velindre Cancer Centre and Rugby For Heroes where he helps to raise money to assist servicemen and women in their transition back to civilian life. In today’s episode we talk about his vast background, including several brilliant stories about some of the great people he has worked with throughout his career. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Wintergreen. Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Damian McGrath for #RugbyHive Episode 27.  Damian McGrath played professional rugby league at Batley before embarking on a brilliant coaching career, which has encompassed both codes of rugby football at club and international level. He is the current Head Coach for Germany 7s, who will take part in the Vancouver and Edmonton 7s on the 2021 World Rugby Sevens Series.  McGrath has achieved tremendous success over the years working with various countries across the globe, including Canada 7s (Head Coach), Samoa 7s (Head Coach), England 7s (Assistant Coach), Spain 15s (Skills and Defense Coach) and Head of Rugby North Wales (RGC). Earlier in his career he steered England 7s to a Junior Commonwealth Games Silver medal and Great Britain Universities to Gold at the World Championships. In Rugby league he was Assistant Coach of Great Britain at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and Assistant Coach of Great Britain U21s and the Great Britain Academy.  In today’s episode we talk about the differences in coaching rugby in various countries, and what it takes to win at the highest level. We get Damian to reminisce about the experiences and legendary moments while working in England, Spain, Wales, Canada, Samoa and now in Germany.  We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms!  The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Wintergreen. Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legends Dave Moonlight & John Moonlight for #RugbyHive Episode 26. Dave Moonlight was the first Canadian to reach 100 tries on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, finishing with a total of 107 tries, 553 points, playing in 40 tournaments from 2003 to 2010. He competed at the 2005 Rugby World Cup 7s in Hong Kong, and captained Canada at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Dave also represented Canada twice in 15s, playing on the wing. John Moonlight followed in his older cousins’ footsteps captaining Canada on numerous occasions on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, scoring 116 tries. Debuting in 2009 at Hong Kong, he went on to play in over 65 tournaments for his country on the Series. John played in the Commonwealth Games in 2010, 2014 and 2018, the 2013 Rugby World Cup 7s in Moscow, Russia, and won two Pam American Games Gold Medals. In 15s he won 23 Caps and represented Canada at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. John is 5th in the record books, with Dave in 6th, for most tries scored on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for Canada. In today’s episode we talk about how both Moonlights got their start in rugby, and how connected they have been since growing up. We chat about their favorite memories representing Canada, and their love for the game of 7s. What a thrill to get these two humble Canadian greats together. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Wintergreen. Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Cecil Afrika for #RugbyHive Episode 25. Afrika is the all-time top points scorer for South Africa on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with 1,462 Points. He represented the Blitzboks a record 345 times from 2009 to 2020, scoring a remarkable 179 tries. He was part of the South African 7s team that won Gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Afrika is also an Olympic Games Bronze Medalist with Team South Africa, taking part in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro event in Brazil. Since retiring from 7s, Afrika has joined the San Diego Legion, playing in the Major League Rugby competition in America. In todays episode we talk about Afrika's inspiring journey in the sport, how he overcame obstacles through rugby, and the evolution of the Sevens Series. We put him in the hot seat selecting his best South African 7s squad he has played alongside, plus his favorite players he has ever faced, and life in America via Major League Rugby. Here is one of 7s greats, Cecil Afrika! We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! The Rugby Hive Podcast is brought to you by Wintergreen. Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Website | rugbyhive.com Merchandise | World Rugby Shop Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Todd Clever for #RugbyHive Episode 24. Clever is the most capped USA player of all-time, representing the Eagles 76 times from 2003-2018. He captained America for several years, playing in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, scoring the most tries of an USA forward in history with 16. He was also part of the World Rugby Try of the Year in 2007 when he intercepted a pass against the Springboks that led to Takudzwa Ngwenya scoring one of the most remarkable 5 pointers in history. Clever was the first American to play and score in the Super Rugby competition - as part of the Lions franchise - and even faced off against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 for their South African tour. He has played professionally in New Zealand (North Harbor), South Africa (Golden Lions), Japan (Suntory & NTT Communications Shining Arcs), England (Newcastle Falcons) and the United States (Austin Elite).  In todays episode we talk about Clever's amazing journey in the sport, the importance of goal setting, memories from 15s and 7s, plus captaining his country. We delve into Super Rugby, the reasons why he loves the sport, and the growth of the game in America via Major League Rugby. Here is Captain America, Todd Clever! We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Ben Gollings for #RugbyHive Episode 23. Gollings is the World Record holder for most points scored on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with 2,652 earning himself a place in the Guinness book of World Records. He represented England at the 2005 & 2009 Sevens World Cups, as well as playing in 3 Commonwealth Games in 2002, 2006 (Silver Medalist) and 2010. In total, England has won 19 Sevens Series tournaments, Gollings was part of 16, including 4 Hong Kong titles. In 15s he played over 100 English Premiership matches through Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons and Worcester Warriors. He also represented Sunnybank Australia, Tasman Makos, Doncaster Knights, Toyota Shokki, Queensland Reds, Gold Coast Breakers and Rugby Lions. In today’s episode we chat about how he overcame adversity at a young age, his love for kicking anything and everything, and how he balanced a decade on the Sevens Series while playing professional 15s. We talk about his England 7s Dream Team, plus his Top 7 selections from all the opponents he faced. We also get into the mental side of the game, coaching and life after playing. Gollings was one of the greatest players we have ever seen, and it’s no wonder co-host Robin MacDowell has a framed photo of him in his bedroom. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend John Tait for #RugbyHive Episode 22. Tait represented Canada in 15s from 1997 until 2002 with 37 Caps including the 1999 Rugby World Cup, making one appearance on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai, 2000. He also played 140 times for the Cardiff Blues and 20 times for Brive. His coaching journey began in 2004 with the Canadian Mens 15s program as Assistant Coach until 2010. Then he helped build the Canadian Women's 7s program and led them to a Bronze Medal finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In Todays episode we chat about playing overseas, how the late Ric Suggitt got him involved in coaching, and the Olympic podium journey he took with the Canadian Women’s 7s team. We chat about the differences between coaching men's and women's programs, how his daughters motivate him to create change, and looking ahead to the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Santiago Gomez Cora for #RugbyHive Episode 21. Gomez Cora represented Argentina for a decade on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, scoring 1,178 points, and for many years led the world in tries scored. Today is tied 4th highest try scorer in history with 230 alongside Blitzbok Seabelo Senatla. Gomez Cora won the Los Angeles 7s in 2004 and then captained his side to glory in San Diego in 2009. Gomez Cora played in two Sevens Rugby World Cups: Hong Kong in 2005 and finalists in Dubai 2009. Currently he is preparing for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, as the Head Coach for the Pumas 7s team. In this episode we track how the speedster elevated himself to international rugby, playing alongside his brother, why he developed the chip and chase as his trademark move, and how his career on the Sevens Series evolved into coaching his country. We hear how he commentated in his second language (English) at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, why he lost 4kg in Japan, and his love of being at home with his son. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Karl Tenana for #RugbyHive Episode 20. Tenana was part of the famous All Black 7s side that won the first 5 Series titles on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. He captained New Zealand, winning the prestigious Rugby World Cup 7s in Hong Kong, 2001. In his 7s career, he scored a remarkable 113 tries, and was the leading try scorer in the 2000/2001 Series with 42 five pointers. Despite picking up an injury, Tenana won a Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. He played Super Rugby for the Otago Highlanders and rugby league for the Point Chevalier Pirates. Since retiring he has become one of the world’s best commentators, working at events such as Super Rugby, the Sevens World Series, and recently the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. In today’s episode we talk about growing up in New Zealand, playing Super Rugby with many All Black legends, the 7s life under Sir Gordon Tietjens, the days of 20 minute 7s Cup finals, and how the Sevens Series has evolved over the past 2 decades. We chat about his commentating career, meeting David Hasselhoff, plus who he picks as his best ever 7s squad. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Lesley McKenzie for #RugbyHive Episode 19. Capped 25 times for Canada, McKenzie represented her country at the 2006 and 2010 Rugby World Cups. During University she played with the UBC Thunderbirds for 5 years, transitioning into coaching the squad from 2008-2013. While in New Zealand McKenzie worked as the Wellington women's development co-coordinator, as well as being a game development officer for Wanganui Rugby RFC. McKenzie was an assistant coach with the Japanese Women’s 7s program at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, before taking over the Head Coach role for the Japanese Women's 15s side. In today's episode we talk about growing up in the Mountains in Fort Nelson, Canada. We chat about her how she got started playing rugby, transitioning to coaching, her time in New Zealand, and ultimately her current role with the Japanese Women’s 15s program. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Chris Wyles for #RugbyHive Episode 18.    Wyles played 54 times for the USA Eagles from 2007 to 2015, taking part in 3 Rugby World Cups and was named Captain America for the 2015 event in England. He represented USA Rugby for 3 years on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, scorching 50 tries in just 13 tournaments. He returned to play Sevens and wear the USA jersey at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.   Wyles also played over 250 times for Saracens from 2008 to 2018, winning 4 Premiership Rugby titles and two European Championships. Following his retirement from the game, he founded Wolfpack Lager with fellow Saracens teammate Alistair Hargreaves.   In today's episode we talk about growing up in America, studying politics at the University of Nottingham, and starting his own business.  We chat about the 2007 World Rugby Try of the Year scored by Taku Ngwenya, playing international 7s and 15s, the comeback for the Olympic Games and success on and off the field with Saracens.   We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms!   Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Clark Laidlaw for #RugbyHive Episode 17.  Laidlaw represented Scotland on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series from 2001 to 2007. In 2017 he took over the All Black 7s role and within a year guided New Zealand to two titles: the Rugby World Cup 7s in San Francisco, California, and Gold at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.   In 2020 his Kiwi side won the HSBC Sevens World Series - bringing back the prestigious title to the people of New Zealand for the first time in 6 years, ending the longest drought for the number 1 rugby nation in the world.   In this mammoth episode we talk about Laidlaw's Scottish roots, how he took over from the legendary Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, what is the All Black way, and the culture of his squad.   We delve into Olympic Games preparation, bringing in All Blacks 15s players ahead of the Olympics, managing players at multi sport events, plus Laidlaw’s coaching philosophies, favorite NZ moment, the influence of the great Tomasi Cama and much more!    We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms!  Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Andy Friend for #RugbyHive Episode 16. Friend has coached rugby at the top level since it became professional 25 years ago.  He has worked with the New South Wales Waratahs (Australia), the Brumbies (Australia), Suntory Sungoliath (Japan), Canon Eagles (Japan), Harlequins (England), Connaught (Ireland) as well as being the Technical Advisor to the Australian Wallabies under Eddie Jones - during the 2002 Tri Nations Series and 2003 Rugby World Cup.  He was also the Australian 7s Head Coach for the Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.   In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of coaching, how to bring the best out of your players, how the athlete has changed in 25 years, developing coaching philosophies and principles.  We talk about switching between coaching 7s and 15s, large multi-sport events and advice for aspiring coaches. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Alev Kelter for #RugbyHive Episode 15. Kelter is the 4th highest point scorer in history on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, behind Canada’s Ghislaine Landry and Kiwi’s Tyla Nathan-Wong and Portia Woodman. This past season, however, Kelter was the leading point scorer in the world.  She is the most capped USA Eagle ever to play on the Series - and will be heading to her second Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2021.   In today’s episode we reveal more about her amazing family, what her name means, her versatile background in sports and attending the University of Wisconsin with her twin sister.  We chat about her remarkable entry into rugby from having never touched a rugby ball to representing her country. After 6 years on the Series, and several different USA coaches, Kelter is perfectly positioned to provide insight into the Women’s game.   She has advice for younger players, and reveals why rugby’s ethos and values are unmatched by any other sport. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends

Hosts Dallen Stanford & Robin MacDowell are joined by legend Nate Hirayama for #RugbyHive Episode 14. Hirayama has played in 5 Rugby World Cups representing Canada at the Sevens World Cup in Moscow (2013) and San Francisco (2018), as well as the 2007, 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.  He’s toured the world for 15 years on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Hirayama (1,859) is the 3rd highest points scorer of all-time alongside the great Ben Gollings (2,652) from England and New Zealand’s playmaker Tomasi Cama (2,026). He is 7th in the world for most tournament appearances, with 79 events, debuting back in 2006. He was part of the Gold medal Canadian 7s team at the Pan American Games in 2011 (Guadalajara) and 2015 (Toronto), as well as winning Silver in 2019 (Lima). In today’s episode (which was recorded during April 2020 during the early stages of lockdown) we chat about his childhood, mentors and coaches, playing international 7s at just 18 years of age,  and his experiences at 3 different Rugby World Cup campaigns.  We look at advice he imparts for younger players, how he managed to last like an action hero on the Series, favorite tries, highlights representing his country and of course best and worst room mates on tour!   His greatest honor lies await, captaining Canada at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. We hope you enjoy and follow us on these platforms! Podcast 🎧 anchor.fm/rugbyhive Instagram | @MyRugbyHive Facebook | RugbyHive Twitter | @RugbyHive #RugbyHive #RugbyPodcast #RugbyLegends