Phil Gifford
Phil Gifford is a prominent New Zealand sports journalist, recognized for his insightful commentary and reporting on various sports. He has received numerous accolades, including being named New Zealand Sportswriter of the Year twice and winning the SPARC lifetime achievement award in 2010. With a career spanning several decades, Gifford has made significant contributions to sports journalism, particularly in rugby, and is known for his engaging writing style and deep understanding of the sporting landscape.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer for NZME.
Phil Gifford: King’s Birthday Honours 2026: Earle Kirton recognised for rugby legacy with ONZM
New Zealand· 2026-05-31
Phil Gifford is a contributing sports writer for NZME.
Super Rugby’s balance of power suddenly looks very different – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2026-03-01
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer for NZME.
Risk-free style doesn’t pay off for Blues and the All Black who impressed most in Super Rugby Pacific opening round – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2026-02-16
Phil Gifford is a contributing sports writer for NZME.
New All Blacks coach faces brutal gauntlet in first season – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2026-02-08
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
All Blacks v England: Why Twickenham test could be an all-time classic - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-11-14
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer for NZME.
All Blacks survive Scotland scare, but Scott Robertson has new selection dilemmas for England match on Grand Slam quest – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-11-10
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
All Blacks v Ireland: How Scott Robertson’s men turned chaos into control in Chicago test – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-11-02
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
All Blacks Grand Slam second only to the Rugby World Cup: Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-10-27
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer for NZME.
Canterbury’s NPC triumph highlights enduring strength of provincial rugbyNew Zealand· 2025-10-26
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
All Blacks v Wallabies: Scott Robertson’s men deliver vital performance to steady nerves ahead of Grand Slam tour – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-10-05
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
Rugby Championship: All Blacks defeat and Springboks victory reveal competition’s high stakes – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-08-24
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME and is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism.
Rugby Championship: All Blacks victory in Argentina and Wallabies’ comeback win show competition will be strong – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-08-17
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer for NZME.
Scott Robertson’s All Blacks: The promising signs from series win – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-07-20
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer providing commentary on rugby.
All Blacks v France: Scott Robertson’s vision takes shape in Wellington – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-07-13
Phil Gifford discusses the All Blacks' performance in their opening test of the season.
All Blacks v France: What to make of a weird test to open All Blacks season - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-07-06
Phil Gifford has an ongoing grudge against the 1971 Lions team.
Letters: July may be the perfect month to go soberNew Zealand· 2025-06-30
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
Ian Foster’s book reveals All Blacks coaching challengesNew Zealand· 2025-06-29
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME and respected in New Zealand sports journalism.
Stu Wilson: All Blacks great remembered for tries, humour and unique style - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-06-09
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
Crusaders, Blues set for Super Rugby Pacific semifinal clash after big wins – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-06-08
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
Super Rugby Pacific: All Blacks jersey surely beckons for Timoci Tavatavanawai, despite Highlanders’ failures - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-06-01
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
Super Rugby Pacific: Moana Pasifika and Crusaders reset competition’s focusNew Zealand· 2025-05-18
Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME.
All Blacks: The unlucky six who missed out on test jerseyNew Zealand· 2025-05-08
Phil Gifford is a sportswriter and broadcaster who discussed legendary rugby figures.
Will the new Christchurch stadium honour sports legends with stand names?New Zealand· 2025-05-01
Phil Gifford is a respected voice in New Zealand sports journalism.
Super Rugby Pacific: How the competition got so good in 2025 – OpinionNew Zealand· 2025-04-27
Phil Gifford discusses the performance of various rugby teams and players in Super Rugby Pacific.
Super Rugby Pacific: Five talking points from round six – Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-03-23
Phil Gifford is a respected sports writer for NZME.
All Blacks, the Olympics, David Tua and Nelson Mandela: Flashpoints from a life in sport journalism - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-03-20
Phil Gifford discusses the performances of various rugby players in the Super Rugby Pacific round three.
Super Rugby Pacific: Seven talking points from round three - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-03-02
Phil Gifford discusses the opening weekend of Super Rugby Pacific.
Super Rugby Pacific: Eight talking points from the opening weekend of 2025 - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-02-16
Phil Gifford has twice been judged New Zealand sportswriter of the year and has won multiple awards for his work in sports journalism.
Super Rugby Pacific: Six talking points ahead of the 2025 opening weekend - Phil GiffordNew Zealand· 2025-02-14
