Ever watched Andrew Saville delivering the latest rugby updates on 1News and wondered about the man behind that familiar voice?
You’re not alone—I’ve been following New Zealand’s sports media scene for years, and his journey is honestly one of the most compelling stories in Kiwi journalism.
At 54 years old, this Sagittarius has built more than just a career; he’s crafted a legacy that spans heartbreak, professional triumph, and finding love again in the most unexpected places.
Andrew Saville Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Andrew Saville |
| Age | 54 years old (born December 20, 1970) |
| Profession | 1News Sports Presenter & Rugby Reporter |
| Current Wife | Helen Castles (married January 2024) |
| First Wife | Pamela Leong (married June 25, 2011) |
| Children | Twin sons, 11 years old |
| Stepchildren | Helen’s twin sons, 20 years old |
| Notable Coverage | 2015, 2019, 2023 Rugby World Cups |
| Network | TVNZ / One News Now |
| Residence | Split between Auckland & Northland |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Social Media | Instagram: ~1.2k followers |
Who Is Andrew Saville?
Born on December 20, 1970, Andrew Saville isn’t just another sports presenter—he’s become the voice that New Zealanders trust when it comes to rugby coverage.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: his path to becoming TVNZ’s lead rugby correspondent wasn’t just about professional ambition.
The guy’s got this genuine warmth that comes through the screen, and honestly? That’s because he’s lived through the same ups and downs many of us face.
From navigating divorce to raising twins and finding second chances in love, Andrew’s story feels refreshingly real in a world of polished media personalities.
What strikes me most about Andrew is how he’s managed to stay grounded despite his success—something that becomes crystal clear when you dive into his personal journey.
The Career That Made Him a Household Name
Here’s what most people get wrong about Andrew Saville’s rise in New Zealand sports media—it wasn’t an overnight success story. I’ve watched this industry evolve, and let me tell you, his dedication to rugby journalism has been nothing short of impressive.
From Local Sports to National Rugby Coverage
Andrew’s journey started in local sports reporting, but what set him apart was his ability to make complex rugby match analysis accessible to everyday viewers.
I remember watching his early coverage and thinking, “Finally, someone who can explain a scrum without making me feel stupid.”
His breakthrough came through consistent, quality reporting that combined technical expertise with emotional sports storytelling.
Unlike many sports journalists who focus purely on statistics, Andrew understood that rugby is about the human stories behind the game.
International Recognition and Rugby World Cup Coverage
The real game-changer? His Rugby World Cup coverage. From the 2015 Rugby World Cup in the UK to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, Andrew has been TVNZ’s go-to correspondent for international rugby events.
What makes his coverage special is how he weaves historical sports context into current match commentary.
During the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, I noticed how he’d reference past tournaments while keeping viewers engaged with present-moment drama—that’s master-level sports broadcasting right there.
His work with One News Now during these tournaments hasn’t just elevated his profile; it’s established him as New Zealand’s premier rugby correspondent.
Andrew Saville’s First Marriage: The Pamela Leong Chapter
Now, let’s talk about something that shaped Andrew profoundly—his first marriage to Pamela Leong.
In my experience covering media personalities, it’s rare to find someone so open about their personal journey, but Andrew’s story teaches us about resilience.
Andrew and Pamela tied the knot on June 25, 2011, at Mollie’s Hotel in Auckland. What made their union particularly interesting was Pamela’s connection to New Zealand’s sporting world—she was the mother of young golfing prodigy Jack Green.
The wedding was intimate, with about 50 close friends and family celebrating what seemed like a perfect match.
Here are the key details of their wedding:
- Date: June 25, 2011
- Location: Mollie’s Hotel, Auckland
- Guest count: 50 close family and friends
- Relationship duration: 3 years before marriage
- Ages: Both Andrew and Pamela were 40
The marriage represented hope and new beginnings, but like many relationships in the public eye, it eventually faced challenges that led to their separation.
What I respect about Andrew is how he’s handled this chapter with dignity, keeping private details private while acknowledging this important part of his journey.
Fatherhood and the Twins Who Changed Everything
You know what really transforms a person? Becoming a parent. Andrew Saville discovered this when he became father to twin sons, who are now 11 years old.
Watching how he balances his demanding career as a traveling journalist with raising boys has been genuinely inspiring. These aren’t just statistics in his bio—these kids fundamentally changed his perspective on what matters most.
I’ve seen how parenting twins can be overwhelming, but Andrew has embraced the challenge while maintaining his professional excellence.
The twins have become central to his current blended family dynamic, and honestly, seeing how he’s navigated stepfather role responsibilities shows a depth of character that goes well beyond his media persona.
It’s one thing to deliver sports updates; it’s another to help shape young lives while managing the complexities of co-parenting.
Finding Love Again: The Helen Castles Love Story
You won’t believe this, but sometimes the best love stories start with terrible timing. Andrew and Helen Castles first met back in 2005 when Helen was working for the Kaikohe newspaper—but life had different plans for them then.
How They Met and Why Timing Matters
Fast-forward to 2020, and both Andrew and Helen were coming out of long-term relationships.
They started dating, but—and here’s the honest truth about adult relationships—the timing still wasn’t quite right. Both were focused on healing and figuring out their individual paths.
Then 2022 happened, and something clicked. Maybe it was maturity, maybe it was readiness, but their relationship truly flourished.
By Christmas 2022, they went public on social media, and you could just feel the genuine happiness radiating from their posts.
The Karikari Beach Proposal
Here’s where Andrew’s thoughtful character really shines. When planning his proposal to Helen in March 2023, he didn’t just pick any random romantic spot.
He asked Helen’s boys to recommend the best Northland location, and they suggested Karikari Beach—famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The emotional proposal details are just beautiful:
- Location: Karikari Beach (chosen by Helen’s children)
- Method: Asked Helen to look out to sea for a photo, then dropped to one knee
- Family involvement: Got blessing from Helen’s parents
- Ring: Diamond engagement ring (Andrew changed his original choice last minute)
- Celebration: Celebrated at a local pub afterward
That level of family integration from the proposal stage? That’s someone who understands that love isn’t just about two people—it’s about creating something bigger together.
The 2024 Wedding That Captured Hearts
Okay, I have to admit—when I saw the photos from Andrew and Helen’s January 2024 wedding at Tokerau Beach, I got a little emotional.
There’s something so genuine about a beach wedding where the groom wears khaki shorts and a white linen shirt instead of a stuffy tuxedo.
The Karikari Peninsula ceremony perfectly captured their down-to-earth personalities. About 60 whānau and friends gathered for what felt more like a family celebration than a formal media event.
Notable guests included Shane Jones, Dot, and MP Dover Samuels—showing Andrew’s connections within New Zealand’s political and social circles.
Wedding highlights:
- Date: January 2024
- Location: Tokerau Beach, Karikari Peninsula
- Style: Casual beach ceremony
- Attire: Andrew in khaki shorts and linen; Helen in vintage off-white dress
- Reception: Marquee in Helen’s backyard with food truck and local musicians
- Family integration: Both sets of twins participated in the ceremony
The most touching moment? Andrew arrived with Helen’s boys to accompany her to the beach ceremony—a gesture that spoke volumes about their successful family integration.
Blending Families: Four Boys and Making It Work
Let’s be real for a moment—blended families are complicated. I’ve seen plenty fail because people underestimate the challenges. But Andrew and Helen? They’re making it work with four boys across a 10-year age difference.
Here’s their family dynamics:
| Andrew’s Side | Helen’s Side |
| Twin sons, 11 years old | Twin sons, 20 years old |
| Live between Auckland/Northland | Based in Northland |
| Active in sports | Young adults establishing independence |
The age gap could be a challenge, but as Andrew puts it, “Our kids get on well, even with the 10-year age difference.”
What makes this work is intentional work-life balance—Andrew commutes between his Auckland base and Helen’s Northland home, proving that distance is no barrier when you’re committed to making something work.
Still here? That means you’re genuinely interested in how real families navigate these challenges, and honestly, that gives me hope for all of us trying to figure out modern relationship dynamics.
What’s Next for New Zealand’s Rugby Voice?
As we move through 2025, Andrew Saville continues evolving both professionally and personally. His recent coverage of international rugby events shows no signs of slowing down, and his TVNZ role keeps expanding as New Zealand’s appetite for quality sports broadcasting grows.
What excites me most is watching how he’s pioneering authentic storytelling in sports media while maintaining his commitment to family.
Between upcoming rugby seasons and raising four boys with Helen, Andrew’s proving that you can have both professional excellence and genuine family connection.
The future of New Zealand rugby journalism looks bright with voices like his leading the conversation—voices that understand both the technical aspects of the game and the human stories that make sports truly compelling.
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Andrew Saville
Here are some fascinating tidbits about New Zealand’s rugby voice that might surprise you:
- Andrew Saville’s father worked in the airline industry for 40 years, which gave Andrew his early exposure to international travel and diverse cultures—skills that later shaped his unique approach to sports journalism
- He’s a Sagittarius born on December 20, 1970, and honestly embodies that adventurous spirit typical of his zodiac sign through his fearless international rugby coverage
- Andrew has an Instagram following of approximately 1.2k followers, showing he prefers maintaining privacy over social media fame—pretty refreshing for a media personality
- His first wife Pamela Leong was connected to New Zealand’s sporting world as mother of young golfing prodigy Jack Green, making their union a true sports media power couple
- During his Karikari Beach proposal to Helen Castles, Andrew actually changed his original engagement ring choice at the last minute—talk about perfectionist attention to detail
- The 2024 wedding reception featured a food truck and local musicians in Helen’s backyard, proving these two know how to keep celebrations authentic and down-to-earth
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Andrew Saville now?
Andrew Saville is 54 years old, born on December 20, 1970.
Is Andrew Saville still married to his first wife?
No, Andrew divorced Pamela Leong and married Helen Castles in January 2024.
How many children does Andrew Saville have?
Andrew has twin sons who are currently 11 years old from a previous relationship.
What’s Andrew Saville’s salary at 1News?
Specific salary figures aren’t public, but senior sports presenters in New Zealand earn substantial compensation.
Where does Andrew Saville live now?
He splits time between Auckland (work base) and Northland (Helen’s home base).
How did Andrew Saville become famous?
Through two decades of rugby reporting and his role as 1News sports presenter.
What makes Andrew Saville’s reporting different?
His ability to explain complex rugby plays to casual viewers while maintaining technical accuracy.
Final Words
Andrew Saville’s journey from local reporter to New Zealand’s most trusted rugby voice isn’t just about professional success—it’s about resilience, second chances, and finding authentic connection in both career and personal life.
His story with Helen Castles and their four boys proves that sometimes the best chapters come when you least expect them.
What’s your take on his journey? Have you experienced similar challenges balancing career ambitions with family life? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment and let’s keep this conversation going!
Welcome to CelebReporting! I’m Sophia, a celebrity news expert with over 15 years of experience in entertainment journalism. I dive deep into celebrity bios, net worth, age, relationships, marriages, and more. My goal is to deliver accurate, engaging stories fans can trust. Let’s explore fame together!
