Episodes
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What’s better than having one Crusader and All Black legend on the podcast? Thats right, having two of them and for this episode we have just that, with Sevu Reece and George Bower coming on together.
Both Sevu and George have just had major knee surgery which will rule them out for the the year including the RWC. So disappointing for them and all that fans that we won’t get to see them on the biggest stage, however it was awesome to hear both of their mindsets and plans for the 9months recovery.
Both men have incredibly cool stories on how they got to the All Black jumper too. Sevu who lived in Fiji until moving to Hamilton Boys on a rugby scholarship burst on to the scene with an incredible debut season with the Crusaders which saw him make his All Black debut the same year.
While George battled away in the Taita College 2nd XV and played many years in the Dunedin Club scene before eventually getting his chance at Super Rugby winning the competition in his first season.
I loved this episode, two great Fijian lads who have had incredible careers and plenty of good stories and advice for you to enjoy.
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If there is one job in rugby that is under appreciated it has to be the referee, such a tough job in such a complex game where the expectation is to always be right. This week I was lucky enough to have Paul Williams on What a Lad and Paul is in my opinion one of the best referees in the game.
It's always good to get an insight into a different side of the game and hearing more about life as a referee is fascinating. I also think hearing Paul speak helps you realise that he is just a good lad who is making spilt second decisions to the best of his ability.
I really enjoyed this episode and grateful to have Paul come on and share some valuable insight in to being a ref and some good yarns.
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Stacey Waaka is one of the biggest stars in the womens game, she has been a key member of the successful NZ womens 7's side as well as the Black Ferns! She has won gold medals at the Commonwealth games and the Olympics and has also won the RWC in both forms of the game.
The journey of Stacey's rugby career has been over a period of time where the women's game has changed dramatically. Women's rugby is one of the fastest growing team sports in the world and after seeing the Black Ferns sell out Eden Park I am not surprised. Stacey is hugely admired around the world and she is such a good role model for any young athlete looking to make it in the game.
I really enjoyed this one, awesome story, great energy and Stacey is just an all round good sort.
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Codie Taylor is one of NZ rugbys great lads, a champion man on and off the field. He's also one of the best hookers in the modern era where his speed and skillset set him apart.
Codie is someone who takes great care of his body, he has a rigorous training and recovery schedule which has certainly helped him avoid injuries throughout his 12 year career to date. However that doesn't mean its all smooth sailing, hearing him speak about how tough it can be under the spotlight when your form isn't where you'd like it to be was interesting.
Codie has also launched his own recovery and performance drink called Eclipse, an unreal drink! That was cool to hear about how he got into running his own business and what he has learnt from that experience. I really enjoyed this one,
Codie Taylor is one of the greats.
Thanks to our mates at Speights for sponsoring this episode.
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Israel Dagg is one of the all time greats! At his peak the gifted fullback made rugby look easy, even in the All Black jersey in some of the biggest tests
In his first ever podcast appearance, Izzy Dagg is incredibly open and honest about his journey through the good and the bad. He obviously had some amazing highs in the game such as winning Super Rugby with the Crusaders and the 2011 RWC at home. However like everyone he has had some real tough periods to get through too and the moment when he got caught going out before the RWC quarter final is certainly one.
With his life after footy being a huge success for him becoming a Radio host with SENZ and TV star, it was surprising to hear how much he struggled once he rugby career had finished. So grateful to have Izzy come on and be so honest and vulnerable, he really is an absolute lad.
Cheers to our mates at Speights for sponsoring this episode.
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Life after rugby or life after professional sport is hard. As you would’ve heard in previous episodes with retired players, everyone handles it differently. The goal of this episode is to help prepare players better for that transition and who better to give advice than the legend Tim Bateman. Timmy has nailed his transition, he’s formed NZ’s largest wellbeing centre in @ostudio_nz, he’s written and released 2 top selling children’s books, he’s coaching the Crusaders development team, he’s a great father to his kids and husband to his wife and he is just a champion all round lad.
However as you’ll hear, even Tim has struggled with life post footy but what he has done, is he has narrowed it down to 6 challenges. These challenges are what he believes are key to overcoming to nail the transition. Even thinking about and/or understanding some of these challenges, I think will help massively for when that time comes. This is a podcast I wish I could’ve done 5 years ago as some of Timmys theory’s are gold for anyone coming to the end.
If you know someone who is coming to the end of their sporting career, sharing this episode with them could help them massively so please do so.
Also thanks to our mates at speights for sponsoring this episode.
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Elijah Taylor is a Rugby League legend here in NZ. He has played big roles for NRL sides including the Warriors, Panthers and Tigers, as well as playing internationally for the Kiwis. He is a man with the drive to succeed more than most and has put everything into his rugby league career, which is still going strong today. He is also a qualified pilot and a future rap star, a man of many talents!
However, the bulk of this episode is about one of the craziest stories I've ever heard. During his career his manager stole over 400k from his bank account! I love how open and honest Elijah is in this episode, he's a seriously good lad who just wants no one else to be in the same position he got in to.
If you enjoy this episode as much as I did please give it a share.
And thanks to our mates at Speights for bringing you this episode.
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The Speights What a Lad podcast season 4 is under way and what a guest to start! Michael Fatialofa was one of the toughest players on the field I ever played with and he proved he was even tougher off it after a life changing tackle.
While playing for Worcester, Michael Fatialofa was hit awkwardly in a tackle that caused him to be Paraliyzed from the neck down and told he will never walk again. From that moment his life completely changed and hearing the battle he has gone through the last 3 years left me feeling inspired, sad and proud of what he has been able to achieve.
This episode is an awesome reminder to be truely grateful for everything you have in your life, as like in Michaels case it can literally be taken away from you over night. I'm so grateful for Fat's coming on What a Lad and speaking so openly about his journey, it is one of the most powerful and inspiring episodes yet! If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
Cheers to our mates at Speights for bringing you this episode, good on ya mate!
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Here it is, the last episode of Season 3 and there is no better way to finish what has been a massive season then with greatest lad of them all Tamati Ellison!
The gifted singer, actor, rugby player, baby maker and coach has had some journey to date and there was so much to go through in this one.
From his child acting days to his pathway into the All Blacks and so many good stories along the way. Tamati is widely regarded as one of the best lads you could meet and after listening to this episode I'm sure you will see why. I loved this conversation and enjoyed listening back to it even more. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share 🙏🏼
If you're keen to make the most of this free class opportunity at O-Studio use the code WHATALADCLASS at check out for 100% off! Also if you’re interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Also if you’re looking to build, renovate your existing home or looking at a commercial development get in touch with Hayden. Email [email protected]
P 027 255 4977
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Noah Hotham is one of the most exciting young rugby talents on the planet and it was a pleasure to get him on the podcast and go through the first 19 years of the young mans life.
The Tasman Mako and NZ u20 star has burst on to the NZ rugby scene in 2022 and has just signed a 3 year deal with the Crusaders. It's not often kids come straight out of school in the physical shape Noah did but after hearing about his time at Hamilton Boys it now all makes sense. Noah is fit, fast and strong and has an incredible ability to break open a game which was proven in this years Bunnings Cup scoring 7 tries himself.
This young man has a massive future in the game and he is an absolute lad. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it'd be much appreciated.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Also if you’re looking to build, renovate your existing home or looking at a commercial development get in touch with Hayden. Email [email protected]
P 027 255 4977
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Breathing is something we do every minute of the day and it's crazy how many of us don't breathe correctly including myself. It's mind blowing to hear how beneficial changing the way you breathe can be for high performance sport or everyday life.
So in this episode I catch up with the breath guru Jamie O'Donnell and talk all things breathing. This episode will definitely make you think about the way you breath and hopefully you pick up some tips on how you can breathe better and perform better or live a better lifestyle.
I can't really do the episode justice by writing about it so give it a listen and if you enjoy it or know someone who would benefit in hearing it then please give it a share.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow!
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After however many episodes I have done so far, it's clear that every single rugby career is full of up and downs. In Colin Slade's case, the highs were some of the biggest highs you can get in the game, kicking match winning conversions for the All Black and winning plenty of titles, including 2 RWCs. However when I think of players who had an unfair amount of injuries, Colin Slade would be right up there. Double digits surgeries, double digit concussions and even when he needed his body the most during the 2011 RWC he went down with a groin injury.
Sladey has also experienced rugby all around the world and I felt like he summed up the differences between the different countries perfectly. He also shares plenty of good stories from along the way and some great advice mixed into this one too.
As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
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After the recent retirement of the great American International Tony Lamborn, I knew I just had to get him on and man he does not dissapoint! A man who has never been shy to tell it is, does exactly that in this episode with some unreal yarns.
Having played for plenty of team's all over the world, Tony has plenty of unique experiences on and off the field. It was also really cool to hear him speak about some of the struggles he has faced and how he managed to get through the tough times.
I'm sure after listening to this episode you'll have a good idea of what the man Tony Lamborn is like off the field. He is an absolute lad who loves a good time. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
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I know you've all heard the Mike Coman story (Season 1, episode 3) which was one of the greatest episodes to date. Now we've got him back on by popular demand for a Q&A, where you guys throw him some real hard hitting questions!
Now Moo is one of my best mates and even I learnt heaps about him in this one and I even learnt heaps in general. From parenting advice to rugby and life advice, this episode has it all. Moo is a natural story teller and there is plenty of laughs to be had listening to this one.
As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroys and use the code LAD03 for 20% off
Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off
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Our first ever dual code international has jumped on What a Lad in the form of one of the greats Matt Duffie! Matt who started off as a teenager with the Melbourne Storm playing with the big 4 Greg Inglis, Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater! He then had the chance to represent the Kiwis before being hammered by injuries which eventually saw him switch codes. After a rough start in Super Rugby with the Blues and spending a lot of the season playing club. He worked hard, he learnt the game, he found his form, and went on to be one of the best outside backs in the country, which saw him named as an All Black. The Matt Duffie story like so many guys careers, is full of highs and lows but something he wouldn't change at all, shaping him into the lad he is today! Such a good episode this one and heaps of great insights and tips into becoming a professional rugby player or athlete. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
If you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
Finally if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off
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What a guest Ricky Riccitelli was to get into the What a Lad studio for the last time, this man is a seriously good lad and there were plenty of laughs had in this episode.
The South African born, Taranaki raised, front rower has had some career to date and at still only 27 has plenty more to give. He started his professional footy career with Hawkes Bay and the Hurricanes where he played a huge role as a young fella to win their first ever Super Rugby title in 2016. He has since moved home to Taranaki and moved up to the Blues for a new opportunity as he pushes to get back into the All Blacks frame.
I know you are going to enjoy this one as there are some classic stories in it and when I'm laughing during my edit it's generally a sign that you'll be laughing too. If you do enjoy it, please give it a share always greatly appreciated!
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
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It was awesome to get Shaun 'Shooter' Stevenson on What a Lad, this time for a yarn and not a prank about a dodgy DVD store. Although it was good to hear his side of the story from that prank!
Shooter has a lot going on at the moment, he is obviously coming off a massive season with North Harbour in the NPC, where he was one of the best players in the comp. He has since some how missed out on the All Black XV, so he shares his thoughts on that. He has also had a phone call from the great Wayne Bennet, who has shown interest in getting his services to the Dolphins in the NRL. So there is certainly plenty to talk about in this one!
Shooter has also been playing professionally since just 18 years old and now 7 years on, he is playing better than ever. His series against Ireland for the NZ Maoris, proved that he was ready for international footy. He's also a champion lad, who has a very laidback style and plenty of yarns.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this one and if you do please give it a share 🙏
If you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off
If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroys and use the code LAD03 for 20% off
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If you've played rugby in NZ in the last decade, it is highly likely you have either played with or against this great lad, Joe Royal. Joe has had a different career to many of the guests who have been on already, there were certainly no fast tracked contracts here.
Joe spent 7 years battling away in the Auckland club rugby scene before deciding to take a risk and give it a crack with the BOP Steamers. A few things went his way and Joe got some good game time with BOP. He was even named in the NZ Maori side later that year!
Believe it or not after Joes NPC debut he had to wait another 9 years before he eventually got a Super Rugby cap for Moana Pasifika at the age of 36. A crazy story which you'll have to listen to it to comprehend.
Theres plenty of good yarns in this episode and the overlying message of perseverance which is inspiring. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share, it does help out massively.
This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh
Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
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It's not often we get someone on who has literally died while playing but in this episode with one of the great lads Hoani Macdonald I do.
To think Hoani was given a 1% chance of surviving that day, after having a heart attack in the middle of a game, is mind blowing! It certainly makes you realise how grateful we should be to be living and it certainly made me grateful to have the opportunity to go through the crazy journey that the man they call Hoon has had.
It's always good to hear stories from the earlier Stag and Highlander days, as well as hearing about his time spent in Wales with Newport and in Melbourne with the Rebels. I also personally found it really interesting hearing about his transition from playing to coaching and how hard that was especially early on.
There is plenty of good stuff in this one from all ages, if you do enjoy it please give it a share it is always much appreciated.
This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh
If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroys and use the code LAD03 for 20% off
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
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Pablo Matera is one of the best loose forwards in the world, he is the very passionate captain of his country Argentina and most importantly one of the great lads in the game. It was an honour to get Pablo on What a lad and go through his incredible journey so far.
He's been everywhere, he's done it all. From playing in the UK with the Leicester Tigers, France with Stade Francais, NZ with the Crusaders and of course Argentina with the Jaguares and the national side. That's not to mention the next move to Japan with the Honda heat. With all that comes plenty of experiences and plenty of great stories that Pablo shares throughout this episode.
Ultimately at the end of the day this podcast is about giving the listeners an insight into what these legends are like off the field and there is just no way you can't love the guy after this episode. If you enjoy this episode as much as I did please give it a share!
This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
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