Episodi
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Colin Cooper is one of the great great human beings, he's one of the wisest souls on the planet – a true legend of rugby in New Zealand with an incredible career spanning over four decades!
Having played over 100 matches for Taranaki and represented the NZ Maori, and Junior All Blacks Colin has left a huge mark on the game as a player. After hanging up his boots, Colin transitioned to coaching, where he made his mark as the coach of the NZ U21s, an assistant at the Crusaders, the head coach of the Hurricanes, and the Chiefs, and of course, led the Taranaki Bulls to an NPC championship.
He has also coached the Junior All Blacks and the NZ Maoris, showcasing a remarkable versatility in the sport. Beyond his impressive accolades, anyone who has worked with Colin will know that he is one kindest and most genuine people you'll ever meet. I've got so much respect for Colin and learnt plenty in this episode so I know you will enjoy this one.
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Carlo Tizzano has burst on to the international rugby scene this season with an incredible work rate and tackle success rate and after this conversation it's easy to understand why.
Growing up as an angry child, with 3 other brother constantly winding him up the aggression in his game was always going to be there. Having started out as a winger, he decided to move in to 7 a move with had plenty of doubters and even cost him a spot in the academy. However, as you'll hear Carlo has an incredible self belief, while also having incredible discipline to achieve goals quickly.
Carlo has also recently been diagnosed with ADHD which he describes as an absolute game changer and has made sense of a lot of his behaviour growing up especially at school. His ability to focus on tasks especially in games has been a big part of his rapid rise.
The best part about this episode is that Carlo is an absolute lad who doesn't filter anything, he tells it straight and is very true to himself which always makes for the best podcasts. I'm sure by the end of this you'll have a new favourite Wallaby!
Chapters
01:30 Introduction to Carlo Tizzano
03:00 Playing Style and Transition from Winger to Number Seven
08:42 Italian Background and Growing Up in a Household of Boys
11:39 ADHD Diagnosis and Overcoming Burnout
19:00 Meal Planning and Putting on Weight
24:08 Mindset and Success in Club Rugby
28:13 Becoming a Professional Rugby Player
29:29 Confidence and Debut Experiences
36:08 Challenges and Growth in Different Teams
44:05 Moving to Ealing and Embracing a Different Style of Rugby
48:22 The Wild Ride at Ealing and the Importance of Enjoyment
53:19 Opportunity to Return to the Western Force
59:49 Playing for the Force
01:11:52 The future of the Western Force
01:19:06 Toughest players to tackle
01:23:46 Advice for listeners -
Episodi mancanti?
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Ross Devlin was your classic old school player, he threw his body and head into everything and was too tough to ever want to come off. Now Ross is convinced that he has CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) from multiple concussions which included a very significant car crash. He now just wants to help others who may have it or even better prevent people from getting it.
The key message in this episode is to try and help players, coaches, parents or whoever, that concussions and multiple concussions need to be taken more seriously at all levels of any sport. It's never an injury to tough it out because the danger and potential long term affects are massive. If you know someone this episode might help, please pass it on.
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Bailey Simonsson is one of the best outside backs in the NRL and it was crazy to hear how close he was to giving up on the game! After a couple of years with the BOP Steamers and a short stint with the All Blacks 7's side Bailey returned home back to Australia with no professional contract. 12 months later and he's playing in the NRL final for the Canberra Raiders.
This episode is another case of the different pressures that are placed on these guys in both codes of footy. The pressure to take your opportunities when you're starting out, which was highlighted for Bailey with the NZ 7's side. How to deal with imposter syndrome, which he felt while training with the Chiefs as a teenager. The long term injury set backs which Bailey has had his fair share of including his current ACL recovery! Also dealing with the abuse that comes with a low fantasy NRL score.
As you'll hear Bailey is a champion lad who has a real good energy and plenty of cool insights into his journey and rugby league. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so that we can continue to bring more great guest like this.
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The Chris Eaton episode is one that left my cheeks sore from laughing so much, while also pulled on the heartstrings to bring tears in the eyes. This story is one of the most incredible stories yet.
From growing up in Flaxmere which he would describe as "the hood", staying out of trouble growing up was about as hard as keeping the Hurricanes 9 jersey off TJ Perenara.After several last chances with Hawkes Bay relating off field incidents and a contract which involved no alcohol, Chris got through it to end up playing 114 games for his beloved Magpies. He then had 2 good seasons with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby which he shares plenty of good stories from those times.
Then the moment that changed his life forever. The tragic death of his wife. Hearing him talk about the moment he had to tell his 4 year old daughter the news was the saddest thing I've heard on the podcast. The way he bounced back from that tragic event is so inspiring and hearing how his life is now is very cool to hear.
Chris is a very funny story teller and some of the yarns in this one go straight to the all time hall of fame. I know you'll enjoy this one and when you do please give it a share so I can continue to bring you champion lads like this man.
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This week I am joined by Japanese royalty Lomano Lemek! The Japanese rugby legend who has been to the Olympics with the Japanese 7s side who finished 4th, He’s been to 2 RWC’s and has recently signed with Honda Heat again to take him through to 19 years playing professionally in Japan. From a young age Mano wanted to be a professional rugby player and being in the 1st XV at the age of just 14 made that a really realistic dream. However, after that season he failed to make any rep teams which really tested his commitment and perseverance of that dream a pretty random opportunity came up for him to play in Japan with the Canon Eagles.
Some parts that stood out for me in this one were…
The exciting launch of his new App P2P to help players and teams make contracting easier We hear about his humble upbringing and his early focus to make rugby a career How a random opportunity at the Canon Eagles at 19 years old changed his life His decision to play Japan 7’s and experience the first Olympics with 7s involved How he found his time at the Sunwolves and playing Super Rugby Experiencing 2 RWC and the different challenges that were involved leading up to those tournaments Some classic Jamie Joesph yarn Plenty of stories from his Top league career And he’s more!As you’ll hear Lemano has had some career and deserves every single yen he has earns and he is a massive lad who gives an awesome insight into rugby in Japan. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so I can continue to bring you great guests like this.
Check out the p2p platform here https://p2psport.com/
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Tamaiti Williams is one of the most exciting talents in the game, he's a whopping 196cm (6ft4) and 140kg (308lbs) with the speed and light feet of an outside back. He's got the skillset of a playmaker and most importantly for his position he's a beast at scrum time comfortably playing both sides of the scrum. All this at just 23 years of age! The potential of this champion lad is huge and it was awesome to go through his journey up until now.
Some key bits that stood out for me...
The emotional rollercoaster the last 12months has been, going to a RWC, getting injured, getting married, having a baby at just 27 weeks, becoming an All Black again. That's an episode in itself. Hearing about Tamaiti's upbringing in Perth where he had to grow up fast. The plan that his parents had to help him achieve success in rugby, which involved moving back to NZ and then down to the Crusaders academy The challenges that came with those moves - Becoming a Crusader and then becoming and All Black and what that meant to him and his family. We hear all about the RWC in France including that last scrum. Plans in the future, all your questions and more.Tamaiti is such a humble giant, who speaks openly about the challenges he has faced and will continue to face to reach his potential. There's so much good stuff in this one and as you'll hear he is such a lad. If you enjoy this episode I would hugely appreciate it if you could give it a share so I can continue to bring you great guests like this. Side Note- New camera stopped recording at the 1 hour mark so apologies for the average footage for the last bit. On a positive, the What a Lad studio is on only weeks away so the footage going forward will be top notch.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
04:12 Tamaiti's Remarkable last 12 months
09:44 Challenges and Triumphs of Fatherhood
14:21 Overcoming Injuries and Personal Challenges
19:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Responsibilities
32:02 Upbringing in Australia and Decision to Move to New Zealand
38:07 Transition from Number Eight to Prop
46:30 Dealing with Homesickness
51:11 Importance of Hard Work and Perseverance
52:01 From the Crusaders to the All Blacks
54:01 Joining the Crusaders
55:50 Mindset and Nerves in Games
57:25 Working Through Challenges in the Scrum
01:04:13 Getting Fit and Staying Fit
01:13:15 Overcoming Challenges in the Scrum
01:18:24 Becoming the Greatest Ever
01:32:21 Advice for a What a Lad listener
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Richard Kahui is one of those player that when fit was one of the best in the world and the unfortunate thing for him and all of NZ rugby fans was the fact that the "when fit" part was all to few and far between. The man known as Kaks had to go through 5 Full shoulder reconstructions plus another shoulder surgery in the space of 6 years which made fighting for the dream All Black 13 jersey a tough gig. It was also a real challenge mentally to continue to do everything possible to get back from these injuries only to have to go through it all again.
Some key topics that stood out for me were...
How working hard on a building apprenticeship helped with the life after rugby transition The power that the Steve Renolf headgear had on his tackling The role of self-confidence in achieving success The dedication and sacrifice are necessary to pursue a dream in rugby Obviously the challenges of injuries and the impact on performance The emotions with winning the 2011 RWC Why he decided to leave NZ rugby How he found playing in Japan for 7 years And all your questions and heaps more!Heading into this episode I had only ever heard great things about this great man and after the episode it is clear to see why. A genuine champion man who was the ultimate team mate. His love for the game was clear and although he had some tough times throughout his career, to play for 18 years at the level he did is incredible. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so I can continue to bring more great guests like this!
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Daryl Mitchell is the NZ Black Cap who deserves every single bit of success he gets! From battling away in the NZ domestic league to becoming one of the best all rounders in the world he has had a unique pathway to becoming a professional athlete with a mindset we can all learn from.
Some key parts of this chat were..
-Hearing how growing up with his dad John Mitchell who was an All Black coach and coached all around the world and the moves they made as a family.
-Mitchell talks about his love for all sports, his journey in cricket, and the challenges of juggling different formats of the game.
-He also shares insights into his mental preparation and the importance of being present in the game.
-He also spoke about his experience playing in the IPL, the pressure of performing, and the incredible atmosphere in India.
-He also discusses his plans for the future and the challenges of being away from home for long periods of time.
-Daryl emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and focusing on what one can control.
As you'll hear in this one, Daryl is such a humble man who has achieved so many great things in the game of cricket. I loved hearing about his mindset and there is plenty of awesome advice in this one. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share and let me know what stands out for you in the comments.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Darrell Mitchell
02:06 Growing Up with an All Black Coach Father and Moving to Different Places
06:32 Early Love for Sports and Playing Rugby and Cricket
11:08 Cricket Journey in the UK and Australia
16:07 Joining Northern Districts and Transitioning to Canterbury
20:32 The Importance of Mindset in Cricket
25:10 Technical and Mental Aspects of Batting
28:37 Transitioning Between T20 and Test Cricket
32:54 Experiences in the IPL Auction
35:50 Being Part of the IPL and Playing for CSK
38:29 The Atmosphere in India 41:06 Passion for Cricket
45:43 Future Plans
49:40 Focus on How You Play
51:30 Team First Mentality
01:06:52 Concentration Techniques
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Joel Everson with potentially the craziest story ever on What a Lad! This episode will blow your mind and I’m sure it will also inspire you and I’m sure it will help many.
Joel Everson is the 2:06m lock who had a 12 year rugby career playing for Canterbury, Southland, the Crusaders, Clermont and Hino in Japan. It was his time in Hino where his life was flipped upside down, coming out of a night club in Tokyo, surrounded by Police to then being locked away in a Japanese prison for 23 days.
There’s soo much in this one and some keys that stood out…
The challenges he faced after his rugby career transitioning into a normal life and finding his passion.
He talks about his upbringing, the impact of his parents' divorce, and how rugby became his escape.
How different his life could’ve been had he not found rugby and went down the troubled path he was heading.
Joel discusses his time in the Crusaders Academy, his pathway into Canterbury and the Crusader and his move to Japan.
He reflects on the moments leading up to his arrest, his time in the holding cell, and the challenges he faced mentally and emotionally.
Joel discusses the support he received from his family and friends, the impact on his rugby career, and the lessons he learned from the experience.
He emphasises the importance of self-care, seeking help, and being aware of one's thoughts and mental health.
And heaps more!
As you’ll hear the fact that Joel was open to coming on and sharing his story so openly in the chance it may help someone in a similar position just goes to show you what a champion lad he is,I know you will enjoy this episode so when you do please give it a share
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Bryn Hall has not only been one of the best 9's in NZ rugby for the last decade but he's also been the voice of the game for many with his gift to articulate rugby union in a way to relate to the masses on the Aoteroa Rugby Pod and in Commentary.
What stood out in this episode for me, was just how dedicated Bryn was to achieving the dream of being a professional rugby player from a young age. Then once he was in there, it was his drive to compete and always grow his game, trying to take on as much information as he can. He also talks about his battles with overthinking the game and fighting for the Crusaders no9 jersey for a good 6 years with good mate Mitchell Drummond.
As you'll hear in this one Bryn is such an easy guy to listen to, speaks really well with a great balance of humour and insightful information. He is a true lad and I know you will enjoy this one! If you do please give it a share 🙌
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Shiray Kaka is the NZ Black Ferns 7s star who is also one of the biggest personalities in the game! Her bubbly energy combined with a unique ability to be real and share her feelings, made her a dream guest for this. Her journey through professional rugby hasn't been an easy one and this episode reflects that with plenty of laughs, a few tears and plenty a relatable advice.
Some topics we cover in this episode are...
The disappointment of her latest injury taking away her Olympic dream How she went from a naturally talented player to become an Olympic Gold medalist The beauty and challenges of her relationship with Gillies Kaka How hard her injuries have been on her mentally and how she got through those challenges The challenges professional female athletes face The importance of mental health and self-care in the world of sports And plenty of great advice!As you'll hear, Shiray is such a likeable character who tells it exactly how it is. This episode will give you as good of an insight into the challenges and pressures professional athletes face
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Timoci Tavatavanawi is the Fijian powerhouse who has quickly become the most destructive ball carrier in Rugby. The man is an absolute nightmare to tackle with his combination of power and leg drive and just the physique which is has hard as rock. I
t was awesome to get the man they call Jim on the share his journey from growing up in a Fijian village to playing for Tasman Mako, Moana Pacifica and the Highlanders. He talks about the importance of family and the Fijian community support and how important it is to give back to the community. Jim also talks about a range of topics including his key to bulking, his mother's surprise visit, to watch him play, why he hasn't played for Fiji yet, the role of religion in his life, and his future goals.
I'm so glad to be able to get Jim on What a Lad, he's a great character of our game who has an inspiring story and I hope this episode inspires many especially young Fijians out there to chase their dreams. If you enjoy this episode, please share the episode anyway you can, that'll help me continue to bring you awesome guests like this.
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Jamie Hannah is one of the most impressive young players in our game, you don't often see forwards with the skillset and game awareness that this kid has as well as the engine and toughness to boot. He is one very impressive player.
He is also a massive lad as well, growing up in North Canterbury living the good life on the farm riding motorbikes and playing footy. Some key points in this episode were..
His journey from playing in the academy to making his mark in professional rugby. The challenges of maintaining weight and strength. The valuable lessons he learned from experienced players like Sam Whitelock. The importance of playing freely His journey to becoming a Crusader, and his aspirations to play for the All Blacks. The importance of skill development, overcoming challenges, and maintaining a positive mindset And heaps more.This episode will be one we can all watch back in 10 years time and see how cool it was to hear the future star of our game talking about his journey but for now it's an awesome insight into the journey of a very talented lad. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so I can continue to bring you these episodes.
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Cam Roigard is one of the most exciting talents in the game right now. In the last couple of years he has made every post a winner, rapidly climbing through the ranks after starring for Counties Manakau, carving up Super Rugby with the Hurricanes before heading of to the RWC with the All Blacks. It was here on the world stage where we all got to see the huge talent that this young man possesses and has got plenty excited about where he can get to.
The beauty of this story is that Cam wasn't the star growing up. He didn't make the rep teams and at just 17 years old he was told that he had peaked. His incredible work ethic combined with his love for the game and competitive nature meant he did everything he could to achieve his dream and did he what!
As you'll hear Cam is a champion lad, someone who just loves the game and wants to push himself as far as he can and it's exciting to think where he could potentially end up. If you enjoy this episode please let me know in the comments and please give it a share so that I can have more awesome guests like Cam come on.
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Norm Maxwell was pound for pound the hardest hitter this game has probably ever seen. At just 90kgs the All Black lock through himself into collisions like no other every time he stepped on the field. However you tell Norm that he's tough and he's not buying it.
From growing up with feeling the field was the only place he was free and his first big collision being the first time he felt respected, Norm always was going to play rugby. His Crusaders contract came quicker than he'd ever thought and something that was was far from ready for. Throughout his career his battled with injuries and a sore body which took it's toll and forced him to change his identity as a player and a person.
It's clear after this episode that players weren't prepared for professional rugby at the time and you can hear the struggles that Norm had to face not just physically but mentally and psychologically as well.
This is one of my all time favourite episodes Norm is a story teller who is so open and honest and I know you'll enjoy this one! If you do can you please do me a favour and share and subscribe so I can keep bringing you more legends like the great Norm Maxwell.
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In this episode I am joined by the legendary Black Fern sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner. These two champion humans have a very special bond, having grown up in the same room together until 17, to winning a RWC together. They have shared many special moments throughout their journey to becoming professional rugby players.
As you will hear both Chelsea and Alana are such great inspirations for all athletes in our game especially the young females.
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This week we are joined by the lad Peter Breen, who is the founder of Rugby Bricks which is responsible for improving goal kicking all over the world with the production of some of the great kicking tees ever. He’s also played the game professionally for Otago and Northland and has been coaching professionally all around the world, including plenty of NRL clubs and has just recently finished as an assistant coach with the mighty Matatu. Theres plenty of gold in this episode, whether you're an aspiring player, coach, business owner, content creator or father I'm sure you will learn plenty from this one.
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For this episode I jump on one of the biggest podcasts in the country, The Dom Harvey podcast which is of course hosted by the great Dom Harvey. I talk through everything from footy, coaching and podcasting. If you enjoy Dom's work go and check out his other episodes as well.
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One of the great lads of Welsh and NZ rugby Johnny McNicholl is on What a Lad this week, after returning to Super Rugby in red hot form!
Having started in Christchurch with Canterbury and the Crusaders, Johnny then spent 8 seasons over in Wales with the Scarletts as well as playing international rugby for Wales. Now he has returned to where it all started and is back with the Crusaders passing on his wisdom and ripping it up on the field.
Some bits that stood out in this chat were...
How setbacks early in his career fuelled him to work harder
The confidence Johnny has always had in his own ability
Why he decided to leave NZ rugby at a young age
How tough it was for him to miss out on the RWC with Wales
What made him send his address to a keyboard warrior
Some epic yarns including one of him fighting Ray Lee-Lo at training
As you'll hear the man they call J Mac is an absolute champion, someone who understands the game of rugby so well, he's always willing to help others and is just good value to be around.
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