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Tom Walsh has been one of the best shot-putters in the world for the last decade so it was an honour to get him on What a Lad for this one.
Plenty of people have suggested over the years to get him on and I can see why, he isn’t just good at what he does but he’s a massive lad with an incredible mindset which has seen him win Gold Medals at the World Champs (outdoor and indoor) and the Commonwealth games while twice picking up a Bronze at the Olympics
Some parts that stood out for me were..
How he is sometimes awkwardly mistaken for the great Joe Moody.
Growing up with Dyslexia and the challenges that came with that.
His upbringing in all sports, a rugby no8, cricket wizard and shot put beast.
How he ended up in shot-put and the unique lifestyle of a shot-putter
Why he kept throwing at this years Olympics even with a torn abductor
As well as plenty of great advice for everyone!
As you’ll hear Tom Walsh is a very likeable character, who has had an incredible career to date and the best thing is that it is not over yet. Hearing the mindset that Tom has, I've got no doubt there's more success to come for this great New Zealanders.
If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
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Everyone who has played with Brayden Mitchell will testify that he is one of the greatest lads to play the game, he was a champion team mate on and off the field, who loved a good time and could always back it up when on the pitch. Some of the stories and reflections that the man they call Scratcher has in this episode were incredible to hear. He was so honest, held back nothing and can tell a seriously good yarn!
Some bits that stood out for me in this one were...
How hard the struggle of retiring from rugby due to a neck injury was for him
His relationship with gambling throughout his career
Getting his first contract straight out of school.
Dealing with a lack of confidence in himself
His relationship with alcohol during his career and during the transition post footy
Dealing with injuries and his regret in how he attacked his rehab
Becoming the Stags captain and the pressure involved with that
And honestly some of the best behind the scene stories of a professional rugby player you will hear.
I've got so much time for Scratcher, just a champion human who played the game for enjoyment and he certainly did that! If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and let me know what stood out for you in the comments.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase has had one of the most eventful 12 months in sport! Firstly heading to the Rugby World Cup with the Wallabies before changing code to the 7’s format of the game for the Paris Olympics, where he narrowly missed out on a medal. He then changed codes again, this time to the 13 man game playing NRL for the Sydney Rooster to cap off what was an incredible 12 months.
What stood out for me in this one was..
How his Fijian heritage plays a significant role in his identity and sports career.
He emphasizes the importance of having fun while playing sports.
How his Waratahs debut in Super Rugby was a dream come true for him.
What it was like debuting for the Wallabies.
How his transition to the Aus 7s team was a rewarding challenge for him.
Why he moved to the Roosters.
Adjusting to NRL required learning new rules and strategies.
All the questions you want to know, fastest player, hardest to tackle etc!
And heaps more!
Mark is one of those players who is just a joy to watch whatever game he is playing, the way he can leap in the air, beat defenders and score tries! You’ll also learn in this episode that he is a massive lad, such a likeable character who has a huge future ahead of him.
If you enjoyed this episode let me know what stood out for you in the comments and share the episode if you can.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mark Nawaqanitawase
03:01 Cultural Heritage and Family Background
05:51 Early Sports Journey and Transition to Rugby
08:55 Pathway to Professional Rugby
12:02 Joining the Waratahs and Initial Experiences
14:56 Debut in Super Rugby and Family Support
18:02 Transition to the Wallabies and International Experience
25:06 Mark Nawaqanitawase's Wallabies Debut
28:12 Coaching Changes: From Dave Rennie to Eddie Jones
30:07 Experiencing the Rugby World Cup in France
33:21 Transitioning to Olympic Sevens Rugby
39:26 Signing with the Roosters: A New Chapter
51:04 Adjusting to NRL: The Challenges of Transition
52:59 Transitioning from Union to League
55:55 Mastering Aerial Skills in Rugby
57:54 Debut Excitement and Family Support
59:58 Future Aspirations and Potential Returns
01:00:59 Fan Questions and Personal Anecdotes
01:04:00 Comparing League and Union
01:08:04 Tackling Challenges in Rugby
01:10:07 Speed and Athleticism in Rugby
01:11:49 Advice for Aspiring Players
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The life of a head coach can be as brutal at times and it's fair to say that Rob Penney has been on the receiving end of his fair share of public criticism. However, what I am excited to share with you in this episode is just what a champion man he is. From playing 100 games for Canterbury as a tough loose forward to becoming a Head Coach who has coached all around the world, the Rob Penney journey is a fascinating one!
Some parts that stood out were...
Firstly hearing his thoughts on the Crusaders 2024 season and expectations for 2025
What he remembers about the infamous name calling of the reporter
Growing up in Canterbury dreaming of playing for them and then achieving that dream.
Hearing how hard it was for a young guy coming into those environments back then
How he made his transition into coaching
Hearing all about coaching Canterbury, NZ u20s, Munster, the Waratahs, Shining Arcs.
His recall on the Simon Zebo phone call with the Lions
How his high optimism has got his through the tough times of head coaching
And heaps more.
As you'll hear Rob Penney has so much wisdom, he has had so many highs and lows in the game so was able to share plenty of gold advice from his experiences. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and I will promise to keep bringing you more great guests like Rob Penney.
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This week on What a Lad we are joined by Hugh Pyle who in my opinion is the greatest Australian rugby player never to be capped by the Wallabies. Standing at over 2 meters tall, Hugh's combination of skillset and workrate has seen him have a remarkable career firstly in Australia with the Rebels before moving to France, where he became a centurion with Stade Français. He finished off in Japan with Toshiba before calling time on his Rugby career.
In his podcast debut, Hugh shares candid insights about his life post-rugby, including his transition to a career as a mortgage broker. He dives into his unique method of reflecting on his career through four key pillars: enjoyment, playing form, salary, and game time, revealing the lessons he learned along the way.
Hugh also talks about plenty of challenges he faced while playing which included battling with dodgy knees, adjusting to life in different parts of the world and even dealing with a serious brain injury.
As you'll hear, Hugh is a massive lad, someone who's reflective personality makes for thought provocative content, he also has a great sense of humor, and can tell a yarn. I'm sure you'll enjoy this one and if you do please give it a share so I can keep bringing you great guest like Hugh.
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Hamish Kerr is officially the greatest High Jumper in the world having recently won Gold at the Paris Olympics. However, what you're about to hear in this episode is an insight into the mind of the Olympic champion and you'll be amazed at how close he came to bowing out in the Qualifiers which in his mind would have meant retirement. The pressure that come on one single jump is insane and when you need to be relaxed and in flow when jumping how you handle that pressure is the difference.
Some other cool parts of this episode that should out for me was..
Growing up playing lot's of sports, playing on the wing in rugby
How at the age of 11 he was arguably faster than Rieko Ioane
His journey into High Jump and why he quit after school
An insight in to the training schedule of an individual athlete
How important your mindset in as a world class athlete
Why he wasn't keen to settle on the split gold medal
What made him take off to the middle of the Javelin field once he had won the gold
And heaps more!
As you'll hear Hamish is a very smart, open and honest man who gives so much gold (excuse the pun) in this episode. What he has done for High Jump and Athletics in this country has been massively and he is such a champion! If you enjoyed this episode please give it share and I will continue to bring you more great guests like Hamish.
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Christian Cullen is a legend. You only have to watch a few minutes of his highlights package to remind yourself how good he really was. The speed and agility, his ability to change direction at full pace, his deceptive strength, add on top his attacking mindset and his braveness in defence! He was a joy to watch. He's also such a champion man who prefers not doing things like this so super grateful to get him on.
In this whopping 2 hour episode some parts that stood out for me
How the working the milk run growing up helped his rugbyDebuting for Horowhenua straight out of school against JonahMaking the NZ 7's sides with Titch and stories from Hong Kong and the Commonwealth gamesThe old school nature of the All Black environment he went in toI loved hearing about some of the greatest tries ever scoredHow he ended up at 13 for a RWCHis relationship with John MitchellWhy he left to Munster and his time playing over thereWhy he hated warming up And heaps heaps more.Growing up Christian Cullen was my absolute hero, he inspired me to play the game so to sit down with him and have this conversation was truely incredible. What I'm sure will stand out for you is how humble and down to earth he is, you certainly wouldn't think I'm talking to one of the greatest to ever play the game listening to this. If you enjoy this one, please give it a share and I will continue to bring you the big guest like Christian Cullen.
Special mention to Paraparaumu Rugby Club for allowing me to record this episode in their Clubrooms.
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Casey Laulala is one of the most likeable characters you'll meet with an inspiring story from growing up in Samoa to becoming an All Black.
Some bits that stood out for me in this one were..
What life was like growing up in Samoa with 6 siblings including All Black Nepo Laulala The pressure Casey put on him self to impress his dad and make him proud How he focused his mindset was to achieve his goals His memories playing with and against some of the greats of the game Why he moved overseas and how he ended up at Cardiff, Munster and Racing Metro The transition in to coaching and why that wasn't for him The career change into Real Estate And he's more classic stories.As you'll hear Casey is a very well spoken and honest man who shares some great insights and advice from his journey to the top. If you enjoyed this episode please give it and I will continue to bring you more great guest like this!
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Ross Filipo is one of the greatest lads in our game, whose journey through rugby has been nothing short of fascinating. Starting his rugby journey at 15, Ross shares his evolution from a talented but hesitant first five who could goal kick off both feet, to becoming the skilful and physical lock forward we knew him as.
In this episode we explore key moments throughout his career, including:
Early Years: Ross always had the talent however he was naturally inclined to just cruise before a change of mindset saw a change in outcomes.
Becoming a Pro: The challenges that came with the transition into professionalism and how a move down to the Crusaders shaped him as a person.
Becoming an All Black: The pressures and challenges of international rugby and what stopped him from having more games
Injuries and Comebacks: Ross opens up about significant injuries, including a neck injury and how he returned from shoulder surgery in record time.
Life Abroad: His overseas adventures, from playing in France to coaching in Japan and the struggles that come with living in a foreign country without your family.
Personal Growth: Ross's candid reflections on mental health, life changing decisions he has made , and how it transformed his life as a father and a coach.
As you'll hear in this one, Ross is a such a genuine human being who has plenty of wisdom and shares plenty of classic stories throughout. If you enjoy this one which I'm sure you will make sure you give it a share and I will continue to bring more great guests like this.
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When we talk about the greatest rugby family in this country ever, it's almost impossible to go past the Barretts. Kevin 'Smylie' Barrett was a Taranaki legend who also played for the Hurricanes, Beauden is a 100 game All Black, RWC winner and 2 x World Player of the year, Scott has captained the Crusaders to 4 Super Rugby titles and is the current Captain of the All Blacks, Jordie at just 27 has racked up over 50 games for the All Blacks and dominated where ever he plays. Kane was tracking the same path before 2 significant head injuries forced him to retire at just 22 years old.
It was awesome to sit down with Kane and talk through where he is at now and how he looks back on his career, some bits that stood out for me were..
The battle between the Barrett brothers to be the Alpha growing up How Kane would fire up the Francis Douglas 1st XV side, once resulting in a yellow card The time Kane picked up his coach Neil Barns as a 16yo and dropped him on his head His pathway into NZ Schools for 2 years, Taranaki and the Blues What forced Kane into retirement and how hard that was to deal with How he looks at his brothers successful careers His new life of the farm And heaps more!This was such an incredible insight from such a champion lad, you can only admire the way Kane has gone about his life post footy and it was so cool to hear about his journey.
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Aaron Mauger loves rugby, he's so passionate about the game and he is so grateful for his involvement in the game and he's certainly been involved!
From playing for Canterbury straight out of school, to becoming a Crusader and All Black not long after. He then moved to Leicester were he won premierships over there, before injuries forced him to retire at just 30. Post playing he was always going to stay in the game and with his incredible rugby knowledge has gone on to become a great coach!
Some bit's that stood out for me were...
His relationship with his brother Nathan and their mindset playing together How hard it can be for a young 10 to come in boss the team around especially when one was your teacher the year before The massive influence Andrew Mertens had on him The night of the 96-12 win over the Waratahs and the story behind the front flip The 2003 and 2007 RWC experiences The struggle of wanting to keep playing when the body is breaking down The reality of the life as a coach and the impact that can have on your family And heaps moreI loved hearing about Azza's mindset on how he approaches life, he's very grateful for every thing and he has a real passion for the game of rugby. It made me realise how good this game is, so many great people involved in the game and Aaron Mauger is certianly one of those.
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Everyone loves a battler and when it comes to one of the greatest battlers to ever play the game the great Laurence Corlett has to be up there. The man who debuted for the Hurricanes 10 years after his first class debut for Canterbury, the man known as Frank put in a 7 minute shift that will never be forgotten at the Hurricanes. The story of Laurence Corlett is one that has so many layers, he's a true yes man who put himself out there and he can tell one heck of a story.
Some bits that stood out for me in this one were...
How Dane Coles gave him the opportunity to get a Super Rugby cap Why he had to keep his beanie on during his first meeting with Steve Hansen His battles with throwing as a hooker throughout his career How he ended up at a student flat after signing his first Super Rugby contract Becoming the Taranaki CEO and the struggles involved with that role Surviving a Heart Attack! His time on My Kitchen Rules the reality TV show Plenty of yellow card stories including his fight with Liam Messam And heaps more!Lads don't get much better than Frank, such a genuine guy, he has great energy and great yarns. I know you'll enjoy this one and when you do please give it a share.
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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 listenersHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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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