What a Lad – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 rugby
• Debuting for Horowhenua straight out of school against Jonah
• Making the NZ 7's sides with Titch and stories from Hong Kong and the Commonwealth games
• The old school nature of the All Black environment he went in to
• I loved hearing about some of the greatest tries ever scored
• How he ended up at 13 for a RWC
• His relationship with John Mitchell
• Why he left to Munster and his time playing over there
• Why he hated warming up
• And heaps heaps more.
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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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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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Those who know John Schwalger will know he is one of the genuine good guys of our game. Such a great lad who has plenty of good stories from his career and some tough moments he has had to overcome.

Obviously John has now finished his playing days which saw him have a very successful rugby career. This saw him play for the Wellington Lions, the Hurricanes, Agen and of course the All Blacks. There were plenty of highlights from his playing days and plenty of good stories from along the way.

Also it was cool to hear about his transition out of the game, what caused it and also how hard he found that whole process. John certainly tells it how it is and as you'll hear, John is a true lad. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it's very much appreciated.

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

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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Back by popular demand we got all the lads back from the Super Rugby Preview shows to look into the International Test week in particular the All Blacks v Ireland test.

Before we get into that one though, we look back to the fixture on Wednesday night between the NZ Maoris v Ireland XV which was a quality game. No surprises to Tom obviously that the Maoris got up for that one.

We give our thoughts on the All Black lineup and who we are expecting to see big games from in the big one.

We also go through all the international games this weekend and try to pick you a winner. There is plenty good rugby to enjoy this weekend!

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

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Sam Cane the All Black skipper and Chiefs legend has just proven how much of a lad he is, by jumping on What a Lad during a very busy time for him. Just a week out from captaining the All Blacks in a huge test series against Ireland, while still adjusting to life as a Dad, Sam is good enough to take the time time to talk us through his incredible journey.

We talk about everything from the pressures involved with captaining the All Blacks, how he came back from a fractured neck, his upbringing, some career highlights and heaps more.

As you'll hear, Sam is such a champion lad and you can tell why he is so respected by all team mates and opposition. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and lets jump on the Sam Cane bandwagon and get in behind this great man as he leads our country for the mighty All Blacks.

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

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We've done it, we have finally got a female on the podcast and what a guest to start! Kendra Cocksedge is a legend of the womens game here in NZ and around the world. She has recently become the most capped Black Fern of all time and has won so many awards during her career. Some of these awards include, the 2015 best womens player in the world, the 2015 best womens player in NZ and of course the 2018 best player in NZ. Huge achievements.

The cool thing about this episode was hearing how Kendra got in to rugby and fell in love with the game. She has 3 other siblings all sisters, including a twin. Yet ever since she picked up a rugby ball at the age of 3 she has been in to it!

It was also cool to hear a bit behind the scenes in the Black Ferns camp as they start to prepare for the massive RWC which is here in NZ.

As you'll hear Kendra is such an inspiring athlete, who has had an incredible career to date and she is playing a huge role in growing the womens game. As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share and help this podcast grow.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last review show of what has been an awesome Super Rugby season! What a final it was, what a clinical performance from the Crusaders. 

Enjoy!

This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

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Then there were two! The final is here and the scene is set. The 2 top teams all season, a sold out Eden Park, All Blacks everywhere, match ups galore, it is going to be some game!

As always I'm joined by Searley from Searley Talks Sport and for the big one we have managed to get Tom Marshall back on after his big start to the season on the Preview show.

We start off by looking at last weeks semi finals, talking about all the key moments that decided these games. 

Then we are in to the big one and you'll hear one of the great debates from Tom and Searley as to why their side is going to win on Saturday. We pick our LAD of the year winner and try to predict the new LADSEARL award winner (man of the match in the final) which will be presented at the game.

To finish we chat the All Black squad, all in 28 mins, this is potentially the best preview of the year. I hope you enjoy it and if you do please give it a share!

This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

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Ben Smith the self acclaimed 'white battler', who has gone on to be one the the greatest outside backs of this generation.

For the Highlanders, he is right up there with the best to ever pull on the Jersey. Playing in Highlanders colours 153 times, which included Co-Captaining them to the 2015 Super Rugby title.

He also played a huge part in the All Blacks success in the same year helping them to the RWC victory! 

Off the field the man they call Bender (not actually for his bender ability) is such a lad, so highly respected by his team mates and you can see why. I throughly enjoyed this episode and the exciting thing is he is not done yet so watch this space.

If you enjoy this episode, please give it a share, I do really appreciate anyone who is helping spread the word.

This episode was sponsored by Swysh, Go and get your Ben Smith personalised video message here Swysh

If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.