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. 

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.

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.

Finals Footy is here! We've been pumped for this weekend for ages and now it's finally here! After last weekends disaster round on the picks, it's fair to say Searley and I make it up to you this week with all the information you need to pick the games correctly.

We do start with last weeks games though and what a way for the 4 teams who have finished to exit. Huge wins from the Force, Rebels, Moana and an unbelievable effort from the Drua! Like I said, terrible for the picks but great for Super Rugby and what an awesome addition the Drua and Moana have been to the comp.

We also go through all the quarter finals and share our insight into the knockout matches, highlight our key players and Searley even comes up trumps with some ticket discounts! This is arguable the best preview yet so I hope you enjoy it and enjoy the round of Super Rugby.

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

If you want to use Searley 2 for 1 ticket discount for the Blues v Highlanders game use the code 241PROMO 

A couple of days after sitting down with Ajeet for a What a Lad episode, he messaged me. He asked if he could come back on and open up about some of his mental health struggles he has had during his tennis career. Never an easy thing to topic to talk about but such an important one.

I’m honoured that Ajeet felt comfortable to use the What a Lad platform and I do really hope this episode can help anyone who might be going through something similar.

NZs number 1 tennis player Ajeet Rai is on What a Lad this week and it was awesome to get an insight into life as a professional tennis player.

Ajeet who started playing at the age of 3 has been committed to becoming the best tennis player he can be throughout his life. Now 23 years old and winning singles and doubles tournaments around the world, he looks to be on the brink of something pretty special. 

It was really interesting to hear the lifestyle of a tennis player and some of the challenges they face. As you'll hear in this one, Ajeet is such a good lad, very easy to talk to and plenty of good insight in to Tennis.

If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it does help the podcast massively.

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

The last games of round robin are here before we get into the excitement of knockout footy! Heaps to get through  in this one with some massive games last week and plenty of success with the tips. Also a huge round for me in fantasy rugby to get me into 2nd so I'll tell you my team to get you to the top.

Searley and I also preview all the games for this weekend, give you our winners and players to look out for and most importantly how to make a buck or two. 

If you enjoy the episode as always give it a share for us and go get a Swysh from Searley, myself or any of the other sport stars on there by heading to this link Swysh

Dave Porecki is a perfect example of how far you can get when you commit to something and you're willing to make the sacrifices.

It was awesome to catch up with Dave who has been consistently putting out world class performances for the Waratahs this season and has forced his way into the Australia squad.

A man of routine who boarders on a suffering from serious OCD, Dave has worked hard for everything he has got. I think this is a great episode for anyone who is trying to make it in the game or anything to be fair.

It was also very interesting to hear the comparison between rugby in the UK compared to Australia. Something Dave knows well after having played many years over there with Saracen and London Irish.

I wouldn't say Dave is your typical rugby lad but geez he is a seriously good lad and I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. If you do enjoy it, please give it a share.

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

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

How good is Super Rugby! Another cracking weekend last weekend and the match ups this weekend make for a very interesting round.

For this episode I am joined by the great Searley who is officially joined Swysh! Huge day for Swysh and Searley go get your left nut bully from him right now. But anyway we review last weeks games and highlight who stood out for us. We then work into the preview where we tips plenty of winners, chat the what a lad power plays and give you an insight into how I'm going to win Fantasy rugby from 6th place.

Lots of chat in this one, if you enjoy it as always give it a share.

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

If you've ever wondered what being a punter in American Football is like then this is the episode for you!

In this episode I'm joined by James Evans, the 20 year old from Auckland, who is making a name for himself playing College Football for the Indiana Hoosiers.

The size of college football in America is mind blowing where they are playing in sold out stadiums of up to 100,000 crazy football fans. On the back of that sort of following comes the money involved with it. Hearing about the facilities and their budget and comparing it to rugby here in NZ, it's on a whole different level.

And of course James' journey to becoming a College Football player is a very cool one. A NZ rugby player who just loved kicking the ball, one day thought how cool it would be to only have to kick. After a short time at the Pro Kick academy, he has now pushed on to the big stage and hoping to push on to the NFL.

As you'll here, James is a champion lad and after hearing his story I'm very excited to follow his journey.

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'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

Round 12 provided some magic which in this episode Searley and I will review. We talk about which players and teams stood out for us last week and throw out some loose All Black chat.

We also preview all the games for this week, find a bit of value and share some of the what a lad power play options.

If you listen to the start of the episode you'll hear how you can win some free Pure Sport CBD products so get amongst that.

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

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

You all know Mark Telea as one of the most dangerous wingers in rugby. He has the footwork, fend, D and work rate to be one of the greats. There is no doubt he’ll be playing internationally at some point soon, for who is the question? 

However, what you won’t know much about is Mark Telea the lad. With his Samoan Mum and South African Dad the man they call Mamba has great genetics for rugby. What really stood out for me in this episode was his mindset, the belief in his own ability, the ability to overcome setbacks and willingness to share what he can to help others.

I really enjoyed this one, Mamba is funny, inspiring and a seriously good lad. If you enjoy your this episode too, 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

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

Geez last week really threw a few spanners in the mixer after the all the Aussie teams impressed. Although it was bad for our tips it is awesome for the competition having really competitive games across the board.

This week Searley and I, review all the games from last week and a few players who stood out. For this week, we do our best to find you some winners, highlight some key players and most importantly try to find you some value for the punt.

If you enjoy the episode, don't be shy, 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

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.

Craig Newby was someone that I had been told by many as being a seriously good lad and after this episode I can see why!

So many good yarns in this one from Craigs playing days, which did see him play for plenty of quality sides including, North Harbour, Otago, The Blues, The Highlanders, Leicester, the NZ 7s side and the All Blacks!

While there are a few good stories from on the field, it's the off field antics that you are sure love. Craig has great memory and the stories were endless when it comes to court sessions and nights out.

Now the skills coach for Ulster, it was also cool to hear how he attacked his life after rugby transition and shares some really good advice throughout the episode.

If you enjoy this episode, please give it a share, it is always 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

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

This week we have Jackson Garden-Bachop join us as we preview Round 11 of Super Rugby, which should be a cracker.

But first, we look back on last weeks Super Round, as we review all the games and players who stood out for the round. There are plenty of players really putting their hand up for a Black jersey.

It was awesome to get in insight from Jacko into some differences between the NZ and Aussie teams and hear which players have impressed him this season.

If you enjoy this episode, then please give it a share and remember to keep an eye out for the What a Lad powerplays throughout the weekend.

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

There are cruisy people in this world, then there is Izzy from Gizzy! There is not much that phases big Isaia Walker-Leawere and he is one of those guys who just always seems to be having a good time. It was awesome to catch up with a man who is one of NZs most promising locks, who has a real point of difference with this power game and incredible skill set.

From growing up on the East Coast of NZ, it's easy to see where Izzy gets his laid back attitude from. It was also cool to hear about how he found the adjustment into professional rugby as a teenager playing for NZ schools, NZ 20s, Wellington Lions and training with the Hurricanes before 20. Now 25 Izzy is one of the Hurricanes most experienced forwards, he’s moved up to Hawkes Bay for the NPC and has been a consistent member of the Maori All Blacks.

As you’ll hear, Izzy is such a lad, he loves a laugh and a good time and he shares some of those good times throughout this episode. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it is always very 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

Super Round is here, such a cool concept and an awesome weekend for any rugby fan to get along to or park up on the couch and get some exciting games of Super Rugby in.

Interesting round this week with the first cross over games so it'll be good to see where the Aussie form stacks up against the Kiwi teams. So to help Searley and I this week and stop us from being too biased we're joined by the man who knows more about Aussie rugby than anyone on the planet, Mitch Evans from rugby fixation.

We preview all the games and highlight the players to look out for and to finish this week we even try to predict what the final table will look like as we approach the quarter finals.

Very good insight in this one from a couple of code heads, look out for the What a Lad power plays coming out this weekend and if you enjoy the episode please give it a share.

Jimmy Gopperth has had an incredible 19 year rugby career, where he has made a name for himself on both sides of the world. His consistency and his ability to kick his goals in any situation, has made him widely regarded as one of the best NZ imports into the Premiership.

However before he made the move overseas, he was responsible of running the cutter for the Wellington and Hurricanes backlines, full of legends of the game. Cullen, Umaga, Lomu just to name a few. He then had a short stint with North Harbour and the Blues before a contract over in the UK with Newcastle was offered and accepted. Jimmy adapted to the different style in the Premiership quicker than most as he became the top points scorer in his first year playing. After a short and enjoyable stint with Leinster, Jimmy has since been with Wasps for the last 7 years.

The fact that Jimmy is still playing to the extremely high level that he is, as he quickly approaches 39 is a truely incredible effort. With another move around the corner it'll be no surprise to see him still domianting well into his 40s.

As you'll hear in this episode, Jimmy is such a great lad who has plenty of stories and experiences that he shares throughout the podcast.

If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it's very much appreciated.

The major sponsor of What a Lad is 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'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

This week we are lucky enough to be joined by Crusaders coach and goat lad Andrew Goodman, who joins Searley and I for another cracking week of Super Rugby. There has been some great games of rugby lately and some juicy match ups again this weekend!

We start off by reviewing all of last weeks games, including getting Goody's thoughts on the Hurricanes v Crusaders finish.

We preview all of the games for this week including potentially the game of the season, the Crusaders vs the Blues. As always we chose a player each from each game to look out for and try to find you winners where we can.

It was awesome to get an insight from Goody who has one of the best rugby minds in the game so grateful to get him on for this one!

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

I've never heard anyone ever say anything bad about Simon Hickey as a person. He’s a genuine lad who has had a hell of a footy career to date!

An age grade superstar who was playing for Auckland as a teenager, he had a very mature head on him for a kid. He proved that as he then went on to captain the NZ u20s, even starting ahead of the great Richie Mo'unga. He made the Blues side not long after and he even captained Auckland at the age of 20!

He then left for France at only 21 years old and spent 5 years overseas playing for Bordeaux and Edinburgh in Scotland. Those years opened up his eyes around how the game can be played and has since returned to NZ, unfortunately with limited opportunities. In his first year with the Hurricanes he suffered a major knee injury, which meant he missed the whole year. However he has now joined the Crusaders where competition is stiff for that 10 jersey he is battling it out with his under 20 under study.

As you'll hear in this episode Simon Hickey is an absolute champion, loves a beer, loves a good time and just a real genuine lad. If you enjoy this episode please do me a favour and share the podcast on whatever social media platform you use, 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

Round 8 of Super Rugby brings not only another great round of games to look forward to but also another great Super Rugby Review/ Preview show. This time we have convinced the great Marty Banks to join us and share his insight. Also as always we are joined by arguably one of the best tipsters on the planet Searley from Searley Talks Sport.

In this episode we review last weeks games and picks, including some of the outrageous stats thrown out there by last weeks guest Jeremy Drake.

We look ahead to this weeks round and get a good insight into the highlanders camp. We all share a player to look out for and discuss the What a Lad power plays for this week. I'll give you a quick rundown on how I'm tracking in Fantasy Rugby and the players I've brought in for this week.

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

At just 25 years old, Brett Cameron has had a truely unique career to date. He's won almost everything there is to win in NZ Rugby with Canterbury and the Crusaders. He's even achieved what every NZ player aspires to and has become an All Black. However, even with all that, there is still the feeling that we haven't seen the best of Brett Cameron just yet.

Brett has obviously spent a large amount of that career behind the great Richie Mo'unga and in this episode he speaks about the challenges involved with that. He also speaks about what inspired his move up to the Manawatu Turbos where he had an outstanding Bunnings Cup. We talk about his All Black call up and what a surreal feeling that was and then the challenges that come with being named an All Black.

Brett was someone who had been requested by many to come on the podcast and I now know why. He is a champion lad, who has plenty of good stories from along the way. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and if you enjoy the podcast then please subscribe and give it a 5 star rating on whatever platform you listen to it on.

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

Another ripper round of Super Rugby ahead for round 7, with plenty of juicy match ups to preview. As always I'm joined by the lad, co-host Searley from searley talks sport. We are even joined for the preview part of the show by a very special guest in Jeremy Drake, who is loves a stat!

We start this episode with a bit of self reflection after last weeks shocking round of picks, however, we have picked ourselves up and we have found some absolute specials for you this week.

In this episode you'll hear all you need to know about Round 7 including the players to look out for, who's winning what game and by what margin and of course you'll get the run down on the What a Lad power plays for this week.

If you enjoy this episode or you know a code head who would give it a share and help the podcast out.

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

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.

Conor Gilsenan, the London Irish legend, the reality TV star and one of the biggest lads you'll meet joins me this week on What a Lad.

Gilly is a man who has popped up in plenty of other episodes already and with his recent appearance on the UK hit reality TV show 'The Apprentice' now was the perfect time to get him on.

However there is a lot more to this mans story than a few weeks on the Apprentice. He had an incredible rugby career which saw him play for all the Ireland age group sides. He then got selected into the Leinster academy where he trained alongside some of the greats of the game, before moving over to London Irish where he became a club legend on and off the field. He's also best mates with one of the best musicians on the planet, Nial Horan. So it was cool to hear a bit about the perks that come with having a mate like him.

As you'll hear, Gilly is one of those guys who is always brings good energy no matter the situation. He also loves a laugh and a good time. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share.

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

We have a full round of Super Rugby again this week and crowds are back! How good!

I'm pumped to see crowds back and I'm sure the players will be too as it brings more intensity to a game so I'm expecting a very exciting round of footy!

In this episode you'll hear Searley from Searley talks sport and I review our picks from last week, preview all the games this week (including a player to look out for). We also talk through the What a Lad Power Plays available this week and where we see the value. As always we wrap it up with a run down on my fantasy rugby team and the big plays I'm making this week.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Swysh if you're keen to give it a try remember to use the code WHATALAD for 10% off

Tom Robinson is one of the real characters in NZ Rugby, so it was awesome to get him on What a Lad and hear some of his classic yarns!

Big Tom has had a different pathway to the top to most these days, not playing NZ age group but after going on a serious bulking diet things started to happen pretty quickly. He became an instant legend at the Northland Taniwha and then was picked up by the Blues where his consistent performances saw him lead the side to 2021 Super Rugby Trans Tasman success.

But what I loved about this episode is hearing how much fun this lad has off the field. Whether it's exploring new places in his yacht or van, or pranking his flatmates, everything he does just seems to be good fun.

It was also cool to hear how he started his recently launched business, Zinc or Swim. a really cool natural zinc product. Go and check it out!

As always if you enjoy this episode and get a laugh out of it then please give it a share on whatever platform you prefer and tag What a Lad.

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'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

What a shambles round 5 has turned out to be with Covid taking a massive toll on the NZ teams, leaving us with just 4 games for us to preview this week. 

Unfortunately due to surgery on the lefty, Tom couldn't join us this week. However, the lad and on fire tipster, Searley from Searley talks Sport does and as always brings some great energy and insight.

We look back and review what was an outstanding round 4, we also go through some players to look out for this week and find some value with the margin offer from the tab this weekend. 

This episode is proudly brought to you by Swysh be sure to use the code KICKOFF for 20% off all orders  for this weekend only

Stephen Donald has one of the greatest stories in sport. From a man who copped so much public criticism, he couldn’t even go to the supermarket without hiding his identity. To becoming literally the hero of a nation after kicking the penalty to win the 2011 RWC!

The story has been told through the blockbuster movie, ‘The Kick’, which was all based around the famous call up to the All Blacks leading up to the RWC final. However what you’ll hear in this episode is the whole story before that event and how that one moment really did change his life. 

On top of the great story, the man known as Beaver, is also with out a doubt one of the best lads to have ever played the game! Such a champion with plenty of great yarns from his career. I’ve got no doubt you’ll enjoy this episode and if you do 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

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

For this weeks Swysh Super Rugby Preview, we are lucky enough to be joined by the man who tipped out the Drua last week Searley, from award winning podcast Searley talks sport. He joins our usual co-host Tom Marshall as we look back to last weeks round and look ahead to what's to come.

Some good match ups this weekend and we we're all pretty similar in what we are thinking. As usual we have highlighted some players to watch so look out for them to star and we talk about the blow out that's happening in fantasy rugby with the postponed game.

A new feature at the end of the episode is the What a Lad powerplay that will be up on the tab website today for you to enjoy. *Slight change to what was mentioned in the podcast due to a late withdrawal

Richie Mo'unga is without a doubt one of the best players in the game and somehow even a better lad! It was awesome to get one of the greats on the Swysh What a Lad podcast and go through his journey.

From a young kid who always believed he would get to where he is, I loved hearing the mindset that Richie has had on his way to the very top.

After missing out on the NZ schools team, a set back he struggled with at the time. He now looks back at that miss selection, as a 5 time Super Rugby winner with the Crusaders and a key member in the All Blacks.

I throughly enjoyed this episode, I think this could be an extremely helpful episode for any young player coming through. Richie Mo'unga is without a doubt a lad! If you enjoy this episode as always please give it a share.

Thanks to our sponsors for helping bring this podcast to you, go and support them

Swysh

Pure Sport

O-Studio

Pomeroys

For this weeks Swysh Super Rugby Preview, we have a very special guest in podcast guru Searley, from award winning podcast Searley talks sport. He joins our usual co-host Tom Marshall as we look ahead to this weeks round and make some very educated picks.

Barring Tom's Reece Hodge fantasy pick, it's fair to say the picks have been on absolute fire and hopefully we can keep that up for you all over the coming weeks.

This is an action packed episode with plenty to review from last week including surely one of the games of the year. Lots to preview this weekend, with some exciting match ups and we give you an insight into our fantasy rugby trades for the week.

If you enjoy the episode please give it a share, especially to any of your mates who struggle to pick a winner.

Ben May is officially the oldest player to ever play Super Rugby and unofficially he is one of the most entertaining lads you will meet.

The man affectively known as Old Dad to his team mates, has shown incredible durability in his 19 year rugby career. Which has seen him play for 11 different teams, including over 100 for the Hurricanes!

With a career like that, there was certainly plenty to talk about in this one and as you'll hear Bamma is someone who will always tell it how it is. He shares so many good stories in this one, from all the different teams he has been involved with.

I throughly enjoyed this one, I found myself laughing almost the whole way through. If you enjoy this episode or know someone who you think will, then please do me a favour and share this episode🙏🏼

This episode was brought to you by Swysh, the perfect gift idea for any sports fan!

Another round of Super Rugby and another What a Lad preview! As you may have heard last week, Tom Marshall has kindly offered to join the panel every week and has watched all last weeks footy to give us an insight.

In this episode we recap the teams and players that stood out from last week.

We preview and predict the games, as well as find some juicy match ups or players to look out for.

We finish with our Fantasy Rugby review and selections we have made for the week. Including the tough decision of captain!

Enjoy

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.

The life after sport transition is something that plays on all athletes minds. It's hard to prepare for and you don't really know what you're in for until you're in it.

For Filipo Levi he has gone through his transition and he has put all the valuable knowledge from his experience in to the recently published book, called "Tackle your Success". 

In this episode, Filipo shares some tips on how to have a successful career change and that doesn't have to been from sport. He talks about some of the challenges he faced and what helped him get through.

We also go through the big mans rugby career which saw him play for Otago, the Highlanders, the Black Rams, Ospreys, the Tasman Mako, the Pacific Islanders and of course Samoa. From all those teams he has plenty of good stories that he shares throughout.

I learnt a lot from this one and I hope you do too. If you do enjoy this episode, as always please give it a share. If you really enjoy what Filipo has to say make sure you get your hands on his book.

https://www.filipolevi.com/tackleyoursuccess

We're trying something a bit different with this one and giving you a Marshall brother preview Super Rugby Pacific. We preview the games and highlight a key member from each team. We also give our predictions for top try scorer, niggle goat and Lad of the year.

On top of that we also talk about our fantasy rugby sides and why we have picked up who we have and if you are keen to join the What a Lad comp follow this link and set one up https://sportsdeck.com/rugby/dreamteam/?action=join-group&code=224984

Was it a try, or did he drop it? That has been the question that has followed Elliot Dixon since his incredible try to win the Highlanders their first ever Super Rugby title.

However, the great Southern lad is much more than one try! He's has an outstanding career in NZ with the Southland Stags, the Highlanders, the NZ Maoris and of course the All Blacks. I found it super interesting hearing Elliot talk about his time in the All Blacks and why he didn't quite have the All Black career that many of us expected.

He has also spent time in Japan with the Black Rams and he is now over in France with Biaritz. Through his travels he has plenty of great stories to share and to be honest not many tell a more honest and enjoyable yarn than Dicko.

I throughly enjoyed this one, lots of laughs and some deeper moments as well. One thing I can guarantee you will learn from this episode, is that Elliot Dixon is an absolute lad! If you do find this episode enjoyable then please get it a share 🙏🏼

Professional sport always sounds like the dream lifestyle but as you'll hear, in this episode from Denny Solomona, it does come with it's challenges.

The honesty that Denny speaks with in this episode is so admirable and refreshing. It was crazy to hear what he was putting his body through, yet whenever he got on the field he was consistently one of the best.

Having been signed with the Melbourne Storm at 15, it's fair to say everything happened pretty quickly. However struggling to ever get any game time behind the great Billy Slater, he headed over to the London Broncos. A move that in hindsight wasn't the best idea. Denny missed his family, his side was getting pumped and he struggled with the use of  drugs and alcohol. 
However he still had plenty of success on the field in the Super League scoring a record number of tries in a season and being in the running for the Man of Steel award.

Denny then changed codes, moving to Sale and instantly made an impact, making the England international side very quickly. However he was still suffering with mental health issues, a topic that he is very open about. 

Now he's in a great space heading back to NZ to give NZ rugby a crack and personally I cant wait to see him out there doing his thing.

I really enjoyed this chat with Denny, I think there will be a lot of people who can relate to plenty in this episode. If you enjoy it or you know someone who would please give it a share, it's very much appreciated.

Most fans will know Victor Vito as the big physical beast, who is big fast and strong and has all the skills in the world. The Victor Vito you are about to hear is the very well educated, absolute lad, who gives a very open and honest breakdown of his rugby career to date.

Most will remember the day Victor burst on the the World stage at the 2009 Wellington 7's, where he put on an absolute clinic. From that tournament he was instantly headlined as the next big thing, even labelled as the next "Jonah"

Fast forward 13 years and Victor can look back on an incredibly successful rugby career. He's a Super Rugby winner and centurion at the Hurricanes, a double RWC winner with the All Blacks in 2011 & 2015 and since moving to La Rochelle in France he has played some of his best footy, playing well over 100 games.

Anyone who knows Victor will know that he is a very intelligent man and is a real thinker. What really fascinated me in this episode, was that on reflection, how he felt that had held him back in his career. Often over thinking the game instead of backing his natural instincts.

I really enjoyed this chat with the Wellington great, plenty of good yarns in this one. If you do enjoy the episode please give it a share on your socials and tag What a Lad. This episode is also out on YouTube as all my episodes from now on will be so go subscribe to the What a Lad channel and give this video a watch/like/comment if you can.

Season 3 of What a Lad is here and there is no better way to start the new season, than with one of the biggest lads to walk this earth, the great Ethan Blackadder! So many of you have been requesting Ethan to come on and for good reason, as he is the ultimate lad. 

Not only is Ethan a lad but he also has an incredible rugby journey. One that I think can have a positive impact on so many young players coming through. Although his dad, Todd Blackadder, was the All Black captain and Crusader legend, Ethan didn't enjoy playing rugby as a young fella, so he stopped. Only finding his love for the game, while playing 3rd XV rugby with his mates. Now an All Black himself, it's been awesome to see his journey, which started in the 'Nelson Rugby Football Club' B team and to see where he is now. I'm also really excited to see where he can get to. 

There is so many good yarns in this one and I loved trying to tap into the mindset of this special man because he just does things different.

Anyway I hope you enjoy this episode, if you do please give it a share and lets make season 3 the best yet for What a Lad.

If you want to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com

James Lowe has had an incredible journey to becoming the Irish International winger!

 
The kid gifted with size, speed and skill, was always going to have a successful sporting career. However, getting there wasn't without some significant bumps in the road. At around 14 years old James was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, which had him bed ridden on and off for around 3 years. For a kid who was extremely active, it was a very difficult stage in his life.

He got through that once he found the right medication and was back on his rugby journey. Although after being the star of the NZ u20 trials, he missed out on selection, which to this day still puzzles him and anyone who trialed that day.
He put that aside and put in some big performances for the Tasman Mako, which earned himself a Chiefs contract. His form for the Chiefs was so good, that he was literally on the edge of making the All Blacks for 2 years. He didn’t, and then decided to take up a contract in Ireland with Leinster. A fascinating story.

Now playing for Ireland on the international stage, it’s been an incredible journey from the proud Nelsonian. If you enjoy this episode please give it share. Also thanks to everyone who has tuned in over the year, it’s been a pleasure bringing you so many absolute lads!

Remember to head over to www.whatalad.com if you're keen to support the podcast.

The lads just keep coming and honestly they don't get much bigger than Ardie Savea. The man who is leading the way for NZ athletes on and off the field, inspiring many, including myself, along the way.

It was awesome to get Ardie on, who is no stranger to a podcast as he has one of the best going around, with the Ardie Savea podcast. 

In this episode we talk about Ardie signing on with NZ rugby for another 4 years and how he found the process of being his own agent. We obviously chat rugby and go through his incredible career which has seen him consistently be one of the best players in the world. And of course there was plenty to chat about off the field with his clothing business ASAV clothing and even some exciting plans going forward.

As you'll hear and as you probably already know Ardie is an absolute lad who has had a incredible career with plenty more ahead.

If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and if you want to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com 

Jordie Barrett, yes the great Jordie Barrett, has come on what a lad and as he has always done on the field, he has well and truely delivered with this yarn!

I throughly enjoyed listening back to this episode and we spoke about so much that it's hard to know where to start. What else is hard, is to believe that Jordie is only 24 years old! It feels like he has been around for ever and he certainly has some experiences from along the way.

In his first ever podcast, Jordie opens up about some key moments throughout his career to date and openly discusses the future, which has had me thinking for days what's best for the great Hurricane and All Black going forward.

As you'll hear Jordie is such a lad and if you enjoy this episode which I'm sure you will, please give it a share that helps the podcast out massively so it's very much appreciated.

There aren’t too many players who make the game of rugby look as easy as Will Jordan does, his speed and acceleration look effortless as he often leaves opposition scrambling. His rise to the top of international rugby has been special to watch.
On top of that he is also great role model and one heck of a lad so it was great to get him on What a Lad and go through his journey.

There are plenty of good yarns in this one and a very interesting insight into the path of a professional rugby player. Will shares some great advice throughout and speaks very openly about moments and decisions that he has faced.

If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and make sure you tag what a lad on whatever platform you use so I can thank you personally 🙌🏼

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. 

Pari Pari Parkinson is one of the most unique characters in NZ rugby. From his unique hairstyles on his 2.08m frame, to his often painted toenails and just his unique personality which he owns and doesn't change for anyone, makes him a lad!

On the field the man is a beast, after a couple of dominate years for the Highlanders and the Mako, Pari was knocking on the door of an All Black call up. Unfortunately his NPC was cut short with Tasman with a horrific knee injury that looks set to put him out for 7-12 months.

I loved this episode because it was so honest and I love Pari's care free nature that he approaches life. Often we can get caught up worrying about the past or the future, Pari just lives in the moment and has a good time doing it. 

As you'll hear in this episode Pari is a lad and if you enjoy this episode as much as I did listening back to it please give it a share. 

And if you're keen to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com and get yourself some merch.

The legend that is Damian Mckenzie joins me this week on What a Lad and geez what a lad he is!

In this episode we talk about his recent signing with Suntory in the Japan Top League, which I personally think is a very astute purchase from them. We also hear all about his new drink 'Grins' which has launched this weekend, a side hustle with the great Stephen Donald and Anton Lienet-Brown and by all accounts its an outstanding drop!

As always Dmac gives us an insight into his pathway to the top and reflects through his journey to date. Being a small man all the way through the grades, I love hearing how he never let his size be an excuse and he just knew he needed to be quicker and more agile.

There's also plenty of great yarns thrown in the mix as well, from growing up with his brother Marty, some classic shield stories and we relive a few good pranks that regular listeners will enjoy.

As you'll hear Damian is an absolute lad, who is an inspiring character who has a good energy to be around. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a share and help the podcast grow. 

This week I am joined by not just one great lad on the podcast but two of them! Who better to get on as a duo than All Black 7s stars, key Tasman Mako members and best mates Regan Ware and Andrew Knewstubb.

Both lads have joined the Tasman Mako mid season this year after a few outside back injuries and both have had massive impact for the side helping them reach the Bunnings Cup final. 

Before joining the Mako they have both been a huge part of the All Blacks 7s success, playing big roles for them winning the Commonwealth Gold and an Olympic Silver medal. 

As you'll hear Stubby and Regs are both great lads who love a laugh and have plenty of good yarns from their time together to date. As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share and if you're keen to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com and get your hands on something from there.