Advertise on podcast: What a Lad

Caleb Tangitau is one of the most exciting young talents in New Zealand rugby. Known for his incredible speed, footwork and ability to score tries from anywhere, he has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Super Rugby with the Highlanders. In this episode of What a Lad, Caleb opens up about the journey behind the highlights. He shares the highs, the setbacks and the people who have helped shape him along the way, giving an honest insight into life as a professional rugby player chasing his dream. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - How his dad inspired his dream of playing Sevens - Making the New Zealand Sevens team as a teenager and the emotional moment he found out - Struggling with the transition from Sevens to fifteens at the Blues - Why he initially wanted to stay at the Blues rather than join the Highlanders - The surprise phone call from Israel Dagg that completely changed his career - The brutal Highlanders preseason that helped transform him as a player - His breakout season and feeling closer to his All Blacks dream - The devastating Achilles injury and the mental challenges that followed - What the injury has taught him about appreciating every opportunity in rugby One thing you’ll take from this episode is that Caleb is an absolute lad. His journey is a great reminder of how quickly things can change in professional sport, from the highs of living out your childhood dreams to the setbacks that test you the most. There’s plenty still to come from this man, and I’m backing it won't be long him before he achieves that All Blacks dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lachie Brook’s journey to becoming an Auckland FC champion has been anything but straightforward. From making his professional debut at just 16 in the A-League, to playing around the world in England and America, his career has included some incredible highs and some seriously tough lows. In this episode of What a Lad, Lachie opens up about losing his love for football in England, finding it again back in Australia, and then reaching his lowest point mentally while playing in America. He also shares the story behind joining Auckland FC, why he initially wasn’t excited about the move, and how it turned into one of the best chapters of his career — culminating in an unforgettable first season and finally experiencing what it feels like to win. Some parts that stood out for me were… What made him so good at such a young ageHow quickly things can change in Football How important it is to be enjoying yourself off the field to thrive on it.He shares how tough he found it mentally while in AmericaHow algorithms are being used to recruit footballersWhat he's loved about the Auckland FC environmentWinning with Auckland FC and experiencing that championship feeling As you'll hear Lachie is a great lad, honest, reflective and has had an incredible journey for such a young man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five years ago Louie Chapman first came on What a Lad with a very different story to where he is now. Back then, Louie was still trying to establish himself in professional rugby in his first season with the Tasman Mako. Since then, he’s experienced the highs and lows of chasing a career in the game, become a key player for Canterbury, fought his way into the Crusaders, and is now preparing for the next chapter of his career with Edinburgh in Scotland. What I love about Louie’s story is hearing just how much perseverance has gone into getting to this point. Louie has always been a classy player, but nothing has come easy for him. He speaks openly about the periods where opportunities weren’t coming, the pressure of trying to prove himself whenever he did get a chance, and how doing anything you can to help the team can ultimately give you a better chance of getting your own crack. We also get into why he has decided to leave New Zealand at a point where he is playing some of the best rugby of his career, what excites him about joining Edinburgh, and what the move could potentially lead to in the future. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… Nearly going 1,000 days between Super Rugby appearancesBeing told there might not even be a fourth halfback spot for him at the Crusaders, and what that meant for himWhy leaving Tasman for Canterbury changed his careerThe emotional moment he found out he had earned a full Crusaders contractHis parents driving six hours just to watch him sit on the benchThe Dave Havili moment that taught him an awesome lesson about being a good teammateHis decision to join Edinburgh and move to ScotlandHis Scottish family connection and ambitions for what the move could lead toHis advice for young halfbacks trying to make itPlenty of quality stories from along the journeyAs you’ll hear, Louie is one of the genuine good buggers of New Zealand rugby. He has a massive impact on his teams both on and off the field, he speaks so well, and it was awesome to catch up again five years on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Lienert-Brown is one of the great servants of New Zealand rugby. With 140 games for the Highlanders, 100 for Canterbury, a Super Rugby title and four NPC titles, DLB has built an incredible career through consistency, resilience and a genuine love for the game. In this episode of What a Lad, DLB opens up about the full journey — from growing up in Christchurch dreaming of one day playing for Canterbury or the Crusaders, to getting his first taste of professional rugby, receiving the call from Jamie Joseph to join the Highlanders and becoming part of their historic 2015 Super Rugby title. What stands out most is just how grateful he is for every opportunity rugby has given him. He talks about those early “pinch yourself” moments, becoming the Highlanders’ most capped forward and reaching 100 games for Canterbury. DLB also opens up about the tougher side of the journey. He reflects on a time when being “the rugby player” became his identity, how that affected his life away from the game, hitting rock bottom in 2021 and how faith, family and perspective helped completely change the way he sees himself today. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… Growing up watching Canterbury and the Crusaders and dreaming of one day being there The satisfaction he got from making his dad proudGoing from working at Pak n Save to getting his first Crusaders opportunityWhat made the 2015 Highlanders side special Why Nasi Manu is the best player he played withThe role faith now plays in his lifeWhy gratitude has become such a big part of the way he approaches rugby and life DLB is a special man and there is no man who his more grateful for his career then this man, I know you'll enjoy this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I know everyone will remember Sean Maitlands beautiful stride as he galloped down the field, what an athlete and what a journey he has had! From growing up in Tokoroa, to playing for the British and Irish Lions and everything in between! In this episode of What a Lad, Sean opens up about his career for the first time on a podcast and he did not disappoint, some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Growing up in Tokoroa alongside Quade Cooper and Isaac John - Playing for Waikato at just 17 while still at school - Walking into a Crusaders changing room full of his childhood idols - His experience during the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquake - Missing out on the All Blacks and making the decision to head overseas - How quickly everything happened after joining Glasgow and Scotland - Being selected for the British & Irish Lions after only a handful of Tests - The incredible culture and team trips behind Saracens' success - Knowing when it was finally time to call time on his career And heaps more! As you'll hear, Sean is an absolute lad who has experienced just about everything the game has to offer, he's played with almost every rugby legend alive and there are some incredible stories in this one. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well that's the Greatest Rivalry tour all done and dusted and it was a tour that lived up to the hype. This tour had high expectations but after producing 4 incredible tests full with intensity, quality rugby and of course some controversy, everything about this series was a success. South Africa proved why they are the number 1 side in the world claiming the series 3–1, so where does that leave the All Blacks heading towards the Rugby World Cup? For this episode I'm joined by Searley as we cover: How the Springboks won the final TestWhat areas of the game cost the All Blacks in this oneWe look at the controversial refereeing decisions that shaped the gameWhy South Africa’s cohesion is such a major advantageThe All Blacks who raised their stocks during the tourThe positions still up for grabs ahead of the World CupThe players who are to return to the All Blacks and where they fitSouth Africa’s best performers and stock risers, including Malcolm Marx and Morné van den BergAnd heaps more South Africa have confirmed themselves as the best team in the world — but after using 49 players on tour, there are still plenty of reasons for New Zealand fans to feel optimistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final Test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour is here, with the All Blacks and Springboks heading to Baltimore for one last showdown! South Africa lead the series 2-1 after two huge wins at home, but what's install for this one!? Searley is back to break down everything ahead of the final Test, including Richie Mo’unga’s return to the No.10 jersey, Ethan Blackadder’s massive opportunity, the battle at scrum time and whether the All Blacks can find a way to nullify the Springboks’ biggest strengths. We also look at South Africa naming another incredibly strong side, what playing in Baltimore could mean for the game, the importance of the bench, and why this could almost feel like a preview of a potential World Cup quarter-final. Can the All Blacks level the series in Baltimore, or will the Springboks finish the tour with three straight wins? Let me know your prediction in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All Blacks vs Springboks Greatest Rivalry Tour continues to deliver, with another massive Test match that had everything! Bryn Hall joins me to break down the third Test, where the All Blacks produced some outstanding rugby early before the Springboks once again showed why they’re the best in the world, using their set-piece in particular their scrum to take control of the match. We also dive into Jordie Barrett’s incredible form, the impact of losing Ardie Savea, the controversial yellow card, South Africa’s scrum dominance, Jessie Kriels form and Man of the Match Ethan Hooker. We also look ahead to the final Test in Baltimore. Will Richie Mo’unga get his opportunity? How will the All Blacks replace their injured stars? And can New Zealand level the series 2-2, or will the Springboks finish it off 3-1? Let me know what stood out for you in this test match in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Greatest Rivalry Tour is all square at 1-1 and Test Three is set to be massive! Bryn Hall joins me to break down where the All Blacks can improve, the Springboks’ set-piece dominance, the kicking battle, scrum tactics and the key selections ahead of another huge Test in South Africa. We also look at Cheslin Kolbe’s move to fullback, Cam Roigard’s influence, Asafa Aumua getting his opportunity to start and finish with our score and man of the match predictions. Who do you think is going to win this one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades studying one fascinating question — what separates the very best from everyone else? As a cognitive neuroscientist and high-performance consultant, Kerry has worked with Formula One legends, Olympians, key All Blacks and some of the world's highest performers, helping them understand how the brain works and how to perform when it matters most. In this episode of What a Lad, Kerry shares some incredible insights from his career. From working with three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart and discovering his relentless attention to detail, to seeing firsthand the work ethic and mindset required to become a world champion. Kerry also breaks down the science behind elite performance — why athletes choke under pressure, how the best performers see things others don't, why being the best youngster doesn't guarantee future success, and how our emotions and experiences can shape the way we think and behave. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… Working with Sir Jackie Stewart and discovering what made him so different The incredible work ethic Kerry has witnessed from world champions Why some Wimbledon champions can predict where a serve is going before the ball is even hit Why thinking too much under pressure can actually make you perform worse Why being the best athlete at 16 doesn't mean you'll become the best as an adult The mentality behind Hamish Bond and Eric Murray's incredible success Why there are no shortcuts when it comes to becoming world-class How confidence can be built just like a muscle How emotional experiences from our past can continue to influence us years later Why Kerry believes we have a far greater ability to change ourselves than we realise This is one of those episodes that will make you think differently about performance, confidence and what we're actually capable of. Whether you're an athlete, coach, business owner or simply someone wanting to improve, there's plenty of gold in this one. If you enjoy hearing how some of the world's best think and what we can learn from them, you'll love this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry series, reviewing the All Blacks’ thrilling midweek clash against the Lions and previewing a massive second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town! For this episode, I’m joined by the great Jeff McTainsh, who has been calling the action throughout the tour and joins me directly from South Africa to share his insight into the games and the incredible atmosphere surrounding this rivalry. We break down how the All Blacks recovered from a 14-0 deficit against the Lions, including Ethan Blackadder’s enormous performance, Timoci Tavatavanawai’s impact, Emoni Narawa’s footwork and Rieko Ioane looking back to his explosive best. We also discuss the challenges of preparing a midweek All Blacks side, which players have pushed their case for Test selection and the big decisions facing Dave Rennie ahead of Cape Town. Then we preview Test 2, looking at the aerial battle, the importance of winning collisions and how the All Blacks can disrupt the Springboks’ structured game.  The All Blacks are 1-0 up, but with Handre Pollard and Siya Kolisi returning to the Springboks can they inspire a win to keep their series hopes alive, Cape Town is set up to be an absolute classic! Can the All Blacks go 2-0 up, or will the Springboks fight their way back into the series? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry series, reviewing an incredible opening Test between the All Blacks and Springboks at Ellis Park! For this episode, I’m joined again by the great Searley from Searley Talks Sport as we break down how the All Blacks managed to come away with a huge 33-16 win, despite the Springboks dominating large parts of the first half. We look at the massive moments that swung the Test, including the All Blacks bench front row completely changing the scrum battle, Fabian Holland’s charge down, Jordie Barrett’s incredible defensive effort, Will Jordan’s Man of the Match performance and Cam Roigard’s game management under pressure. We also discuss just how impressive Cheslin Kolbe and Jasper Wiese were for the Springboks, the refereeing and TMO decisions, Rassie Erasmus’ reaction to the loss and what both sides will need to change heading into Test 2. The All Blacks have drawn first blood, but with the Springboks now needing to win the remaining three Tests to take the series, this Greatest Rivalry Tour has been set up perfectly! Can the All Blacks go 2-0 up in Cape Town, or will the Springboks bounce back? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry preview show where we preview all you need to know about the test between the All Blacks and the Springboks this weekend! For this episode we get an insight from inside the All Black camp with All Black assistant coach Tamati Ellison as well as the usual insight from the great Searley from Searley talks sport as we look back on the tour so far as well as preview the first Test! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uilisi Halaholo has a story so good it was one of the reasons I started this podcast. A naturally gifted player from a young age, who was heading down the wrong path to make the most of his talent. Caught up in the wrong lifestyle, drinking and getting into trouble on a regular basis. A turning point came when he became a young father ultimately forced him to change direction. He put down the bottle, transformed himself physically and decided to give rugby a genuine crack. That decision started a journey that would take him from fighting for an opportunity with the Southland Stags, to the Hurricanes, winning a Super Rugby title, moving across the world to Cardiff and eventually representing Wales. But reaching the top didn't mean the challenges stopped. Willis opens up about the criticism he received for representing Wales, devastating injuries, missing the opportunity to play against the All Blacks, losing a close family member, financial uncertainty and one of the darkest periods of his career. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… What his life as a teenager was like! Why having his daughter changed his mindset. Why the move to Southland was the best thing for him Why he chose a contract with the Hurricanes over other offers How he ended up on a Wider Squad contract in 2016 the year he started in the final! The decision to move to Cardiff The brutal run of injuries and juggling being a father to 5 girls How all of those highs and lows shaped the person he is today As you’ll hear Uilisi is a lad! His story is an incredible example of how much can change when you decide to take control of your life. Plenty of laughs in this one, but also some incredibly raw and powerful moments. As always, if you enjoy the episode please give it a like, subscribe to the channel and share it with a mate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Kirkpatrick was an age grade superstar who was starting Super Rugby with the Hurricanes at just 20 years old. He’s a guy I always remember as being just a genuine good guy and he’s had a hell of a journey both on and off the field In this episode of What a Lad, Dan opens up about becoming a father at just 19 and the challenges of balancing that with professional rugby, why he decided to leave New Zealand at 23 despite still having an All Blacks dream, and the serious injuries that eventually contributed to the end of his career. Some parts that stood out for me were… - What growing up looked like for him to be school boy star - Becoming a dad at 19 while trying to establish himself in professional rugby - what it was like at the Hurricanes as a young 10 - More about his decision to leave for France - How he felt walking away from his All Blacks dream - Winning the Top 14 with Castres as massive underdogs - The concussion and neck injury that impacted the back end of his career - His transition out of rugby and into business - Building @hiit_crew_auckland and a new community after rugby. And heaps more! Dan’s another great example of how everyone’s journey is different and how important it is to enjoy the path you take and tackle whatever challenges come at you with a positive mindset. I really enjoyed this one and I’m sure you will too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.