September 19, 2025 • 12 mins
Kyle Preston's sudden rugby elevation has continued through the Rugby Championship, having been called into the All Blacks squad for the trip to Argentina, and then a test debut against South Africa at Eden Park.
Upon his return to the Wellington Lions, Preston talked to Adam Cooper about the past six weeks, and how he hopes to stay in the All Blacks fold.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Wellington Lions and their title defense. It's been a
struggle this year. Two wins from seven. They sit tenth
on the ladder and four points outside the top eight
playoff zone. Heading into the third to last weekend. They
host South Ends at Pottydoor Park Jerry Collins Stadium this
afternoon at five past two South and level on points
with the Lions, but a couple of places back in
(00:22):
the standings. Let's look ahead to this game now in
Kyle Preston, alongside Reuben Love and Peter Lukeye have been
released from the All Blacks to return to the Lions
for this very important game. And we're going to chat
to Kyle Preston now because what a last six weeks.
It has been a half back crisis in the All Blacks,
Kyle Preston picked to go on the trip to Argentina,
(00:43):
another injury and the big week leading up to that
Eden Park test and it means Kyle Preston made his
debut off the bench and that thrilling All Blacks Spring
Box game up at Eden Park two weeks ago. Kyle's
with us now, morning to your Kyle, and I was
just looking at it. We last spoke in the first
weekend of August on this show you were gearing up
for Wellington playing Canterbury to start the NPC and goodness
(01:07):
me mate, little change from there, didn't it.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Yeah, definitely. It's almost like a couple of seasons and
one kind of thing. Like a lot going on, I
guess you could say, but now it's been awesome.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Yeah, plenty going on. We'll go back to when you
first sort of got thrust out of the Lions team
to join the All Blacks. How much of a special
opportunity was it for you to start things off and
experience what what touring life was like over in Argentina.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Yeah, it was super cool. Obviously hear the news of
a few of the half Wick going down is pretty
pretty ship. But to get the call from Razor was
pretty special, not for me but the family too. And
to start at Argentina was pretty cool. I've never been
over there, so it was quite a cool opportunity to
go to the country too.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Yeah, and I imagine not just for your own All
Blacks games that were there. You're in the stands, Middleso,
a bit of other sports. Well, what was just just
that trip, Like the atmosphere like in the stadiums that
you guys all saw.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Yeah, it's a whole nother new, different, crazy atmosphere over
in Argentina. The especially in the Boker Junior Stadium where
we went to watch the football game. It was pretty
unreal atmosphere, the supporters standing up, chanting thing in the
whole game was. Yeah, it was pretty spectacular to the
What was it.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Like for you, I guess, you know, in terms of
game time because you played in that NPC game, then
you had a couple of weeks as part of that
the AV squad and not playing. How did you sort
of make sure you were game ready if you were
called on at that point.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah, it can be quite tough obviously not being in
the twenty three, but being expected to, Yeah, be ready
as if you're going to play. Just don't get quite
as much opportunity to get as many rips and as
you'd like. But I guess when you're at that level,
you've just got to do whatever it takes, whether it's
ualizing reps or yeah, asking questions of the boys. Pretty
(03:05):
much got to do what you can what you need
to be ready to play, regardless if you're in the
twenty three or not.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
And when you're over there on your first tour, who
was you know some of the guys that you were
asking lots lots of questions of with anyone in particular
that was going out of their way to help you out.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Definitely a few boys, obviously having Courtiers and finnly Christy
as the mines kind of go back and forth a
lot with questions. Fisher being the new halfpick there, so
them always my roommates anyone. Yeah, I kind of just
whenever I need a chat and there's someone to talk
to about it around or just have the yarn.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Yeah, exactly. And then from there, obviously Courtiers was injured
and then obviously things led up to your big chance
at Eden Park. I mean, I'm sure even yourself as
a rugby fan, had been looking forward to that test
there for for a long time. What was like when
you kind of clicks that you'd be likely named in
that twenty three for Edom Park.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Yeah, it was a funny one because it was almost
the start of the week. Wasn't quite sure our Courts
was going to pull up, knew he was quite sore,
but yeah, obviously it was pretty excited for the prospect
to be able to get on there and get my dvots.
So that happened, and to be an Eden Park against
the spring Bock at a sold out crowd was yeah,
(04:28):
pretty spectacular.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Do you remember much in particular about the game where
you're still kind of just overwhelmed with with stuff that
shuts out in the memory. How do you look back
on it?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
I think one thing or the first thing that came
to mind, which I thought was pretty special was standing
in line with the national anthem next to Dupless Sea
and I think believe Propter the Wellington Boys was it
was quite a cool experience, and then to do the
Hacker was pretty awesome. But yeah, I think I think
for me standing on a sid, I ain't getting ready
(05:00):
to run on I was. I think standing up for
come on, feeling pretty comfortable a couple of rows up
to then being only one having to play those other
game it was yeah, pretty hectical on feeling. But it
was cool. We got the job.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Done at Eden Park, Yeah exactly, And I'm sure given
what was at stake in that test, uh, you know,
prior to everything in Wellington, it was probably a very
memorable night for so many reasons for yourself, right, Carl.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Yeah, definitely. I think getting a deboot, regardless on where
it is, who you're playing, it's always going to be
pretty memorable. And to have the family and friends up
there too to see them after the game do tears
is pretty special.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
How much does being involved in a match like that,
especially in your debut match, you know, increase your confidence
there and then does that have an overnight effect on
giving you some belief for the future or it was
that gradual over your your few weeks as part of
the squad.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
Yeah, I think. I think obviously, coming in fresh the
first week, you've got a lot to learn. Obviously you're
pretty newest and the new environment, but the boys and
the management make it make you pretty comfortable and they'll
do everything they can to help you be as ready
as you can be to play on the weekend too.
(06:28):
Obviously there's there's definitely plenty of nerves, but I felt
reasonably ready waiting on the sideline, and.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Obviously not just your rise to getting at All Blacks
Test appearance, but the whole Rugby you know, last twelve
months has played out so fast for you and your
rise up the racks. Do you think you prefer it
to have happened this way. It's all happened so fast,
and you haven't really had much time to think about
it or overthink it or any of that, or if
you prefer to take it a bit slower and have
(06:56):
a bit more time to prepare yourself.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Uh, yeah, it's funny you say that, actually, because today
I actually spoke to one of the boys at lines
training around. It feels like it's a long time on
the grind, been working and trying to play ruddy or
rugby pursue there as a career. It felt like a
very long time and it took me a while to
get into a professional environment. But yeah, like you said,
(07:21):
it's come quick when I've when I've got into the
space over the last couple of years. So obviously I've enjoyed,
enjoyed the last couple of years, and I'm pretty heavy
how it's gone as quick as it has, so hopefully
it can Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Keep going exactly. I will touch on Wellington last weekend.
Obviously not the result that anyone in the country wanted,
apart from you know, maybe some South African fans. What
was the dressing room like after that game? Has everyone
sort of I guess came to terms with what happened
out there.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, it's obviously not a nice feeling, especially a big
focus for us Swellington Boys was being at home in
front of our home fans. Yeah, obviously pretty devastating to
get the result that we did. Obviously we had a
pretty good first half and for the second half to
fall off the way that it did was Yeah, not ideal,
(08:12):
but I think, yeah, a bit of a wake up
call and the boys will be firing, I'm sure come
next week.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
And do the coaches give you advice saying, hey, we're
letting you go and play in PC this weekend. Here's
what we want to see from you. Is there be
much dialogue? There is your link back up with the
lines now, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
There's a bit of chat here and there, not a
hell of a lot, but yeah, you kind of up
to you to if you want to reach out to
coaches and ask for feedback and anything that they want
to see from you. So yeah, that's kind of what
I did, was just after question and yeah, pretty much
just yeah, reach out and see what they want to see.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Given we've got CAM back and an NPC this weekend
as well. Call looks like he's he's on the mind
as well. You know, what's your strategy going to be,
Kyle to as you said before, you don't just try
and stay in the mix with this team.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yeah. Obviously the coaches have picked who they've picked, so
whatever happens and that selection wise is up to them.
But for me, when I get the charts of players
being myself and during the game and usually that's when
things kind of open up and I can express myself
on the field. So hopefully if I do that right
then yeah, I can get the opportunity. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Great, and you're joining back with the Lions at a
time that they probably need a few of you guys.
It's been a tough few weeks since since you were
last in camp with the Wellington Lions. Kyle, big game
against South and I guess few years are nice to
be able to come back and help them fight to
stay alive in the competition.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Yeah for sure. Obviously Wellington's my home and to be
back from the Jerseys pretty exciting. So yeah, obviously, you know,
like you said, been a tough few weeks. So the
boys are looking to really sparkle up this week and
if we don't win or we don't put on a
good performance. It's yeah, be a tough result, but the
(10:11):
boys have pripped well this week and look into the
job against up them.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Do you come in talking a bit to camp given
you've you know, you might come at that with some
fresh ideas, haven't been in the camp for the last
few weeks. You have to offer a few suggestions or
do you sort of just ease yourself back and how
does how does that work to the start of the week.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yeah, it all kind of really depends what the topic
of conversation is and what I feel like I can
add to the to the chat. But yeah, I feel
like I just try to add what I can and
there's something I can pick up on a point or whatever,
then then I will. But yeah, I don't try to overtalk,
especially when you've haven't been in most of the years. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Nice, and still within a mathematical chance for the playoffs
as it very much still just I guess it's almost
playoff mentality, right, You've got a when to stay in
the mix. Is that how the team's approaching this one?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Yeah, definitely. We had a massive, massive talk on Monday
around what it looks like for us for the next
three weeks. And what the boys are willing to put
in and sacrifice. So yeah, we really have got to
stamp down and like you said, it almost playoff weeks
from now, so yeah, we're looking to really do a
(11:25):
job this weekend and hopefully they can flow on for
the next few weeks and get some good results.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Brilliant Carle Well, I'm sure the lines will enjoy having
your back this weekend, and congratulations on everything over the
past few weeks as well. Mate's been been great and
a lot know a lot of people around Welly here
have been stoked to see your reward for your hard work,
so long mate. Continue Mate, thanks for your time and
go well on the NPC this weekend.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Also, the cheers appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
For more from news Talks, there'd be listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
The Wellington Lions and their title defense. It's been a
struggle this year. Two wins from seven. They sit tenth
on the ladder and four points outside the top eight
playoff zone. Heading into the third to last weekend. They
host South Ends at Pottydoor Park Jerry Collins Stadium this
afternoon at five past two South and level on points
with the Lions, but a couple of places back in
(00:22):
the standings. Let's look ahead to this game now in
Kyle Preston, alongside Reuben Love and Peter Lukeye have been
released from the All Blacks to return to the Lions
for this very important game. And we're going to chat
to Kyle Preston now because what a last six weeks.
It has been a half back crisis in the All Blacks,
Kyle Preston picked to go on the trip to Argentina,
(00:43):
another injury and the big week leading up to that
Eden Park test and it means Kyle Preston made his
debut off the bench and that thrilling All Blacks Spring
Box game up at Eden Park two weeks ago. Kyle's
with us now, morning to your Kyle, and I was
just looking at it. We last spoke in the first
weekend of August on this show you were gearing up
for Wellington playing Canterbury to start the NPC and goodness
(01:07):
me mate, little change from there, didn't it.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Yeah, definitely. It's almost like a couple of seasons and
one kind of thing. Like a lot going on, I
guess you could say, but now it's been awesome.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Yeah, plenty going on. We'll go back to when you
first sort of got thrust out of the Lions team
to join the All Blacks. How much of a special
opportunity was it for you to start things off and
experience what what touring life was like over in Argentina.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Yeah, it was super cool. Obviously hear the news of
a few of the half Wick going down is pretty
pretty ship. But to get the call from Razor was
pretty special, not for me but the family too. And
to start at Argentina was pretty cool. I've never been
over there, so it was quite a cool opportunity to
go to the country too.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
Yeah, and I imagine not just for your own All
Blacks games that were there. You're in the stands, Middleso,
a bit of other sports. Well, what was just just
that trip, Like the atmosphere like in the stadiums that
you guys all saw.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Yeah, it's a whole nother new, different, crazy atmosphere over
in Argentina. The especially in the Boker Junior Stadium where
we went to watch the football game. It was pretty
unreal atmosphere, the supporters standing up, chanting thing in the
whole game was. Yeah, it was pretty spectacular to the
What was it.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Like for you, I guess, you know, in terms of
game time because you played in that NPC game, then
you had a couple of weeks as part of that
the AV squad and not playing. How did you sort
of make sure you were game ready if you were
called on at that point.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah, it can be quite tough obviously not being in
the twenty three, but being expected to, Yeah, be ready
as if you're going to play. Just don't get quite
as much opportunity to get as many rips and as
you'd like. But I guess when you're at that level,
you've just got to do whatever it takes, whether it's
ualizing reps or yeah, asking questions of the boys. Pretty
(03:05):
much got to do what you can what you need
to be ready to play, regardless if you're in the
twenty three or not.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
And when you're over there on your first tour, who
was you know some of the guys that you were
asking lots lots of questions of with anyone in particular
that was going out of their way to help you out.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Definitely a few boys, obviously having Courtiers and finnly Christy
as the mines kind of go back and forth a
lot with questions. Fisher being the new halfpick there, so
them always my roommates anyone. Yeah, I kind of just
whenever I need a chat and there's someone to talk
to about it around or just have the yarn.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Yeah, exactly. And then from there, obviously Courtiers was injured
and then obviously things led up to your big chance
at Eden Park. I mean, I'm sure even yourself as
a rugby fan, had been looking forward to that test
there for for a long time. What was like when
you kind of clicks that you'd be likely named in
that twenty three for Edom Park.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Yeah, it was a funny one because it was almost
the start of the week. Wasn't quite sure our Courts
was going to pull up, knew he was quite sore,
but yeah, obviously it was pretty excited for the prospect
to be able to get on there and get my dvots.
So that happened, and to be an Eden Park against
the spring Bock at a sold out crowd was yeah,
(04:28):
pretty spectacular.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Do you remember much in particular about the game where
you're still kind of just overwhelmed with with stuff that
shuts out in the memory. How do you look back
on it?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
I think one thing or the first thing that came
to mind, which I thought was pretty special was standing
in line with the national anthem next to Dupless Sea
and I think believe Propter the Wellington Boys was it
was quite a cool experience, and then to do the
Hacker was pretty awesome. But yeah, I think I think
for me standing on a sid, I ain't getting ready
(05:00):
to run on I was. I think standing up for
come on, feeling pretty comfortable a couple of rows up
to then being only one having to play those other
game it was yeah, pretty hectical on feeling. But it
was cool. We got the job.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Done at Eden Park, Yeah exactly, And I'm sure given
what was at stake in that test, uh, you know,
prior to everything in Wellington, it was probably a very
memorable night for so many reasons for yourself, right, Carl.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Yeah, definitely. I think getting a deboot, regardless on where
it is, who you're playing, it's always going to be
pretty memorable. And to have the family and friends up
there too to see them after the game do tears
is pretty special.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
How much does being involved in a match like that,
especially in your debut match, you know, increase your confidence
there and then does that have an overnight effect on
giving you some belief for the future or it was
that gradual over your your few weeks as part of
the squad.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
Yeah, I think. I think obviously, coming in fresh the
first week, you've got a lot to learn. Obviously you're
pretty newest and the new environment, but the boys and
the management make it make you pretty comfortable and they'll
do everything they can to help you be as ready
as you can be to play on the weekend too.
(06:28):
Obviously there's there's definitely plenty of nerves, but I felt
reasonably ready waiting on the sideline, and.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Obviously not just your rise to getting at All Blacks
Test appearance, but the whole Rugby you know, last twelve
months has played out so fast for you and your
rise up the racks. Do you think you prefer it
to have happened this way. It's all happened so fast,
and you haven't really had much time to think about
it or overthink it or any of that, or if
you prefer to take it a bit slower and have
(06:56):
a bit more time to prepare yourself.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Uh, yeah, it's funny you say that, actually, because today
I actually spoke to one of the boys at lines
training around. It feels like it's a long time on
the grind, been working and trying to play ruddy or
rugby pursue there as a career. It felt like a
very long time and it took me a while to
get into a professional environment. But yeah, like you said,
(07:21):
it's come quick when I've when I've got into the
space over the last couple of years. So obviously I've enjoyed,
enjoyed the last couple of years, and I'm pretty heavy
how it's gone as quick as it has, so hopefully
it can Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Keep going exactly. I will touch on Wellington last weekend.
Obviously not the result that anyone in the country wanted,
apart from you know, maybe some South African fans. What
was the dressing room like after that game? Has everyone
sort of I guess came to terms with what happened
out there.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, it's obviously not a nice feeling, especially a big
focus for us Swellington Boys was being at home in
front of our home fans. Yeah, obviously pretty devastating to
get the result that we did. Obviously we had a
pretty good first half and for the second half to
fall off the way that it did was Yeah, not ideal,
(08:12):
but I think, yeah, a bit of a wake up
call and the boys will be firing, I'm sure come
next week.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
And do the coaches give you advice saying, hey, we're
letting you go and play in PC this weekend. Here's
what we want to see from you. Is there be
much dialogue? There is your link back up with the
lines now, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
There's a bit of chat here and there, not a
hell of a lot, but yeah, you kind of up
to you to if you want to reach out to
coaches and ask for feedback and anything that they want
to see from you. So yeah, that's kind of what
I did, was just after question and yeah, pretty much
just yeah, reach out and see what they want to see.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Given we've got CAM back and an NPC this weekend
as well. Call looks like he's he's on the mind
as well. You know, what's your strategy going to be,
Kyle to as you said before, you don't just try
and stay in the mix with this team.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yeah. Obviously the coaches have picked who they've picked, so
whatever happens and that selection wise is up to them.
But for me, when I get the charts of players
being myself and during the game and usually that's when
things kind of open up and I can express myself
on the field. So hopefully if I do that right
then yeah, I can get the opportunity. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Great, and you're joining back with the Lions at a
time that they probably need a few of you guys.
It's been a tough few weeks since since you were
last in camp with the Wellington Lions. Kyle, big game
against South and I guess few years are nice to
be able to come back and help them fight to
stay alive in the competition.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Yeah for sure. Obviously Wellington's my home and to be
back from the Jerseys pretty exciting. So yeah, obviously, you know,
like you said, been a tough few weeks. So the
boys are looking to really sparkle up this week and
if we don't win or we don't put on a
good performance. It's yeah, be a tough result, but the
(10:11):
boys have pripped well this week and look into the
job against up them.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Do you come in talking a bit to camp given
you've you know, you might come at that with some
fresh ideas, haven't been in the camp for the last
few weeks. You have to offer a few suggestions or
do you sort of just ease yourself back and how
does how does that work to the start of the week.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yeah, it all kind of really depends what the topic
of conversation is and what I feel like I can
add to the to the chat. But yeah, I feel
like I just try to add what I can and
there's something I can pick up on a point or whatever,
then then I will. But yeah, I don't try to overtalk,
especially when you've haven't been in most of the years. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Nice, and still within a mathematical chance for the playoffs
as it very much still just I guess it's almost
playoff mentality, right, You've got a when to stay in
the mix. Is that how the team's approaching this one?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Yeah, definitely. We had a massive, massive talk on Monday
around what it looks like for us for the next
three weeks. And what the boys are willing to put
in and sacrifice. So yeah, we really have got to
stamp down and like you said, it almost playoff weeks
from now, so yeah, we're looking to really do a
(11:25):
job this weekend and hopefully they can flow on for
the next few weeks and get some good results.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Brilliant Carle Well, I'm sure the lines will enjoy having
your back this weekend, and congratulations on everything over the
past few weeks as well. Mate's been been great and
a lot know a lot of people around Welly here
have been stoked to see your reward for your hard work,
so long mate. Continue Mate, thanks for your time and
go well on the NPC this weekend.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Also, the cheers appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
For more from news Talks, there'd be listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
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