What a Lad

Two absolute lads on one outrageous mission. Alex and Ben decided they wanted to do something that would really push them to their limits for Movember so became the first ever to walk across New Zealand in a straight line. What followed was six days of chaos: rafting rivers in a leaking dinghy, crawling through blackberry, dodging bulls, and getting zapped by electric fences, all to raise money and awareness for men’s health.

In...

Steve Devine is one of the toughest men to ever pull on a rugby jersey. A proud Aussie who moved over to NZ for an opportunity with Auckland, where he quickly made NZ home. Where the fearless competitive halfback played a huge part in Auckland and the Blues success. From that came an his chance to wear the All Black jersey which he managed to do 10 times.

But behind that toughness was a brutal reality, years of repeated head knocks ...

Tom Christie is one of the toughest workhorses in New Zealand rugby.

In this episode the multiple Super Rugby champion opens up on leadership, injuries, and why he’s leaving the Crusaders to chase a new challenge with Newcastle’s Red Bulls.

From captaining the NZ U20s to battling setbacks and rediscovering his love for the game, this is Tom Christie like you’ve never heard him before.

In this episode we chat about...

How he learnt ...

Mitchell Scott was one of the most talented outside backs in New Zealand rugby, electric pace, unreal footwork, and a try-scoring instinct few could match. But behind the highlight reels was a rollercoaster journey through tragedy, addiction, injuries, and redemption.

From losing his father at just three years old, to wearing an ankle bracelet just months before representing New Zealand U20s in one of the greatest teams ever ass...

Jacob Ellison is one of Wellington’s great unsung heroes – a tough, mobile front-rower who gave absolutely everything every time he pulled on a jersey. From the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes to the Highlanders, the Māori All Blacks and several seasons in Japan, Jacob built a reputation as the ultimate team man.

But this chat is about far more than scrums. Jacob opens up about his remarkable life:

His unusual pathway from th...

Kylem O’Donnell is a lad who has truly lived the highs and lows of chasing the rugby dream. From starring at Hamilton Boys’ High to winning an NPC title with Taranaki and travelling the world with the All Blacks Sevens, he looked destined for it all. But behind the speed, fitness and flair, Kylem’s story is one of setbacks, mental battles, and resilience.

In this episode he opens up like never before from the challenge of dealin...

Mark Hammett has done it all in the game. With 81 games for the Crusaders, 4 Super Rugby titles, 29 Tests for the All Blacks and now a spot in the Crusaders Hall of Fame, Hammer’s rugby journey is an incredible one. Add in a coaching career that’s taken him from the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Cardiff Blues, Sunwolves, Tasman and Highlanders, the influence he has had on each side has been huge!

In this episode we dive into his remark...

Will Genia is one of the all-time great halfbacks and after this conversation I'm sure you'll understand why. With over 100 Tests for the Wallabies, a Super Rugby title with the Reds and stints with the Rebels, Stade Francais and the Kintetsu Liners Will had a bit of everything in his career!

In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from growing up in Papua New Guinea where he dreamt of becoming a cricketer, to falli...

In this powerful episode I’m joined by Holly Parkes, someone who lived through the reality of caring for Shane Christie in his final years. Holly has bravely come on the podcast not for herself, but to continue Shane’s mission, to shine a light on the devastating impact of brain injuries and to give others a clearer understanding of what life with CTE really looks like.

She opens up about what it was like supporting Shane day-to...

Du’Plessis Kirifi has had one of the more inspiring journeys to the top and is one heck of lad to top it off. From growing up in Taranaki and spending part of his childhood in Samoa, to working three jobs while chasing his rugby dream, Dups has had anything but a straight road to the top.

He opens up on the setbacks that shaped him — missing out on NZ U20s after being told he was “good enough but a bit of a dickhead”, the grind of t...

The latest Western Force signing George Bridge is our guest this week and what a lad he is! From humble beginnings in Gisborne, to carving up for Canterbury, the Crusaders, and then going on to wear the black jersey on the biggest stage of all! But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. George had his struggles moving down to Christchurch as a 17 year old, he had to deal with some brutal injuries – knees, pec tears, appendicitis, he ha...

For this one I am joined by one of the Black Ferns’ most exciting talents, Amy du Plessis. Amy’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, from growing up in South Africa to becoming a Rugby World Cup winner with the Black ferns! Her silky skills and ability to play anywhere has made her a hugely valuable asset for NZ Rugby and now she’s now preparing to take on the world again in the 2025 Rugby World Cup! 

In this episo...

Angus Ta’avao is one of the biggest characters in New Zealand rugby, someone who is always good value to be around and has a great ability to bring a side together with his personality.

Angus has done it all: NPC champ with Taranaki, Super Rugby champ with the Blues, he's an All Black, TV star, saxophone shredder and he is still playing rugby as good as he ever has! Angus is the ultimate lad.

In this episode we get into

- Why...

Oli Mathis is one of the most talented young players in the country. The Hamilton Boys star produced some of the most iconic NZ Schools performances we’ve ever seen. Whether he’s been playing loose forward or on the wing, the 20-year-old has been unstoppable playing for Waikato, the All Blacks 7’s side & the NZ U20s.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What it was like growing up in Waihi on the farm
• Why he moved to Hamil...

Jamison Gibson Park has gone on to be without a doubt one of the best 9s in world rugby! He's one of my favourite players to watch the way he plays with speed and controls the tempo of games while always nailing the basics. He was also one of my favourite team mates to play with because he was just a massive lad. 4 years ago this episode was recorded where he had just debuted for Ireland so it's pretty cool to hear some of the conv...

Daniel Bell might not be a recognisable name for you all, but as soon as you hear that voice – you will definitely recognise the voice. The man widely regarded for having the greatest larynx in the country which we have heard delivering some of the great moments in Heartland Rugby! Donny Bell has an infectious love for the game and brings the fizz like no other.

In this episode, we chat about:

•Why he always wanted to be a co...

Sam Darry is a massive lad! Standing at over 2 metres tall and at just 24 years old the man has achieved and been through a lot! And it feels like he is still just getting started,

After dominating schoolboy footy, Sam signed with Canterbury young and then made a bold move to head north to the Blues, a decision that he felt gave him the opportunity to become one of the best young locks in the game. It's fair to say it's worked ...

No one has won more Super Rugby titles than Mitchell Drummond! A man who has done it all in the red and black jersey, Drummy has won 3 NPC titles with Canterbury and a ridiculous 8 Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders – yes, 8 titles! Add to that a test for the All Blacks, a stint with the Barbarians, over 100 games for Canterbury, and being the youngest ever Crusaders centurion and you start to get the picture.

But beyond the stat...

Rugby fans don't get much bigger than Colin Mansbridge! Who also just happens to be potentially the most successful CEO in all sport, having been the Crusaders CEO for the last 8 years which includes 7 Titles! However, for many it was the way he handled himself and the organisation last season when Crusaders missed the top 8 which was most impressive!

In this episode, Colin brings plenty of honesty, insight, and laughs and we go...