What a Lad

Antonio Shalfoon is someone who is a very different person off the field than he may seem on it. Known as a bit of a grub on the field, off the field he is one of the greats and his journey to professional rugby is as inspiring as any.

To start he wasn't offered his first full Super Rugby contract until the age of 26 after years of grinding away in club rugby, moving provinces to chase opportunities, and overcoming setbacks tha...

Jeremy's story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.

Growing up in an abusive household, Jeremy experienced years of physical violence. Carrying that trauma into adulthood, he eventually became the very person he never wanted to be, repeating the cycle of violence he had witnessed as a child.

In this incredibly honest conversation, Jeremy opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the roleplay that...

Daniel Hobbs may not be a household name in New Zealand sport, but his story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.

Known throughout Tasman rugby as a respected strength and conditioning coach, Daniel opens up about the horrific abuse he endured growing up at the hands of his stepfather. From living in constant fear, to enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, to the heartbreaking moment he nearly to...

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has one of the most remarkable stories in Australian rugby. He didn't even start playing rugby union until Year 12, yet just a few years later he was making his Super Rugby debut before earning his first Wallabies cap against the Springboks.

In this episode of What a Lad, Lukhan opens up about the journey that shaped him. From missing representative teams as a teenager and using rejection as motivation, to b...

Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua.

A two-time Rugby World Cup representative and one of Fiji's most experienced first fives, Ben has experienced the highs of winning Supe...

The 2026 Super Rugby season is officially done and what a finish it was. The Hurricanes capped off a remarkable campaign with a dominant 60-5 victory in the final, producing one of the most complete performances we've seen in Super Rugby history.

In this episode, we break down the final, review some of our preseason predictions, discuss the standout performers from the year and look at what made the Hurricanes such a dominant fo...

Liam Squire was one of the most feared players in world rugby, he had an incredible ability to throw his body into contact with zero thought of self preservation. While that approach helped Liam Squire the player, it's taken a serious toll on the body of Liam Squire the man. He's had an endless amount of injuries throughout his career and is now left with serious hip pain, shoulder pain and knee pain as he moves into the next chapt...

Jayden Broome is one of the most inspiring young rugby players you'll come across. A proud Gore local who spent his childhood with a rugby ball in his hands with a dream to become a professional rugby player. He was doing everything he could to reach that dream and everything was tracking that way. He captained all Southland age grade sides before leading New Zealand Māori Schoolboys to a historic victory over New Zealand Schools a...

Kieran Read is one of the greatest All Blacks of the professional era. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, four-time Super Rugby champion and former All Blacks captain, Kieran built a career defined by consistency, leadership and an incredible work ethic.

From a typical Kiwi childhood in Papakura, to representing Counties in both rugby and cricket, Kieran's path to the top wasn't as straightforward as many would think. He wasn't ...

Jeff McTainsh is quickly becoming one of the leading voices in New Zealand rugby. From growing up in Dunedin dreaming of the All Blacks, to commentating games off the TV as a kid, Jeff has built an incredible career through persistence, passion and years of hard work behind the scenes.

After working through radio, journalism, TV news and sports reporting, Jeff slowly carved his way into the commentary world — eventually ea...

Bryce Heem is one of the most underrated rugby players New Zealand has produced. From leaving school early and working trades, to partying his way through his late teens, Bryce carved out a 15-year professional rugby career through hard work, resilience and taking every opportunity that came his way.

Playing for the Auckland, Northland, Tasman, the Chiefs, the Blues, NZ Sevens, Worcester and Toulon, Bryce built a career that too...

Peter Gubb is one of rugby league’s great characters. A Queensland Cup legend known for his physicality, longevity and hilarious stories, Gubby shares plenty of great yarns in this one. From the 3rd XV at school to still playing high-level footy at 37, his journey is anything but ordinary.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Hearing his side of the story on what growing up was like for him wi...

Brad Thorn is one of the most unique athletes to ever come out of New Zealand. A cross-code legend known for his physicality, discipline and longevity, Thorn built an incredible career winning amore variety of titles than anyone to have played the game.

In this episode of What a Lad, Thorny opens up about his full journey through rugby league and union. From dominating in the NRL as a teenager, to making the bold decision to swi...

Seti Tafua has one of the most powerful and inspiring stories you’ll hear in New Zealand rugby. A talented young player chasing his dream overseas, Seti’s life changed in an instant after a horrific neck injury left him paralysed and fighting for his life. Doctors told him he may never walk again.

In this episode of What a Lad, Seti opens up about that journey through rugby and life. From the moment of the injury, to...

Jason Holland is one of the most respected coaches in New Zealand rugby. A brilliant rugby mind known for his attacking detail, leadership and ability to get the best out of people. The man known as Alfie has built an impressive career through Manawatu, Taranaki, Munster, Canterbury, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.

In this episode of What a Lad, Alfie opens up about his full journey through rugby, from a young kid growing wi...

Marc Ellis is one of the most iconic and entertaining characters New Zealand rugby has ever produced. A former All Black known for his speed, skill and ability to light up a game, Ellis became just as famous off the field for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and outrageous stories that have become the stuff of legend.

In this episode of What a Lad, Marc opens up about the journey through rugby and beyond. From his ris...

Cameron Suafoa is one of the toughest and most resilient players ever! A hard-working loose forward who earned everything through grit and determination, Cam built his career through Auckland, Tasman and North Harbour before becoming a standout for the Blues and earning selection for the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.

In this What a Lad exclusive, Cam opens up like never before. From his journey through the rugby ranks to t...

Pasilio Tosi is one of the most unique stories in New Zealand rugby right now. A 140kg powerhouse known for his brutal scrummaging and ball carrying, Tosi has quickly become a key figure for the Hurricanes and has fully earnt his place as an All Black. But his journey to the top was anything but straightforward.

In this episode of What a Lad, Tosi opens up about that journey through rugby and life. From working on the veggie far...

Paul Tito is one of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby. A tough, uncompromising forward known for his work rate, leadership and physicality, Paul built an outstanding career with Taranaki, the Hurricanes and overseas with Cardiff, where he played over 120 games and captained the club.

In this episode of What a Lad, Fish opens up about the full journey through rugby and coaching. From getting thrown into provincial r...