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 remarkable journey: from a soccer player, to the early days of professional rugby, and the mindset that carried him through as both player and coach.
In this episode we go through..
The competitive edge that drove the Crusaders dynasty
What he learnt from coaches like Robbie Deans and Wayne Smith
The realities of early professional rugby contracts and suspensions
All Black memories including the infamous SAS camp
His move to coach the Hurricanes & the controversial decisions around Ma’a Nonu and Andrew Hore
His stints overseas with Cardiff and Japan’s Sunwolves
Lessons learned at the Highlanders and what he’d do differently
His passion for neuroscience, brain health and life after rugby
What he’s most proud of and the advice he lives by
And heaps more
Hammer is humble, competitive, brutally honest and one of the most authentic leaders you’ll hear from. There's so much gold in this one for everyone and whether you loved him or not as a player or a coach I know you'll have a new found respect for him after this one!
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