What a Lad

Christian Cullen is a legend. You only have to watch a few minutes of his highlights package to remind yourself how good he really was. The speed and agility, his ability to change direction at full pace, his deceptive strength, add on top his attacking mindset and his braveness in defence! He was a joy to watch. He's also such a champion man who prefers not doing things like this so super grateful to get him on.

In this whopping 2 hour episode some parts that stood out for me

• How the working the milk run growing up helped his rugby
• Debuting for Horowhenua straight out of school against Jonah
• Making the NZ 7's sides with Titch and stories from Hong Kong and the Commonwealth games
• The old school nature of the All Black environment he went in to
• I loved hearing about some of the greatest tries ever scored
• How he ended up at 13 for a RWC
• His relationship with John Mitchell
• Why he left to Munster and his time playing over there
• Why he hated warming up
• And heaps heaps more.
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Growing up Christian Cullen was my absolute hero, he inspired me to play the game so to sit down with him and have this conversation was truely incredible. What I'm sure will stand out for you is how humble and down to earth he is, you certainly wouldn't think I'm talking to one of the greatest to ever play the game listening to this. If you enjoy this one, please give it a share and I will continue to bring you the big guest like Christian Cullen.

Special mention to Paraparaumu Rugby Club for allowing me to record this episode in their Clubrooms.

Casey Laulala is one of the most likeable characters you'll meet with an inspiring story from growing up in Samoa to becoming an All Black. 

Some bits that stood out for me in this one were..

• What life was like growing up in Samoa with 6 siblings including All Black Nepo Laulala
• The pressure Casey put on him self to impress his dad and make him proud
• How he focused his mindset was to achieve his goals 
• His memories playing with and against some of the greats of the game
• Why he moved overseas and how he ended up at Cardiff, Munster and Racing Metro
• The transition in to coaching and why that wasn't for him
• The career change into Real Estate 
• And he's more classic stories.

As you'll hear Casey is a very well spoken and honest man who shares some great insights and advice from his journey to the top. If you enjoyed this episode please give it and I will continue to bring you more great guest like this!

Ross Filipo is one of the greatest lads in our game, whose journey through rugby has been nothing short of fascinating. Starting his rugby journey at 15, Ross shares his evolution from a talented but hesitant first five who could goal kick off both feet, to becoming the skilful and physical lock forward we knew him as.

In this episode we explore key moments throughout his career, including: 

Early Years: Ross always had the talent however he was naturally inclined to just cruise before a change of mindset saw a change in outcomes.

Becoming a Pro: The challenges that came with the transition into professionalism and how a move down to the Crusaders shaped him as a person.

Becoming an All Black: The pressures and challenges of international rugby and what stopped him from having more games

Injuries and Comebacks: Ross opens up about significant injuries, including a neck injury and how he returned from shoulder surgery in record time.

Life Abroad: His overseas adventures, from playing in France to coaching in Japan and the struggles that come with living in a foreign country without your family.

Personal Growth: Ross's candid reflections on mental health, life changing decisions he has made , and how it transformed his life as a father and a coach.

As you'll hear in this one, Ross is a such a genuine human being who has plenty of wisdom and shares plenty of classic stories throughout. If you enjoy this one which I'm sure you will make sure you give it a share and I will continue to bring more great guests like this.

When we talk about the greatest rugby family in this country ever, it's almost impossible to go past the Barretts. Kevin 'Smylie' Barrett was a Taranaki legend who also played for the Hurricanes, Beauden is a 100 game All Black, RWC winner and 2 x World Player of the year, Scott has captained the Crusaders to 4 Super Rugby titles and is the current Captain of the All Blacks, Jordie at just 27 has racked up over 50 games for the All Blacks and dominated where ever he plays. Kane was tracking the same path before 2 significant head injuries forced him to retire at just 22 years old.

It was awesome to sit down with Kane and talk through where he is at now and how he looks back on his career, some bits that stood out for me were..

• The battle between the Barrett brothers to be the Alpha growing up
• How Kane would fire up the Francis Douglas 1st XV side, once resulting in a yellow card
• The time Kane picked up his coach Neil Barns as a 16yo and dropped him on his head
• His pathway into NZ Schools for 2 years, Taranaki and the Blues
• What forced Kane into retirement and how hard that was to deal with
• How he looks at his brothers successful careers
• His new life of the farm
• And heaps more!

This was such an incredible insight from such a champion lad, you can only admire the way Kane has gone about his life post footy and it was so cool to hear about his journey.