The Hurtlocker

Ever since we were young, we’ve always known Ajay would be a proper weapon. Ajay has been carving up grades since the under-13s level, and since then, he’s gone from strength to strength. Growing up in South Auckland, Ajay comes from a great family, and like many of us who grew up in SA, he wouldn’t change a thing about his childhood.
His family helped push him through different sports, and now he proudly dons professional rugby jerseys. Ajay’s won 1st XV 1A competitions with St Peter’s College, where his team went over to Japan for the SANIX tournament and finished as runners-up. He made New Zealand Schoolboys and New Zealand Barbarians before flying down to Dunedin to continue his professional career. There, he joined the Dunedin Sharks for club footy while also being part of the Highlanders and Otago rugby development systems.
From there, he went on to represent New Zealand U19s, the Highlanders U20s, and eventually made his NPC and Highlanders debuts. We’re super proud of the uso and his journey so far, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.
Make sure you head over to his Instagram @ajay_faleafaga to follow his journey.
Like, sub up, and share the love, family.
Appreciate ya for tuning in,
Ron

Alright chat,

It's been in a minute but let us have another crack!
In the first episode which I have nicknamed 'The Lock In' for now because I am yet to find a permanent name, we have a whole lot to chat about.
The Women's World Cup quick review
Our Black Ferns 🐐
Braxton Sorensen-McGee
NPC Quarter's
The Rugby Championship
Leroy Carter
We have a good chat with the new boy on the block Eli Oulderyn, and then we breakdown our current take of Rugby 360.
Then I got trolled because I support my Dallas Cowboys. 🫣
Love

Raised in Palmy, later touching down in Wellington, Isaiah "Ice" Mapusua grew up in some of NZ's footy hot spots. Attending renowned rugby powerhouses St. Pat's College and Scots, he was immersed in a culture of rugby. Halfway through Year 10, Isaiah and his family moved to Auckland, the 09. Here he joined King's College.
After playing First XV rugby, he took himself south to Dunedin for university. But Ice didn't stay long. A call from Japan opened new doors, and soon he found himself attending the prestigious Keio University. Now, he plays for Toyota Verblitz and recently made his debut for Japan's Brave Blossoms in the 2024 Pacific Cup.
More than a friend, Ice has been family for me since the jump.
Stoked to have him join us in the little studio.
Hit that like button, drop a comment, and subscribe to support the poddy! Keep up with us on socials @hurtlockerpod for the latest posts and updates.
Love 🫳🏽

Josh Beehre, born and bred in Northland NZ the man has worked for every opportunity, searching his way to challenges and chances.
As a youngin, raised on a Dairy farm the work ethic has always been there, and that consistency matched with his talent has taken him to career milestones already as a 23 year old proffessional footy player.
JB is signed with The Blues till '27, has played three campaigns with the Auckland NPC side, made New Zealand Under 20's and just recently the fan loved Barbarians RFC.
A brother, we're proud and grateful to have JB in the studio supporting our little poddy!
Make sure you like, comment, and subscribe! Head over to our socials found at @hurtlockerpod to keep with our posts, and content. Love 🫳🏽

This week on The Hurtlocker, we sit down with All Black #979 – Pita Alatini – one of the smoothest centres to ever wear the black jersey.
From carving up in SA, South Auckland to making his All Blacks debut, Pita brings wisdom, knowledge and laughs sharing some deep insights from a legendary era of Kiwi footy.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
📲 Follow us on socials for more clips & behind-the-scenes: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | @thehurtlockerpod