What a Lad

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 earning the opportunity to call All Blacks test matches on Sky Sport. Along the way he’s covered Olympic Games, NPC rugby, Super Rugby, international rugby and become one of the most respected commentators in the country.

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

- The story behind sending a commentary clip to Sky Sport in hopes of getting an opportunity
- Getting the call to commentate college rugby and how that changed everything
- The surreal moment he got called in to commentate the All Blacks at Eden Park
- How commentators prepare for games, player pronunciations and big moments
- His hilarious impressions of Dave Rennie, Ray Warren, Hamish McKay and more
- Why balance, fitness and routine completely changed his life over the last few years
- His thoughts on the future of rugby, commentary and the All Blacks

Jeff is one of those genuine good blokes who clearly loves rugby and loves storytelling. This episode is full of awesome insight into sports broadcasting, plenty of laughs, some elite impressions and a seriously cool story about chasing a passion and slowly building your way to the top.
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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 took him all around the world and made him one of the most respected teammates in the game.

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

- How he's found his transition from rugby to mortgage broking
- Going from working in refrigeration and air conditioning to marking Hosea Gear in his first professional game
- The brutal fitness standards and lessons he learned under Gordon Tietjens in NZ Sevens
- Why he chose to leave New Zealand rugby for Worcester and the reality of overseas rugby life
- Returning home from France after his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer
- How a simple message helped earn him a contract with the Blues
- Winning Super Rugby with the Blues after years of being so close
- His thoughts on missing out on the All Blacks and why he has no regrets about his career
- Why “don’t burn bridges” became one of the biggest lessons he learned through rugby

Bryce is one of those lads everyone he played with will conform he's a legendary man. Tough as nails on the field, humble off it and full of great perspective from a career that took him all over the world. Plenty of laughs, honest reflections and awesome stories in this one!
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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 with his brother Charlie.
- The reality of chasing an NRL dream.
- His unique thoughts on training, longevity and being a “lifetime trainer”
- The dangers of superstitions and when they can become too much
- What the ultimate amount of caffeine is to take pre a podcast
- His thoughts on confidence, backing yourself and saying yes to opportunities
And some of the funniest stories you'll hear!

It's not often I'll listen back to and episode and be laughing out loud but there's something about the Gubb brothers that crack me up! Peter is one of those blokes you could listen to for hours — authentic, funny and just a genuine lad.
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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 switch codes and start again, and everything it took to become one of the most respected forwards in world rugby.

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

- Reflecting on previous stories that had been told on the podcast about him before
- The moment his mindset changed and he was a whole different beast
- How he dealt with what came with being an NRL star as a teenager
- Making the call to leave rugby league at his peak and sacrifice his prime years to learn rugby union
- Being told he was hurting the team and how he dealt with that pressure
- The mindset behind his training and pushing himself when no one else was watching
- The pressure of playing for the All Blacks and what it really means to represent New Zealand
- Winning the Rugby World Cup and how it felt in the moment
- His journey into head coaching at the Reds and the pressure involved with that
- His reflections on his career and the standards he held himself to throughout
And heaps more!

This episode is full of honesty, perspective and a real look into what it actually takes to reinvent yourself at the highest level. Thorny is one of the toughest and most respected players to do it, and this one gives a proper insight into how he became that guy.
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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 the reality of being unable to move, the long road through rehab, and the mindset that helped him defy the odds and walk again. He also shares how he found purpose after rugby and built a new career as the Hurricanes Analyst.

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

- The moment he made a tackle and instantly knew something was seriously wrong
- Being told by doctors he would likely have to rely on others for the rest of his life
- Spending over two years in a wheelchair and the reality of daily rehab
- The mindset he used to stay positive and never give up despite the odds
- Taking his first steps again and the emotion that came with it
- The unbelievable support from the rugby community during his recovery
- How he managed to become part of the Hurricanes Analyst team.
- His outlook on life now and the importance of staying positive and being grateful
And heaps more!

This episode is incredibly powerful. Seti’s mindset, resilience and positivity through everything he’s been through is something special. He’s the kind of person that puts life into perspective and reminds you what really matters.
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