Will Genia is one of the all-time great halfbacks and after this conversation I'm sure you'll understand why. With over 100 Tests for the Wallabies, a Super Rugby title with the Reds and stints with the Rebels, Stade Francais and the Kintetsu Liners Will had a bit of everything in his career!In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from growing up in Papua New Guinea where he dreamt of becoming a cricketer, to falling in love with Rugby and the insane work ethic that took him from Colts to the Wallabies in the blink of an eye. In this episode we go through..One of the strongest mindsets to continually get better I have hear.His journey through the grades and how he felt like an imposter at each step.Winning super rugby and that incredible try that he scored in that final!The highs and heartbreaks of three Rugby World CupsHis brutal ACL injury and his comeback to star against the LionsLife in France and six more years in JapanWhy he walked away when he still could’ve played onHis transition into coaching alongside Quade CooperAnd heaps more.If you think you work hard this episode might question that, Wills work ethic and drive blew me away. He's also humble, honest, insightful and just one of the absolute great lads! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:25:53
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1:25:53
Holly Parkes on What a Lad
In this powerful episode I’m joined by Holly Parkes, someone who lived through the reality of caring for Shane Christie in his final years. Holly has bravely come on the podcast not for herself, but to continue Shane’s mission, to shine a light on the devastating impact of brain injuries and to give others a clearer understanding of what life with CTE really looks like.She opens up about what it was like supporting Shane day-to-day, the heartbreaking changes she witnessed, and the strength it took to stand by him as he fought through some heavy paranoia episodes. Holly also shares her own journey — the lessons, the love, and the hope she wants to pass on to players, families, and anyone impacted by brain injury.This was the hands down the heaviest podcast I've ever done. It’s raw, honest and emotional, but above all it’s a conversation that Holly wanted to have so that Shane’s suffering wasn’t in vain. This is an episode that will move you, challenge you, and hopefully help those who might be facing similar battles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:48:47
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1:48:47
Du’Plessis Kirifi - What a Lad
Du’Plessis Kirifi has had one of the more inspiring journeys to the top and is one heck of lad to top it off. From growing up in Taranaki and spending part of his childhood in Samoa, to working three jobs while chasing his rugby dream, Dups has had anything but a straight road to the top.He opens up on the setbacks that shaped him — missing out on NZ U20s after being told he was “good enough but a bit of a dickhead”, the grind of trying to pack on size when everyone said he was too small, and the lessons he learned from competing hard in his early Hurricanes days.But through sheer hard work and resilience, he’s gone from labouring on worksites and sleeping in mates’ garages to captaining Wellington, becoming a leader at the Hurricanes, and finally achieving his All Black dream.In this episode we chat about…Growing up between Samoa and Taranaki, and the values his family instilled in himThe brutal honesty that sparked his turnaround after missing NZ U20sThe conscious effort he puts into his speaking The near move to Japan and the moment that kept him in New ZealandThe call from Razor How he got such big Quads!And heaps moreAn inspiring story of perseverance, self-awareness — this is such a good epiosde. Dups is not only a competitor on the field but also one of the most thoughtful and articulate players in the game. What a lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:34:13
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1:34:13
George Bridge- What a Lad
The latest Western Force signing George Bridge is our guest this week and what a lad he is! From humble beginnings in Gisborne, to carving up for Canterbury, the Crusaders, and then going on to wear the black jersey on the biggest stage of all! But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. George had his struggles moving down to Christchurch as a 17 year old, he had to deal with some brutal injuries – knees, pec tears, appendicitis, he had three surgeries in eight months! He even played a Super Rugby Final with a nasty vomit bug. Despite all that, he kept bouncing back and showing his class and always finishing of tries!Some highlights for me in this one were..Hearing why he made the leap from Gisborne to Christchurch, The pathway he took to becoming an All Black,The influence of Leon MacDonald,The heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Why he moved to France and how he found itHis next chapter with the Force,And heaps more including all your questions.George is someone who always took his opportunity on the field through work rate and the never give up attitude. Players loved playing with this man cause he would never let them down and he is a champion lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:17:06
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1:17:06
Amy Du Plessis on What a Lad
For this one I am joined by one of the Black Ferns’ most exciting talents, Amy du Plessis. Amy’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, from growing up in South Africa to becoming a Rugby World Cup winner with the Black ferns! Her silky skills and ability to play anywhere has made her a hugely valuable asset for NZ Rugby and now she’s now preparing to take on the world again in the 2025 Rugby World Cup! In this episode we chat about..* Life growing up in South Africa and why her family moved to NZ* How she got into Rugby* Why she travelled 5 hours a day to play for Otago* Why her move to Canterbury was “the best thing I’ve ever done”* Being named in the Black Ferns and working under legends Wayne Smith & Graham Henry* Playing in front of sold-out crowds and winning the RWC* Her love for Super Rugby and Matatū* The build-up to the upcoming RWC and her expectations heading in* And plenty of great adviceAs you’ll hear, Amy is such a champion human, and this yarn is packed with stories, laughs and some really inspiring takeaways. This is such a cool insight into the women’s game as we look to cheer on our Black Ferns to hopefully another RWC! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What a Lad is a podcast by James Marshall who talks to some of the biggest names and best lads on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand