Oli Mathis is one of the most talented young players in the country. The Hamilton Boys star produced some of the most iconic NZ Schools performances we’ve ever seen. Whether he’s been playing loose forward or on the wing, the 20-year-old has been unstoppable playing for Waikato, the All Blacks 7’s side & the NZ U20s. In this episode, we chat about:What it was like growing up in Waihi on the farmWhy he moved to Hamilton Boys and his time in the First XVWe talk about those incredible NZ Schools performances and what he felt set him apart as a schoolboyWhy he turned down the Crusaders Academy to stay in the Chiefs regionHis experiences with Waikato, Chiefs wider squad, All Blacks 7s and NZ U20sThe frustration of missing the U20 World Cup Final through injuryLife as a hybrid forward/wing and where he sees his best positionWhere he see’s his future in the game And heaps moreAs you’ll hear Oli is a passionate rugby man, he always has been! And then when he’s not on the field, he is up on the hills hunting in true kiwi style. This is an awesome insight into someone with a huge future ahead of him, a special talent and one of the great lads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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47:26
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47:26
Jamison Gibson Park- Fan Favourite
Jamison Gibson Park has gone on to be without a doubt one of the best 9s in world rugby! He's one of my favourite players to watch the way he plays with speed and controls the tempo of games while always nailing the basics. He was also one of my favourite team mates to play with because he was just a massive lad. 4 years ago this episode was recorded where he had just debuted for Ireland so it's pretty cool to hear some of the conversations we had around his future plans to see how far he has exceeded them!Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode...Hearing about the rural upbringing Jamison had on Great Barrier Island.How he handled missing out on the NZ 20's even though many felt he should've been in there.How he was shafted by the Blues.Winning the Super Rugby with the Hurricanes, starting as a wider squad member.Why he left NZ.How he had found it over in Ireland & with Leinster.And heaps more!As you'll hear, Jammo is a massive lad and it's been so cool seeing him starring at RWC's with Ireland and now on the Lions tour. He is one of the greats! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:01:22
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1:01:22
Daniel Bell- What a Lad
Daniel Bell might not be a recognisable name for you all, but as soon as you hear that voice – you will definitely recognise the voice. The man widely regarded for having the greatest larynx in the country which we have heard delivering some of the great moments in Heartland Rugby! Donny Bell has an infectious love for the game and brings the fizz like no other.In this episode, we chat about:•Why he always wanted to be a commentator as a kid •Commentating with some of his childhood hero’s including Chainsaw Laney•His commentary impersonations of almost every commentator in the game (including the South African special!)•An awesome insight into what goes on behind the mic •Plenty of great yarns from travelling around the countryAnd heaps more! This is a very entertaining episode with a great insight into what goes on behind the mic, Donny brings impressive energy to this one and I voice I could listen to all day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:07:02
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1:07:02
Sam Darry- What a Lad
Sam Darry is a massive lad! Standing at over 2 metres tall and at just 24 years old the man has achieved and been through a lot! And it feels like he is still just getting started, After dominating schoolboy footy, Sam signed with Canterbury young and then made a bold move to head north to the Blues, a decision that he felt gave him the opportunity to become one of the best young locks in the game. It's fair to say it's worked out pretty well for him, being an important piece of the puzzle in the Blues 2024 winning season and going on to become an All Black.In this episode we dive into:Growing up with his mum Kat being being the All Blacks nutritionist How rowing at college helped shape him as an athleteWhy he decided to turn down the Crusaders to head to the BluesTom Robinson’s top-tier pranksHow Vern Cotter helped his gameWhat it meant to win the 2024 Super Rugby Title with the BluesWhy Jase Ryan had to square him before his debutHis tight bond with Luke Romano, and lessons he’ll never forgetHow he has handled the different injuries he has been hit with throughout his careerAnd how he plans to attack the next three years with a World Cup in sightBig Sam Darry is sharp, humble, and full of unreal yarns. He is on his way to becoming one of the greats, and this episode gives you an insight into the journey and the man of the future legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:25:08
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1:25:08
Mitchell Drummond- What a Lad
No one has won more Super Rugby titles than Mitchell Drummond! A man who has done it all in the red and black jersey, Drummy has won 3 NPC titles with Canterbury and a ridiculous 8 Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders – yes, 8 titles! Add to that a test for the All Blacks, a stint with the Barbarians, over 100 games for Canterbury, and being the youngest ever Crusaders centurion and you start to get the picture.But beyond the stats, Mitch has been the Glue Guy for the Canterbury Region for over a decade, a man who has genuinely put the team first and always nailed his role in the side whatever that may be.In this episode, we chat about:- An exclusive announcement on where he will be playing his rugby this season- Why he chose Rugby over a promising Cricket career- Why he turned down an offer from another Club- How he went from playing against the All Blacks one week to playing for them the next- An insight into the competitive rivalry with Bryn Hall- His struggles with social media comments- How he feels about his Dad owning the Highlanders- And all of your questions!Drummy also gives some great insights into leadership, what’s made the Crusaders successful, and great advice for young aspiring rugby player.Mitch Drummond is one special human and this episode is one of the great episodes! 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