Mitchell Scott was one of the most talented outside backs in New Zealand rugby, electric pace, unreal footwork, and a try-scoring instinct few could match. But behind the highlight reels was a rollercoaster journey through tragedy, addiction, injuries, and redemption.From losing his father at just three years old, to wearing an ankle bracelet just months before representing New Zealand U20s in one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Mitch’s story is raw, honest and full of lessons.In this episode we dive into:- His early years and the loss that shaped his drive.- The influence of drugs and alcohol from a young age- How he made the NZ 20s after just coming off home detention. - Why he had to get out of Perth while playing for the force- Addiction, psychosis and recovery- Finding peace, purpose and passion again through coaching in Otago- The power of mental health, routine, and clean living- How he’s preparing for fatherhood and helping young players avoid his mistakesAnd heaps more.This episode sums up what the What a Lad podcast is all about, it’s brutally honest, funny, emotional, and inspiring, a true What a Lad story! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jacob Ellison- What a Lad
Jacob Ellison is one of Wellington’s great unsung heroes – a tough, mobile front-rower who gave absolutely everything every time he pulled on a jersey. From the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes to the Highlanders, the Māori All Blacks and several seasons in Japan, Jacob built a reputation as the ultimate team man.But this chat is about far more than scrums. Jacob opens up about his remarkable life:His unusual pathway from the wing to the front rowThe shift from Hurricanes to Highlanders and life as a “middle-ground” proHow he's managed having epilepsy throughout his careerHis powerful and emotional journey with IVF, loss and finally becoming a dadThe key to managing the life after rugby transitionSome classic stories including an interesting epilepsy diagnosis from a Japanese doctor Learning the hard way about agents, contracts and preparing for life after rugbyAnd heaps more including your questions!It’s funny, raw and inspiring – from yellow-jersey court sessions to Jamie Joseph’s sniper-rifle pep talks, right through to the lessons he passes on to young players today.If you love genuine stories from genuine people, this is a special listen.#WhatALad #RugbyPodcast #JacobEllison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kylem O'Donnell- What a Lad
Kylem O’Donnell is a lad who has truly lived the highs and lows of chasing the rugby dream. From starring at Hamilton Boys’ High to winning an NPC title with Taranaki and travelling the world with the All Blacks Sevens, he looked destined for it all. But behind the speed, fitness and flair, Kylem’s story is one of setbacks, mental battles, and resilience.In this episode he opens up like never before from the challenge of dealing with injuries and non-selection, to a being on the receiving end of brutal bouncer assault. He even shares some incredibly hard moments in his life including a terrifying drug-induced psychosis that had him running along the motorway naked! However the most powerful of all are the moments where Kylem shares his raw struggles with mental health, including times he nearly didn’t make it through, and the support that helped him fight back.This episode is not just about the rugby it’s about honesty, vulnerability, and rediscovering who you are. An incredible chat with a man who is now using his own journey to inspire and help others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:46:54
Mark Hammett- What a Lad
Mark Hammett has done it all in the game. With 81 games for the Crusaders, 4 Super Rugby titles, 29 Tests for the All Blacks and now a spot in the Crusaders Hall of Fame, Hammer’s rugby journey is an incredible one. Add in a coaching career that’s taken him from the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Cardiff Blues, Sunwolves, Tasman and Highlanders, the influence he has had on each side has been huge!In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from a soccer player, to the early days of professional rugby, and the mindset that carried him through as both player and coach.In this episode we go through..The competitive edge that drove the Crusaders dynastyWhat he learnt from coaches like Robbie Deans and Wayne SmithThe realities of early professional rugby contracts and suspensionsAll Black memories including the infamous SAS campHis move to coach the Hurricanes & the controversial decisions around Ma’a Nonu and Andrew HoreHis stints overseas with Cardiff and Japan’s SunwolvesLessons learned at the Highlanders and what he’d do differentlyHis passion for neuroscience, brain health and life after rugbyWhat he’s most proud of and the advice he lives byAnd heaps moreHammer is humble, competitive, brutally honest and one of the most authentic leaders you’ll hear from. There's so much gold in this one for everyone and whether you loved him or not as a player or a coach I know you'll have a new found respect for him after this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:38:12
Will Genia- What a Lad
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.
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