What a Lad

Cameron Suafoa is one of the toughest and most resilient players ever! A hard-working loose forward who earned everything through grit and determination, Cam built his career through Auckland, Tasman and North Harbour before becoming a standout for the Blues and earning selection for the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.

In this What a Lad exclusive, Cam opens up like never before. From his journey through the rugby ranks to the battle he’s faced off the field, this is an incredibly powerful and emotional conversation. Cam shares what it was like being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, playing rugby while unknowingly dealing with cancer, and the physical and mental toll that followed.

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

- The determination to fight for every opportunity as a player coming through
- Finding a lump in his back and later being diagnosed with a high grade sarcoma
- Playing through the NPC season while unknowingly dealing with cancer
- Undergoing surgery to remove the tumour and the brutal recovery that followed
- Going through radiation while still training and playing rugby
- The moment he found out his cancer had returned and spread
- Coming to terms with being told he is terminally ill
- The mindset he’s used to stay positive through everything
- Leaning on family, especially his wife Britt, during the toughest moments
- Making the most of life and appreciating the small things

This episode was the hardest episode I've ever done but honestly Cam's positive outlook and ability to see things for what they are was incredible to witness. His honesty, courage and perspective are seriously inspiring. The way he has held himself during his battle has been so impressive, he's such a champion man who I know will fight with all he can.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pasilio Tosi is one of the most unique stories in New Zealand rugby right now. A 140kg powerhouse known for his brutal scrummaging and ball carrying, Tosi has quickly become a key figure for the Hurricanes and has fully earnt his place as an All Black. But his journey to the top was anything but straightforward.

In this episode of What a Lad, Tosi opens up about that journey through rugby and life. From working on the veggie farms with his old man, to moving away from home at a young age, battling through the Southland system as a number 8, and eventually making the switch to prop that changed everything.

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

- Growing up and the work ethic he learned from his dad working long days on the farms
- Playing both rugby league and union before being forced to choose between the two
- Moving away to Rotorua Boys and dealing with homesickness and losing his mum during school
- Heading down to Southland, living alone for the first time and learning how to be independent
- Playing as a number 8 before making the tough decision to switch to prop
- Getting “pumped every scrum” early on and learning the dark art of scrummaging
- Putting on 20+ kilos during lockdown and the wake-up call that followed
- Struggling financially early in his Hurricanes career while supporting a young family
- Missing selection and being told he needed more experience before finally getting his chance
- The moment Jason Ryan told him he was close to the All Blacks
- Getting the call that he had made the All Blacks and what that meant for his family
- And heaps more!

This episode is full of honesty, humour and real insight into what it takes to make it at the highest level. Pasi is one of the real characters in the game, great energy, enjoys life and is full of sharns! There are some classic stories in this one and a lot of perspective around the journey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Tito is one of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby. A tough, uncompromising forward known for his work rate, leadership and physicality, Paul built an outstanding career with Taranaki, the Hurricanes and overseas with Cardiff, where he played over 120 games and captained the club.

In this episode of What a Lad, Fish opens up about the full journey through rugby and coaching. From getting thrown into provincial rugby at just 18, to playing alongside legends like Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…
- Getting told at 18 he was starting against Argentina
- Playing alongside Hurricanes legends like Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga
- The call from John Mitchell that made him think he was about to be named an All Black
- Missing out on selection and how he reflects on his career without regrets
- His move overseas to Cardiff and becoming a leader and captain of the club
- Finishing his playing career and transitioning into coaching
- Starting out coaching his school and working his way into professional rugby
- Moving to France and spending 18 months away from his family during COVID
- The sacrifices that come with coaching and constantly being away from home
- His experience coaching Georgia and being part of a historic win over Wales
- Why he believes taking opportunities is the key to building a great career

This episode is full of honesty, perspective and classic rugby stories. Fish shares the highs, the setbacks, and the sacrifices that come with a life in rugby, both as a player and a coach. There’s some seriously good insight in this one and a few unreal stories along the way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tane Edmed is one of the most exciting young playmakers in Australian rugby. A great Aussie lad with a fierce competitive edge and a relentless work ethic, Tane has already built an impressive career with the Waratahs, North Harbour, the Brumbies and of course represented his country with the Wallabies.

In this episode of What a Lad, Tane opens up about the journey to international rugby. From chasing his dream growing up in Sydney to taking a risk heading to North Harbour, where a standout NPC season helped launch him into the Wallabies squad. He also shares the reality of professional rugby from the pressure, the setbacks, and the lessons that come with it.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…
- Growing up in Sydney in a house full of sport and why cricket was originally his dream
- His journey through rugby league and union before committing to rugby
- Why he believes hard work has always been his biggest strength
- Taking the opportunity to head to North Harbour and how that season helped his game
- The moment he saw Joe Schmidt calling and realised he might be heading to the Wallabies
- Making his Wallabies debut and the brutal reality of being knocked out after just two minutes
- Learning how to deal with pressure, criticism and expectations in professional sport
- The mindset shifts that helped him enjoy rugby again
- His goals with the Brumbies and the dream of playing in a home Rugby World Cup

This episode is full of honesty, perspective and some great insights from one of the most thoughtful young players in the game. Tane talks openly about the ups and downs of chasing the dream and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He's a wise soul and great lad!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Tuipulotu has been one of the most respected forwards in world rugby for over a decade. A powerful lock known for his physicality, leadership and work ethic, Patrick has built an incredible career with the Blues and the All Blacks, playing more than 50 tests for his country and captaining the Blues to Winning A Super Rugby title.

In this episode of What a Lad, Patty opens up like never before. From the highs of becoming an All Black to the setbacks that nearly ended his career, there are some unbelievable stories in this one.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…
- Growing up in Auckland and how his dad shaped his work ethic
- Switching from basketball to rugby and discovering First XV footy
- The moment John Kirwan told him he was an All Black
- The brutal injuries he’s battled throughout his career
- Missing the 2015 Rugby World Cup and how hard that was to take
- The mistake that cost him the chance to play the Lions
- The false positive drug test that nearly led to a four year ban
- Winning championships with the Blues and leading the club
- His perspective on rugby, family and life after the game

This episode is full of honesty, perspective and some unbelievable yarns from one of the most respected men in New Zealand rugby. Patty shares the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.