What a Lad

Antonio Shalfoon is someone who is a very different person off the field than he may seem on it. Known as a bit of a grub on the field, off the field he is one of the greats and his journey to professional rugby is as inspiring as any.

To start he wasn't offered his first full Super Rugby contract until the age of 26 after years of grinding away in club rugby, moving provinces to chase opportunities, and overcoming setbacks that would have made most people give up. Add to that Antonio opens up about the frightening story of being diagnosed with myocarditis, where he was told he may never play the game again.

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

- Hearing about the time he had a fight with a kids dad while playing Cricket
- Why he got punched in the head in his first Waikato training
- The scary heart condition that nearly ended his rugby career
- His pathway into the Crusaders and what kept him going
- His selection into the Maori All Blacks and what that mean for him
- Why he's signed in Japan for next season
And plenty more great yarns.

Antonio is exactly the type of person you want around a rugby team. He's funny, authentic, incredibly resilient and proof that there is no single pathway to achieving your goals. This was an awesome conversation and one I know you'll enjoy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy's story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.

Growing up in an abusive household, Jeremy experienced years of physical violence. Carrying that trauma into adulthood, he eventually became the very person he never wanted to be, repeating the cycle of violence he had witnessed as a child.

In this incredibly honest conversation, Jeremy opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the roleplay that completely changed his perspective, and the counsellor who helped him confront his past for the first time. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others break the same cycle, working with men, families, organisations, and New Zealand Police to create lasting change.

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

- Growing up surrounded by physical abuse and violence.
- His experience of sexual abuse at boarding school.
- How childhood trauma shaped his behaviour as an adult.
- The moment he realised he had become everything he hated.
- The roleplay exercise that changed his life forever.
- How he turned his lived experience into helping thousands of others across New Zealand.
- His advice for families supporting someone struggling with anger and violence.

This is one of the most courageous and important conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Jeremy's willingness to share both the harm he experienced and the harm he caused takes an incredible amount of honesty, and I have no doubt his story will help people better understand trauma, accountability, and the fact that real change is possible.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Hobbs may not be a household name in New Zealand sport, but his story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.

Known throughout Tasman rugby as a respected strength and conditioning coach, Daniel opens up about the horrific abuse he endured growing up at the hands of his stepfather. From living in constant fear, to enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, to the heartbreaking moment he nearly took his own life at just nine years old, this is a story of incredible resilience.

Daniel shares how he overcame the lasting effects of childhood abuse, the PTSD that still impacts him today, and why he made a conscious decision to become the kind of man and father he never had

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

- Growing up in a household filled with fear, violence and control.
- The unimaginable abuse he, his mum and sister endured for years.
- The moment he nearly took his own life at just nine years old.
- The long-term effects of PTSD and childhood trauma.
- Discovering the truth about his biological father later in life.
- Why he's most proud of breaking the cycle of abuse.
- His advice for anyone currently going through a difficult time.

This is one of the bravest conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Daniel's willingness to share his story is an incredible act of courage, and I have no doubt it will help people who are facing similar struggles or know someone who i
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has one of the most remarkable stories in Australian rugby. He didn't even start playing rugby union until Year 12, yet just a few years later he was making his Super Rugby debut before earning his first Wallabies cap against the Springboks.

In this episode of What a Lad, Lukhan opens up about the journey that shaped him. From missing representative teams as a teenager and using rejection as motivation, to becoming one of Australia's most respected forwards, playing for the Reds, Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and the Wallabies.

He also shares his thoughts on missing this year's Wallabies squad despite making the Super Rugby Team of the Year, why he's at peace with the decision, and how becoming a father has completely changed his perspective on rugby and life.

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

- Starting rugby union in Year 12 after growing up playing rugby league
- Missing representative teams and the conversation with his dad that changed his mindset forever
- Earning his first Wallabies cap only a year after his Super Rugby debut
- The influence Brad Thorn had on his career and development
- His experiences playing for Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and against the British & Irish Lions
- Why family now comes before rugby and what he hopes his kids remember about him

Lukhan is one of the genuine good guys in rugby. Honest, humble and incredibly resilient, this conversation gives a great insight into the mindset behind one of Australia's best forwards.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua.

A two-time Rugby World Cup representative and one of Fiji's most experienced first fives, Ben has experienced the highs of winning Super Rugby and the lows of missing a Rugby World Cup squad. Throughout it all, he's built a reputation as one of rugby's ultimate professionals and a respected teammate wherever he's played.

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

- Why rugby was the only plan he ever had growing up
- The decision to represent Fiji after coming through the Australian pathway
- What he learned from the Crusaders culture and why the best cultures win championships
- The heartbreak of missing Fiji's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and how he found motivation again
- Playing alongside stars like Israel Folau & Richie Mo'unga
- Why he's returning home to join the Fijian Drua and help build the future of Fijian rugby
- The lessons he's taken from playing professionally across Australia, New Zealand, France and England

Ben has experienced almost every corner of professional rugby, but what stood out most was his humility, gratitude and perspective. This is a fascinating conversation about resilience, culture, leadership and what it really takes to build a long career in professional sport.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.