What a Lad

Five years ago Louie Chapman first came on What a Lad with a very different story to where he is now. Back then, Louie was still trying to establish himself in professional rugby in his first season with the Tasman Mako.
Since then, he’s experienced the highs and lows of chasing a career in the game, become a key player for Canterbury, fought his way into the Crusaders, and is now preparing for the next chapter of his career with Edinburgh in Scotland.
What I love about Louie’s story is hearing just how much perseverance has gone into getting to this point. Louie has always been a classy player, but nothing has come easy for him. He speaks openly about the periods where opportunities weren’t coming, the pressure of trying to prove himself whenever he did get a chance, and how doing anything you can to help the team can ultimately give you a better chance of getting your own crack.
We also get into why he has decided to leave New Zealand at a point where he is playing some of the best rugby of his career, what excites him about joining Edinburgh, and what the move could potentially lead to in the future.
Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…
Nearly going 1,000 days between Super Rugby appearances
Being told there might not even be a fourth halfback spot for him at the Crusaders, and what that meant for him
Why leaving Tasman for Canterbury changed his career
The emotional moment he found out he had earned a full Crusaders contract
His parents driving six hours just to watch him sit on the bench
The Dave Havili moment that taught him an awesome lesson about being a good teammate
His decision to join Edinburgh and move to Scotland
His Scottish family connection and ambitions for what the move could lead to
His advice for young halfbacks trying to make it
Plenty of quality stories from along the journey
As you’ll hear, Louie is one of the genuine good buggers of New Zealand rugby. He has a massive impact on his teams both on and off the field, he speaks so well, and it was awesome to catch up again five years on.
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Daniel Lienert-Brown is one of the great servants of New Zealand rugby. With 140 games for the Highlanders, 100 for Canterbury, a Super Rugby title and four NPC titles, DLB has built an incredible career through consistency, resilience and a genuine love for the game.

In this episode of What a Lad, DLB opens up about the full journey — from growing up in Christchurch dreaming of one day playing for Canterbury or the Crusaders, to getting his first taste of professional rugby, receiving the call from Jamie Joseph to join the Highlanders and becoming part of their historic 2015 Super Rugby title.

What stands out most is just how grateful he is for every opportunity rugby has given him. He talks about those early “pinch yourself” moments, becoming the Highlanders’ most capped forward and reaching 100 games for Canterbury.

DLB also opens up about the tougher side of the journey. He reflects on a time when being “the rugby player” became his identity, how that affected his life away from the game, hitting rock bottom in 2021 and how faith, family and perspective helped completely change the way he sees himself today.

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

Growing up watching Canterbury and the Crusaders and dreaming of one day being there
The satisfaction he got from making his dad proud
Going from working at Pak n Save to getting his first Crusaders opportunity
What made the 2015 Highlanders side special
Why Nasi Manu is the best player he played with
The role faith now plays in his life
Why gratitude has become such a big part of the way he approaches rugby and life

DLB is a special man and there is no man who his more grateful for his career then this man, I know you'll enjoy this one!
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I know everyone will remember Sean Maitlands beautiful stride as he galloped down the field, what an athlete and what a journey he has had! From growing up in Tokoroa, to playing for the British and Irish Lions and everything in between!

In this episode of What a Lad, Sean opens up about his career for the first time on a podcast and he did not disappoint, some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Growing up in Tokoroa alongside Quade Cooper and Isaac John
- Playing for Waikato at just 17 while still at school
- Walking into a Crusaders changing room full of his childhood idols
- His experience during the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquake
- Missing out on the All Blacks and making the decision to head overseas
- How quickly everything happened after joining Glasgow and Scotland
- Being selected for the British & Irish Lions after only a handful of Tests
- The incredible culture and team trips behind Saracens' success
- Knowing when it was finally time to call time on his career
And heaps more!

As you'll hear, Sean is an absolute lad who has experienced just about everything the game has to offer, he's played with almost every rugby legend alive and there are some incredible stories in this one. Enjoy!
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Well that's the Greatest Rivalry tour all done and dusted and it was a tour that lived up to the hype. This tour had high expectations but after producing 4 incredible tests full with intensity, quality rugby and of course some controversy, everything about this series was a success.
South Africa proved why they are the number 1 side in the world claiming the series 3–1, so where does that leave the All Blacks heading towards the Rugby World Cup?

For this episode I'm joined by Searley as we cover:

How the Springboks won the final Test
What areas of the game cost the All Blacks in this one
We look at the controversial refereeing decisions that shaped the game
Why South Africa’s cohesion is such a major advantage
The All Blacks who raised their stocks during the tour
The positions still up for grabs ahead of the World Cup
The players who are to return to the All Blacks and where they fit
South Africa’s best performers and stock risers, including Malcolm Marx and Morné van den Berg
And heaps more

South Africa have confirmed themselves as the best team in the world — but after using 49 players on tour, there are still plenty of reasons for New Zealand fans to feel optimistic.
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The final Test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour is here, with the All Blacks and Springboks heading to Baltimore for one last showdown!
South Africa lead the series 2-1 after two huge wins at home, but what's install for this one!?

Searley is back to break down everything ahead of the final Test, including Richie Mo’unga’s return to the No.10 jersey, Ethan Blackadder’s massive opportunity, the battle at scrum time and whether the All Blacks can find a way to nullify the Springboks’ biggest strengths.
We also look at South Africa naming another incredibly strong side, what playing in Baltimore could mean for the game, the importance of the bench, and why this could almost feel like a preview of a potential World Cup quarter-final.

Can the All Blacks level the series in Baltimore, or will the Springboks finish the tour with three straight wins?

Let me know your prediction in the comments!
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