Charlie Gubb is one of my all time favourite Warriors, not just because of the way he played on the field (even though he was an absolute animal) but more importantly because of how big of a lad that he is off it. Gubby is the kind of team mate everyone loves to have in the team environment, loves a yarn, loves banter and just loves being around the lads. What I didn't realise before going into this podcast was the incredible journey Rugby League took him on! Some of the interesting points were.. How he made his own highlights package and posted it to all the NRL clubs to get his first opportunity, How he eventually worked his way into the Warriors and some classic stories from his time with them, Why he moved to the Raiders (another crazy story that) followed by a move to the UK, His battles with concussion and mental health, Why he walked out on his contract in the UK, and how he ended up starting up Wellingtons favourite porta loo company, Porta Kings. This is deadset one of the funniest episodes so far. I found myself laughing away through this episode at the time and then in the edit. At the end of this episode you'll realise why everyone regards the great Charlie Gubb as one of the all time great team mates.    

The last round of pool play is here and knockout rugby has come a week early for a few teams, which makes for a couple of mouth watering clashes to finish pool play. Jake the snake and I first look back at the week that was where we talk about the absolute clinic the All Blacks put on Italy as well as all the other match ups from last week.  I review my fantasy rugby week and how Darcy Graham changed my week and I think it's an easy week for fantasy players this week with some real clear options to get maximum points this week. Then Searley and I talk through the games for this week, which includes a couple of beauts in the form of the Ireland v Scotland game and the Japan v Argentina game, with quarter finals on the line. It's also the last chance for teams to show us what they've got before leaving the tournament or heading into the quarter finals so a huge week ahead.

Sam Matavasi is someone who certainly hasn't had the typical pathway to the top. In this episode we go through his incredible journey of being the young talent who's drinking and poor work ethic held him back from going professional out of school. To where he is now playing for Northampton in the English premiership and of course Fiji at this RWC. Other things we discuss in this episode are... The rise of Fiji at the Rugby World Cup An insight into the camp of everyones 2nd favourite team. Growing up in Cornwell with his 2 brother Josh and Joel. The devestating loss of his mother when aged 13 and how he eventually dealt with that. His decision to join the Navy How he ended up in this pro rugby career. His new Rum he has just launched with his brothers. And heaps more. Everyone I had spoken to about Sam spoke so highly of him as a lad and after this chat I can see why, great energy, good yarns and a heck of a journey.   To get you hands on some merch click here What a Lad  To enquire about your own O-studio click here O-Studio To get your hands on some PureSport porducts click here Pure Sport

Phil Burleigh is one of those lads you just can't not like. A top man who has had a very interesting career which has seen him have the highs of playing internationally for Scotland and the lows of battling through some tough injuries. However he has got through those and remarkably is still going strong today as he fast approaches 37. In this episode we go through plenty of good yarns which include... His current situation in Japan with Kyuden His pathway to professional rugby and why he had to leave Canterbury His Super Rugby time with the Chiefs and how he then became a Highlander which is a crazy yarn. Is time at the Highlanders and some funny yarns about Jamie Joseph His move to Edinburgh which lead to playing international rugby for Scotland And heaps more. Such an enjoyable episode this one, you'll understand by the end of it why so many people regard Phil as one of the great lads. If you enjoy this episode, there's 3 thing you can do for me to help. Firstly sharing the episode, by word of mouth or social media it all helps out massively. Secondly make sure you are following What a Lad on Spotify/Apple or where ever you listen to the podcast and lastly get yourself some merch at What a Lad!

With the first round of the RWC been and gone there was plenty to discuss in this weeks episode with a very special guest joining Searley and I in Jacob Atkins who give us a Northern Hemisphere flavour to the episode. We first look back the all the games from last week Give a quick round up on my fantasy team from last week Preview all the games for this week including a player to watch/ buy for your fantasy team. We get some bold predictions from the great Jake the Snake. Plenty of full noise code chat in this one, if you enjoy it give it a share and spread the love.  

What an incredible journey Danny Cipriani has had on and off the field! On it he's one of the best ball players at the line we have seen, his understanding of the game is next level and has played some incredible rugby over his 18 year career. The biggest mystery is to why such a talent only ended with 16 caps for his country and something we discuss in detail throughout the episode. Off the field it's like a TV drama, so much has gone on it's hard to believe it's been his life. He's a man who seem's to have things come to him whether it's paparazi, women and off field incidents, it certainly has been an eventful journey.  What Danny has been through and seeing him out the other side so content and in love is inspiring. I'm sure whatever opinion you had on Danny Cipriani before listening to this episode you'll finish it thinking what a lad he is.  

Piri Weepu is a true NZ rugby legend, the instinctive halfback had a unique ability as a 9 and showed all his talents as he helped guided the All Blacks to the 2011 RWC when the nation started the 'Keep Calm Piri is on' movement. We talk about plenty in this one like... Piri's Tiki Tours and how he got his own TV show Growing up in Wainuomata and his love for League Making his way into the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes The fog Final where he was KO'd Missing out on the 2007 RWC with the All Blacks and how hard that was How close he was to going to the NRL Making the 2011 RWC and how he handled the pressure of the nation His departure at the Hurricanes The stroke he had at the Blues His move over to the UK and France and why he feel out of love for the game The struggles with life after rugby And hard to believe but heaps more in this mammoth episode. Piri is such a true character of the game and such a good lad, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. If you do please do us a huge favour and share it with someone you think would enjoy it.

With the RWC just around the corner I managed to get the sport guru and absolute lad Searley back on What a Lad to talk all thing RWC and get the excitement levels humming for what is going to be a very special Rugby World Cup. In this episode we talk about... All the last warm up games and what those results mean Our predictions for which teams will get out of pool play We share our biggest concerns and what excites us the most for this RWC  We have a go at picking the player of the tournament And heaps more! Plenty to enjoy in this one and make sure you get envolved with the RWC fantasy and join the What a Lad league Link here

Here it is, the last episode of Season 3 and there is no better way to finish what has been a massive season then with greatest lad of them all Tamati Ellison!  The gifted singer, actor, rugby player, baby maker and coach has had some journey to date and there was so much to go through in this one. From his child acting days to his pathway into the All Blacks and so many good stories along the way. Tamati is widely regarded as one of the best lads you could meet and after listening to this episode I'm sure you will see why. I loved this conversation and enjoyed listening back to it even more. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share 🙏🏼 If you're keen to make the most of this free class opportunity at O-Studio use the code WHATALADCLASS at check out for 100% off! Also if you’re interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Also if you’re looking to build, renovate your existing home or looking at a commercial development get in touch with Hayden. Email hayden@earlqs.co.nz P 027 255 4977  

Breathing is something we do every minute of the day and it's crazy how many of us don't breathe correctly including myself. It's mind blowing to hear how beneficial changing the way you breathe can be for high performance sport or everyday life.  So in this episode I catch up with the breath guru Jamie O'Donnell and talk all things breathing. This episode will definitely make you think about the way you breath and hopefully you pick up some tips on how you can breathe better and perform better or live a better lifestyle. I can't really do the episode justice by writing about it so give it a listen and if you enjoy it or know someone who would benefit in hearing it then please give it a share. If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow!

After however many episodes I have done so far, it's clear that every single rugby career is full of up and downs. In Colin Slade's case, the highs were some of the biggest highs you can get in the game, kicking match winning conversions for the All Black and winning plenty of titles, including 2 RWCs. However when I think of players who had an unfair amount of injuries, Colin Slade would be right up there. Double digits surgeries, double digit concussions and even when he needed his body the most during the 2011 RWC he went down with a groin injury. Sladey has also experienced rugby all around the world and I felt like he summed up the differences between the different countries perfectly. He also shares plenty of good stories from along the way and some great advice mixed into this one too. As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share. If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).  

After the recent retirement of the great American International Tony Lamborn, I knew I just had to get him on and man he does not dissapoint! A man who has never been shy to tell it is, does exactly that in this episode with some unreal yarns. Having played for plenty of team's all over the world, Tony has plenty of unique experiences on and off the field. It was also really cool to hear him speak about some of the struggles he has faced and how he managed to get through the tough times.  I'm sure after listening to this episode you'll have a good idea of what the man Tony Lamborn is like off the field. He is an absolute lad who loves a good time. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share. If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).

Our first ever dual code international has jumped on What a Lad in the form of one of the greats Matt Duffie!   Matt who started off as a teenager with the Melbourne Storm playing with the big 4 Greg Inglis, Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater! He then had the chance to represent the Kiwis before being hammered by injuries which eventually saw him switch codes.   After a rough start in Super Rugby with the Blues and spending a lot of the season playing club. He worked hard, he learnt the game, he found his form, and went on to be one of the best outside backs in the country, which saw him named as an All Black.    The Matt Duffie story like so many guys careers, is full of highs and lows but something he wouldn't change at all, shaping him into the lad he is today! Such a good episode this one and heaps of great insights and tips into becoming a professional rugby player or athlete.   If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!   If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio If you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse). Finally if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off   

What a guest Ricky Riccitelli was to get into the What a Lad studio for the last time, this man is a seriously good lad and there were plenty of laughs had in this episode. The South African born, Taranaki raised, front rower has had some career to date and at still only 27 has plenty more to give. He started his professional footy career with Hawkes Bay and the Hurricanes where he played a huge role as a young fella to win their first ever Super Rugby title in 2016. He has since moved home to Taranaki and moved up to the Blues for a new opportunity as he pushes to get back into the All Blacks frame. I know you are going to enjoy this one as there are some classic stories in it and when I'm laughing during my edit it's generally a sign that you'll be laughing too. If you do enjoy it, please give it a share always greatly appreciated! If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off  Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).

It was awesome to get Shaun 'Shooter' Stevenson on What a Lad, this time for a yarn and not a prank about a dodgy DVD store. Although it was good to hear his side of the story from that prank! Shooter has a lot going on at the moment, he is obviously coming off a massive season with North Harbour in the NPC, where he was one of the best players in the comp. He has since some how missed out on the All Black XV, so he shares his thoughts on that. He has also had a phone call from the great Wayne Bennet, who has shown interest in getting his services to the Dolphins in the NRL. So there is certainly plenty to talk about in this one! Shooter has also been playing professionally since just 18 years old and now 7 years on, he is playing better than ever. His series against Ireland for the NZ Maoris, proved that he was ready for international footy. He's also a champion lad, who has a very laidback style and plenty of yarns. I'm sure you'll enjoy this one and if you do please give it a share 🙏 If you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off  If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroys and use the code LAD03 for 20% off

With the arrival of Pure Sport to NZ shores there is no better time to be joined by the Pure Sport Co-Founder and absolute lad Grayson Hart! Most of you will already know Graysons story from his appearance on What a Lad in Season 1, where he shared his awesome journey through footy and life after.  In this one we dig a bit deeper into the business side of things and life after footy. Having turned an idea into UKs leading wellness brand it's pretty inspiring to hear how he's done it. It's always an honour having Grayson on, I love his mindset and how open he is with everything. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a share and if you're after some Pure Sport products head over Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off.   Also this episode was brought to you by Swysh, the perfect Fathers Day gift – Check them out Here Swysh and don't forget to use the code DAD10 for 10% off And finally if you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio

In this episode I jumped on the Everyday with Garage Gym NZ podcast as we speak about the What a Lad podcast, a bit about my career and the recent coaching job with the Crusaders. I really enjoyed jumping on this one so if you enjoy it go and check out some of his other yarns here Everyday This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh Also if you're keen to support the What a Lad podcast head over to www.whatalad.com and get your self the last bit of merch left.

This week I’m joined by Tasman Mako co head coach and one of the best butchers going around Dan Perrin and he’s maddd! Nothing has come easy for the man known as Piggy, hard work and patience saw him eventually have a successful rugby career, which actually started as one of the original Mako men. He also spent some time at the Crusaders before an opportunity to move up to BOP and the Chiefs came along. It was life after footy which I found really interesting in this one. Working massive shifts to get his Mad Butcher off the ground, while juggling family commitments is not easy. Not to mention the time he has put into his coaching craft on top. Piggy’s work rate is super impressive an it’s awesome to see him now being the co head coach of Tasman. As you’ll hear, Dan is a champion lad who has even offered up a 20% discount at the mad butcher Nelson for what a lad listener, absolute lad. As always if you enjoy the episode please give it a share!   This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh   If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio   If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroysand use the code LAD03 for 20% off  

After a huge comeback from all the Northern Hemisphere teams last week the scene has been set for a huge round of footy with 4 series going down to a decider! Well done to anyone who predicted the results last week, a shocking round from Searley and I, Tojo did alright but for the last round one of us at least will make it up to you. As always in this episode we review all the games from last week and share our thoughts on some of the interesting decisions made over the weekend. We also look ahead to all the games this week and make some confident predictions on the games. If you enjoy these episode as always please give it a share, love your work. This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

After plenty of requests, it was awesome to get the great Scott Hamilton on What a Lad and I now know why he was so popular! Firstly his rugby journey from the CHBS 3rd XV to becoming an All Black is inspiring in itself. He has plenty of good yarns from his Canterbury and Crusaders days and his time spent over in the UK with Leicester. It was also incredibly powerful to hear about the struggles he had with his life after rugby transition, such a common issue for so many players. I loved the honesty Scott speaks with in this one. Of course there are also some classic yarns from some times had on the beers as well. So if you enjoy a good desiel yarn then you'll enjoy this one. And if you do enjoy this episode please give the episode a like and a share and if you're feeling very generous give the podcast a 5 star rating, it's much appreciated! This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio

How good is International rugby at the moment! Some great last week so it was only fitting to get the thoughts of the usual panel of Searley, Tojo and I. We share all of our thoughts on the All Blacks first test and all the others ones from around the world. We also look forward to the games this week again with a focus on the All Blacks v Ireland 2nd test but also give our predictions for all the games this weekend including some bold calls from Tom which is always good to hear. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share, and if you want a Swysh or some of the mushroom supplements that had our brains working overtime in this episode check them out here at Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

Back by popular demand we got all the lads back from the Super Rugby Preview shows to look into the International Test week in particular the All Blacks v Ireland test. Before we get into that one though, we look back to the fixture on Wednesday night between the NZ Maoris v Ireland XV which was a quality game. No surprises to Tom obviously that the Maoris got up for that one. We give our thoughts on the All Black lineup and who we are expecting to see big games from in the big one. We also go through all the international games this weekend and try to pick you a winner. There is plenty good rugby to enjoy this weekend! This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off

How good is Super Rugby! Another cracking weekend last weekend and the match ups this weekend make for a very interesting round. For this episode I am joined by the great Searley who is officially joined Swysh! Huge day for Swysh and Searley go get your left nut bully from him right now. But anyway we review last weeks games and highlight who stood out for us. We then work into the preview where we tips plenty of winners, chat the what a lad power plays and give you an insight into how I'm going to win Fantasy rugby from 6th place. Lots of chat in this one, if you enjoy it as always give it a share. This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

Craig Newby was someone that I had been told by many as being a seriously good lad and after this episode I can see why! So many good yarns in this one from Craigs playing days, which did see him play for plenty of quality sides including, North Harbour, Otago, The Blues, The Highlanders, Leicester, the NZ 7s side and the All Blacks! While there are a few good stories from on the field, it's the off field antics that you are sure love. Craig has great memory and the stories were endless when it comes to court sessions and nights out. Now the skills coach for Ulster, it was also cool to hear how he attacked his life after rugby transition and shares some really good advice throughout the episode. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a share, it is always very much appreciated.   This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Finally if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off

There are cruisy people in this world, then there is Izzy from Gizzy! There is not much that phases big Isaia Walker-Leawere and he is one of those guys who just always seems to be having a good time. It was awesome to catch up with a man who is one of NZs most promising locks, who has a real point of difference with this power game and incredible skill set. From growing up on the East Coast of NZ, it's easy to see where Izzy gets his laid back attitude from. It was also cool to hear about how he found the adjustment into professional rugby as a teenager playing for NZ schools, NZ 20s, Wellington Lions and training with the Hurricanes before 20. Now 25 Izzy is one of the Hurricanes most experienced forwards, he’s moved up to Hawkes Bay for the NPC and has been a consistent member of the Maori All Blacks. As you’ll hear, Izzy is such a lad, he loves a laugh and a good time and he shares some of those good times throughout this episode. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it is always very much appreciated. This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroys and use the code LAD03 for 20% off  

We have a full round of Super Rugby again this week and crowds are back! How good! I'm pumped to see crowds back and I'm sure the players will be too as it brings more intensity to a game so I'm expecting a very exciting round of footy! In this episode you'll hear Searley from Searley talks sport and I review our picks from last week, preview all the games this week (including a player to look out for). We also talk through the What a Lad Power Plays available this week and where we see the value. As always we wrap it up with a run down on my fantasy rugby team and the big plays I'm making this week. This episode is proudly brought to you by Swysh if you're keen to give it a try remember to use the code WHATALAD for 10% off

Another round of Super Rugby and another What a Lad preview! As you may have heard last week, Tom Marshall has kindly offered to join the panel every week and has watched all last weeks footy to give us an insight. In this episode we recap the teams and players that stood out from last week. We preview and predict the games, as well as find some juicy match ups or players to look out for. We finish with our Fantasy Rugby review and selections we have made for the week. Including the tough decision of captain! Enjoy

The life after sport transition is something that plays on all athletes minds. It's hard to prepare for and you don't really know what you're in for until you're in it. For Filipo Levi he has gone through his transition and he has put all the valuable knowledge from his experience in to the recently published book, called "Tackle your Success".  In this episode, Filipo shares some tips on how to have a successful career change and that doesn't have to been from sport. He talks about some of the challenges he faced and what helped him get through. We also go through the big mans rugby career which saw him play for Otago, the Highlanders, the Black Rams, Ospreys, the Tasman Mako, the Pacific Islanders and of course Samoa. From all those teams he has plenty of good stories that he shares throughout. I learnt a lot from this one and I hope you do too. If you do enjoy this episode, as always please give it a share. If you really enjoy what Filipo has to say make sure you get your hands on his book. https://www.filipolevi.com/tackleyoursuccess

We're trying something a bit different with this one and giving you a Marshall brother preview Super Rugby Pacific. We preview the games and highlight a key member from each team. We also give our predictions for top try scorer, niggle goat and Lad of the year. On top of that we also talk about our fantasy rugby sides and why we have picked up who we have and if you are keen to join the What a Lad comp follow this link and set one up https://sportsdeck.com/rugby/dreamteam/?action=join-group&code=224984  

Professional sport always sounds like the dream lifestyle but as you'll hear, in this episode from Denny Solomona, it does come with it's challenges. The honesty that Denny speaks with in this episode is so admirable and refreshing. It was crazy to hear what he was putting his body through, yet whenever he got on the field he was consistently one of the best. Having been signed with the Melbourne Storm at 15, it's fair to say everything happened pretty quickly. However struggling to ever get any game time behind the great Billy Slater, he headed over to the London Broncos. A move that in hindsight wasn't the best idea. Denny missed his family, his side was getting pumped and he struggled with the use of  drugs and alcohol.  However he still had plenty of success on the field in the Super League scoring a record number of tries in a season and being in the running for the Man of Steel award. Denny then changed codes, moving to Sale and instantly made an impact, making the England international side very quickly. However he was still suffering with mental health issues, a topic that he is very open about.  Now he's in a great space heading back to NZ to give NZ rugby a crack and personally I cant wait to see him out there doing his thing. I really enjoyed this chat with Denny, I think there will be a lot of people who can relate to plenty in this episode. If you enjoy it or you know someone who would please give it a share, it's very much appreciated.