What a Lad

Ardie Savea- What a Lad

The lads just keep coming and honestly they don't get much bigger than Ardie Savea. The man who is leading the way for NZ athletes on and off the field, inspiring many, including myself, along the way.
It was awesome to get Ardie on, who is no stranger to a podcast as he has one of the best going around, with the Ardie Savea podcast. 
In this episode we talk about Ardie signing on with NZ rugby for another 4 years and how he found the process of being his own agent. We obviously chat rugby and go through his incredible career which has seen him consistently be one of the best players in the world. And of course there was plenty to chat about off the field with his clothing business ASAV clothing and even some exciting plans going forward.
As you'll hear and as you probably already know Ardie is an absolute lad who has had a incredible career with plenty more ahead.
If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and if you want to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com 

Jordie Barrett- What a Lad

Jordie Barrett, yes the great Jordie Barrett, has come on what a lad and as he has always done on the field, he has well and truely delivered with this yarn!
I throughly enjoyed listening back to this episode and we spoke about so much that it's hard to know where to start. What else is hard, is to believe that Jordie is only 24 years old! It feels like he has been around for ever and he certainly has some experiences from along the way.
In his first ever podcast, Jordie opens up about some key moments throughout his career to date and openly discusses the future, which has had me thinking for days what's best for the great Hurricane and All Black going forward.
As you'll hear Jordie is such a lad and if you enjoy this episode which I'm sure you will, please give it a share that helps the podcast out massively so it's very much appreciated.

Will Jordan- What a Lad

There aren’t too many players who make the game of rugby look as easy as Will Jordan does, his speed and acceleration look effortless as he often leaves opposition scrambling. His rise to the top of international rugby has been special to watch.On top of that he is also great role model and one heck of a lad so it was great to get him on What a Lad and go through his journey.
There are plenty of good yarns in this one and a very interesting insight into the path of a professional rugby player. Will shares some great advice throughout and speaks very openly about moments and decisions that he has faced.
If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and make sure you tag what a lad on whatever platform you use so I can thank you personally 🙌🏼

Pari Pari Parkinson - What a Lad

Pari Pari Parkinson is one of the most unique characters in NZ rugby. From his unique hairstyles on his 2.08m frame, to his often painted toenails and just his unique personality which he owns and doesn't change for anyone, makes him a lad!
On the field the man is a beast, after a couple of dominate years for the Highlanders and the Mako, Pari was knocking on the door of an All Black call up. Unfortunately his NPC was cut short with Tasman with a horrific knee injury that looks set to put him out for 7-12 months.
I loved this episode because it was so honest and I love Pari's care free nature that he approaches life. Often we can get caught up worrying about the past or the future, Pari just lives in the moment and has a good time doing it. 
As you'll hear in this episode Pari is a lad and if you enjoy this episode as much as I did listening back to it please give it a share. 
And if you're keen to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com and get yourself some merch.

Damian Mckenzie- What a Lad

The legend that is Damian Mckenzie joins me this week on What a Lad and geez what a lad he is!
In this episode we talk about his recent signing with Suntory in the Japan Top League, which I personally think is a very astute purchase from them. We also hear all about his new drink 'Grins' which has launched this weekend, a side hustle with the great Stephen Donald and Anton Lienet-Brown and by all accounts its an outstanding drop!
As always Dmac gives us an insight into his pathway to the top and reflects through his journey to date. Being a small man all the way through the grades, I love hearing how he never let his size be an excuse and he just knew he needed to be quicker and more agile.
There's also plenty of great yarns thrown in the mix as well, from growing up with his brother Marty, some classic shield stories and we relive a few good pranks that regular listeners will enjoy.
As you'll hear Damian is an absolute lad, who is an inspiring character who has a good energy to be around. If you enjoy this podcast please give it a share and help the podcast grow. 

Regan Ware & Andrew Knewstubb- What a Lad

This week I am joined by not just one great lad on the podcast but two of them! Who better to get on as a duo than All Black 7s stars, key Tasman Mako members and best mates Regan Ware and Andrew Knewstubb.
Both lads have joined the Tasman Mako mid season this year after a few outside back injuries and both have had massive impact for the side helping them reach the Bunnings Cup final. 
Before joining the Mako they have both been a huge part of the All Blacks 7s success, playing big roles for them winning the Commonwealth Gold and an Olympic Silver medal. 
As you'll hear Stubby and Regs are both great lads who love a laugh and have plenty of good yarns from their time together to date. As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share and if you're keen to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com and get your hands on something from there.

Ollie Norris- Prank

New Prank Friday is back with a very familiar prank for What a Lad listeners, "Dougie" from TVNZ has already got Tasman Mako Jacob Norris on board for his new TV show. So his next step is to get his brother, Chiefs and Waikato Star, Ollie Norris on. The new TV show which involves some big names and plenty on nudity is sure to be a hit and its great to get a couple of great lads like the Norris brothers involved.
As you'll hear Ollie does bloody well and he is an absolute lad so I hope you enjoy.

Willie Havili- What a Lad

The recent Moana Pacifica signing and Tasman Mako, Willie Havili joins me on What a Lad this week.
Its awesome to see Willie back playing at the level that he is, after taking some time away from rugby to find his love for the game again. The honesty that Willie talks about his struggles in this episode is extremely refreshing. He talks about the pressure that comes with being the younger brother of All Black David Havili and also how hard he found it joining the Blues as a replacement player in his first professional year.
However, how he's managed to turn his mindset around rugby is inspiring. He's taken all the pressure off himself by finishing his building apprenticeship and found hobbies outside of the game which has helped massively. 
There is also plenty of good yarns in this one from his journey so far and as you'll hear Willie is an absolute lad!
As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share and it you want to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com
 

Luca Inch- What a Lad

Luca Inch may not be a household name just yet but this lad is without a doubt one of the biggest characters in NZ Rugby.
At just 20 years old, the big front rower has had a massive year, having starred for the NZ u20s side and now playing for his beloved Tasman Mako. Not an easy feat for a young front rower but Luca is one of the most promising front rowers in the country and he has a massive future in the game.
However what I found interesting was how he has got to where he is. He was a nightmare for teachers during his schooling years but thankfully rugby kept him with a focus. He was also extremely close to pulling out of the Tasman Academy at the start of this year, thankfully he decided to stay. A year later he's playing at the highest provincial level and will soon have a super rugby contract!
It's awesome to be able to give you an insight in to some of these future stars personalities and as you'll hear, Luca has plenty of personality!
If you enjoy this podcast please give it a share, it all really helps and if you really love the podcast go and get yourself some what a lad merch at www.whatalad.com.

Jason Eaton- What a Lad

The legendary Jason Eaton is one of the most recognisable lads in Rugby. The long flowing mullet, the big bushy beard and the big 2 meter frame. Combine that with the personality of one of the biggest lads going around and this is what you get.
A true All Black bolter having been named in the All Blacks after just one season of NPC with Taranaki. He shares what it was like going into that environment as a true bolter and some classic yarns from his time as an All Black, including the infamous trip to the Church.
The man known as Pig, also shares plenty of good stories from his time at the Hurricanes where he became a club legend not just on the field but off it. Known for his love for a beer after the game, Pig was a lad who loved the game for the social aspect of it and made sure he never lost that throughout his career.
Pig also shares about how he has found his transition out of rugby, after finishing up a great career in France with La Rochelle. He openly talks about the struggles that come with finishing rugby and where he is at now.
I loved this chat with one of the greats, it had a bit of everything. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, that'd be much appreciated!
 
If you want to support the podcast head over to www.whatalad.com