What a Lad

Pek Cowan- What a Lad

It's not often I get Australian Rugby legends on What a Lad, so this episode with Western Force and Wallaby legend Pek Cowan is a real treat.
Pek has been playing professional rugby for the last 17 years and is about to throw the boots on for one last season with the Wellington Lions, at the tender age of 36. Any player who has been in the game for that long is bound to have plenty of good yarns and Pek does not disappoint here!
There's some classic yarns in this one from his early days at the Force, to some interesting times that were had in Japan. There were some good stories on tour with the Wallabies and the Barbarians which always deliver. It was also cool to hear about Peks plan for life after rugby which is just around the corner.
As you'll hear Pek is a champion lad and an awesome guest on the podcast. 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
 
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 
 

International Preview- Test 3

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

Scott Hamilton- What a Lad

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

International Rugby Preview- Test 2

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

John Schwalger- What a Lad

Those who know John Schwalger will know he is one of the genuine good guys of our game. Such a great lad who has plenty of good stories from his career and some tough moments he has had to overcome.
Obviously John has now finished his playing days which saw him have a very successful rugby career. This saw him play for the Wellington Lions, the Hurricanes, Agen and of course the All Blacks. There were plenty of highlights from his playing days and plenty of good stories from along the way.
Also it was cool to hear about his transition out of the game, what caused it and also how hard he found that whole process. John certainly tells it how it is and as you'll hear, John is a true lad. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it's 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
 
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

International Rugby Preview- 1st Test

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

Sam Cane- What a Lad

Sam Cane the All Black skipper and Chiefs legend has just proven how much of a lad he is, by jumping on What a Lad during a very busy time for him. Just a week out from captaining the All Blacks in a huge test series against Ireland, while still adjusting to life as a Dad, Sam is good enough to take the time time to talk us through his incredible journey.
We talk about everything from the pressures involved with captaining the All Blacks, how he came back from a fractured neck, his upbringing, some career highlights and heaps more.
As you'll hear, Sam is such a champion lad and you can tell why he is so respected by all team mates and opposition. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and lets jump on the Sam Cane bandwagon and get in behind this great man as he leads our country for the mighty All Blacks.
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

Kendra Cocksedge- What a Lad

We've done it, we have finally got a female on the podcast and what a guest to start! Kendra Cocksedge is a legend of the womens game here in NZ and around the world. She has recently become the most capped Black Fern of all time and has won so many awards during her career. Some of these awards include, the 2015 best womens player in the world, the 2015 best womens player in NZ and of course the 2018 best player in NZ. Huge achievements.
The cool thing about this episode was hearing how Kendra got in to rugby and fell in love with the game. She has 3 other siblings all sisters, including a twin. Yet ever since she picked up a rugby ball at the age of 3 she has been in to it!
It was also cool to hear a bit behind the scenes in the Black Ferns camp as they start to prepare for the massive RWC which is here in NZ.
As you'll hear Kendra is such an inspiring athlete, who has had an incredible career to date and she is playing a huge role in growing the womens game. As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share and help this podcast grow.
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
 

Super Rugby Final Review

The last review show of what has been an awesome Super Rugby season! What a final it was, what a clinical performance from the Crusaders. 
Enjoy!
This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

Super Rugby Preview- The Final

Then there were two! The final is here and the scene is set. The 2 top teams all season, a sold out Eden Park, All Blacks everywhere, match ups galore, it is going to be some game!
As always I'm joined by Searley from Searley Talks Sport and for the big one we have managed to get Tom Marshall back on after his big start to the season on the Preview show.
We start off by looking at last weeks semi finals, talking about all the key moments that decided these games. 
Then we are in to the big one and you'll hear one of the great debates from Tom and Searley as to why their side is going to win on Saturday. We pick our LAD of the year winner and try to predict the new LADSEARL award winner (man of the match in the final) which will be presented at the game.
To finish we chat the All Black squad, all in 28 mins, this is potentially the best preview of the year. I hope you enjoy it and if you do please give it a share!
This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh