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.
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