What a Lad

This week on What a Lad we are joined by Hugh Pyle who in my opinion is the greatest Australian rugby player never to be capped by the Wallabies. Standing at over 2 meters tall, Hugh's combination of skillset and workrate has seen him have a remarkable career firstly in Australia with the Rebels before moving to France, where he became a centurion with Stade Français. He finished off in Japan with Toshiba before calling time on his Rugby career.In his podcast debut, Hugh shares candid insights about his life post-rugby, including his transition to a career as a mortgage broker. He dives into his unique method of reflecting on his career through four key pillars: enjoyment, playing form, salary, and game time, revealing the lessons he learned along the way. Hugh also talks about plenty of challenges he faced while playing which included battling with dodgy knees, adjusting to life in different parts of the world and even dealing with a serious brain injury.As you'll hear, Hugh is a massive lad, someone who's reflective personality makes for thought provocative content, he also has a great sense of humor, and can tell a yarn. I'm sure you'll enjoy this one and if you do please give it a share so I can keep bringing you great guest like Hugh.

Christian Cullen is a legend. You only have to watch a few minutes of his highlights package to remind yourself how good he really was. The speed and agility, his ability to change direction at full pace, his deceptive strength, add on top his attacking mindset and his braveness in defence! He was a joy to watch. He's also such a champion man who prefers not doing things like this so super grateful to get him on.In this whopping 2 hour episode some parts that stood out for meHow the working the milk run growing up helped his rugbyDebuting for Horowhenua straight out of school against JonahMaking the NZ 7's sides with Titch and stories from Hong Kong and the Commonwealth gamesThe old school nature of the All Black environment he went in toI loved hearing about some of the greatest tries ever scoredHow he ended up at 13 for a RWCHis relationship with John MitchellWhy he left to Munster and his time playing over thereWhy he hated warming up And heaps heaps more.Growing up Christian Cullen was my absolute hero, he inspired me to play the game so to sit down with him and have this conversation was truely incredible. What I'm sure will stand out for you is how humble and down to earth he is, you certainly wouldn't think I'm talking to one of the greatest to ever play the game listening to this. If you enjoy this one, please give it a share and I will continue to bring you the big guest like Christian Cullen.Special mention to Paraparaumu Rugby Club for allowing me to record this episode in their Clubrooms.

Casey Laulala is one of the most likeable characters you'll meet with an inspiring story from growing up in Samoa to becoming an All Black.  Some bits that stood out for me in this one were.. What life was like growing up in Samoa with 6 siblings including All Black Nepo Laulala The pressure Casey put on him self to impress his dad and make him proud How he focused his mindset was to achieve his goals  His memories playing with and against some of the greats of the game Why he moved overseas and how he ended up at Cardiff, Munster and Racing Metro The transition in to coaching and why that wasn't for him The career change into Real Estate  And he's more classic stories. As you'll hear Casey is a very well spoken and honest man who shares some great insights and advice from his journey to the top. If you enjoyed this episode please give it and I will continue to bring you more great guest like this!

Ross Filipo is one of the greatest lads in our game, whose journey through rugby has been nothing short of fascinating. Starting his rugby journey at 15, Ross shares his evolution from a talented but hesitant first five who could goal kick off both feet, to becoming the skilful and physical lock forward we knew him as. In this episode we explore key moments throughout his career, including:  Early Years: Ross always had the talent however he was naturally inclined to just cruise before a change of mindset saw a change in outcomes. Becoming a Pro: The challenges that came with the transition into professionalism and how a move down to the Crusaders shaped him as a person. Becoming an All Black: The pressures and challenges of international rugby and what stopped him from having more games Injuries and Comebacks: Ross opens up about significant injuries, including a neck injury and how he returned from shoulder surgery in record time. Life Abroad: His overseas adventures, from playing in France to coaching in Japan and the struggles that come with living in a foreign country without your family. Personal Growth: Ross's candid reflections on mental health, life changing decisions he has made , and how it transformed his life as a father and a coach.   As you'll hear in this one, Ross is a such a genuine human being who has plenty of wisdom and shares plenty of classic stories throughout. If you enjoy this one which I'm sure you will make sure you give it a share and I will continue to bring more great guests like this.

When we talk about the greatest rugby family in this country ever, it's almost impossible to go past the Barretts. Kevin 'Smylie' Barrett was a Taranaki legend who also played for the Hurricanes, Beauden is a 100 game All Black, RWC winner and 2 x World Player of the year, Scott has captained the Crusaders to 4 Super Rugby titles and is the current Captain of the All Blacks, Jordie at just 27 has racked up over 50 games for the All Blacks and dominated where ever he plays. Kane was tracking the same path before 2 significant head injuries forced him to retire at just 22 years old. It was awesome to sit down with Kane and talk through where he is at now and how he looks back on his career, some bits that stood out for me were.. The battle between the Barrett brothers to be the Alpha growing up How Kane would fire up the Francis Douglas 1st XV side, once resulting in a yellow card The time Kane picked up his coach Neil Barns as a 16yo and dropped him on his head His pathway into NZ Schools for 2 years, Taranaki and the Blues What forced Kane into retirement and how hard that was to deal with How he looks at his brothers successful careers His new life of the farm And heaps more! This was such an incredible insight from such a champion lad, you can only admire the way Kane has gone about his life post footy and it was so cool to hear about his journey.  

Aaron Mauger loves rugby, he's so passionate about the game and he is so grateful for his involvement in the game and he's certainly been involved! From playing for Canterbury straight out of school, to becoming a Crusader and All Black not long after. He then moved to Leicester were he won premierships over there, before injuries forced him to retire at just 30. Post playing he was always going to stay in the game and with his incredible rugby knowledge has gone on to become a great coach! Some bit's that stood out for me were... His relationship with his brother Nathan and their mindset playing together  How hard it can be for a young 10 to come in boss the team around especially when one was your teacher the year before The massive influence Andrew Mertens had on him The night of the 96-12 win over the Waratahs and the story behind the front flip The 2003 and 2007 RWC experiences The struggle of wanting to keep playing when the body is breaking down The reality of the life as a coach and the impact that can have on your family And heaps more I loved hearing about Azza's mindset on how he approaches life, he's very grateful for every thing and he has a real passion for the game of rugby. It made me realise how good this game is, so many great people involved in the game and Aaron Mauger is certianly one of those.

Everyone loves a battler and when it comes to one of the greatest battlers to ever play the game the great Laurence Corlett has to be up there. The man who debuted for the Hurricanes 10 years after his first class debut for Canterbury, the man known as Frank put in a 7 minute shift that will never be forgotten at the Hurricanes. The story of Laurence Corlett is one that has so many layers, he's a true yes man who put himself out there and he can tell one heck of a story. Some bits that stood out for me in this one were... How Dane Coles gave him the opportunity to get a Super Rugby cap Why he had to keep his beanie on during his first meeting with Steve Hansen His battles with throwing as a hooker throughout his career How he ended up at a student flat after signing his first Super Rugby contract Becoming the Taranaki CEO and the struggles involved with that role Surviving a Heart Attack! His time on My Kitchen Rules the reality TV show Plenty of yellow card stories including his fight with Liam Messam And heaps more! Lads don't get much better than Frank, such a genuine guy, he has great energy and great yarns. I know you'll enjoy this one and when you do please give it a share.

Colin Cooper is one of the great great human beings, he's one of the wisest souls on the planet – a true legend of rugby in New Zealand with an incredible career spanning over four decades! Having played over 100 matches for Taranaki and represented the NZ Maori, and Junior All Blacks Colin has left a huge mark on the game as a player. After hanging up his boots, Colin transitioned to coaching, where he made his mark as the coach of the NZ U21s, an assistant at the Crusaders, the head coach of the Hurricanes, and the Chiefs, and of course, led the Taranaki Bulls to an NPC championship. He has also coached the Junior All Blacks and the NZ Maoris, showcasing a remarkable versatility in the sport. Beyond his impressive accolades, anyone who has worked with Colin will know that he is one kindest and most genuine people you'll ever meet. I've got so much respect for Colin and learnt plenty in this episode so I know you will enjoy this one.