The Chris Eaton episode is one that left my cheeks sore from laughing so much, while also pulled on the heartstrings to bring tears in the eyes. This story is one of the most incredible stories yet. 

From growing up in Flaxmere which he would describe as "the hood", staying out of trouble growing up was about as hard as keeping the Hurricanes 9 jersey off TJ Perenara.After several last chances with Hawkes Bay relating off field incidents and a contract which involved no alcohol, Chris got through it to end up playing 114 games for his beloved Magpies. He then had 2 good seasons with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby which he shares plenty of good stories from those times.

Then the moment that changed his life forever. The tragic death of his wife. Hearing him talk about the moment he had to tell his 4 year old daughter the news was the saddest thing I've heard on the podcast. The way he bounced back from that tragic event is so inspiring and hearing how his life is now is very cool to hear.

Chris is a very funny story teller and some of the yarns in this one go straight to the all time hall of fame. I know you'll enjoy this one and when you do please give it a share so I can continue to bring you champion lads like this man.

The Chris Eaton episode is one that left my cheeks sore from laughing so much, while also pulled on the heartstrings to bring tears in the eyes. This story is one of the most incredible stories yet. 
From growing up in Flaxmere which he would describe as "the hood", staying out of trouble growing up was about as hard as keeping the Hurricanes 9 jersey off TJ Perenara.After several last chances with Hawkes Bay relating off field incidents and a contract which involved no alcohol, Chris got through it to end up playing 114 games for his beloved Magpies. He then had 2 good seasons with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby which he shares plenty of good stories from those times.
Then the moment that changed his life forever. The tragic death of his wife. Hearing him talk about the moment he had to tell his 4 year old daughter the news was the saddest thing I've heard on the podcast. The way he bounced back from that tragic event is so inspiring and hearing how his life is now is very cool to hear.
Chris is a very funny story teller and some of the yarns in this one go straight to the all time hall of fame. I know you'll enjoy this one and when you do please give it a share so I can continue to bring you champion lads like this man.

What a Lad is a podcast by James Marshall who talks to some of the biggest names and best lads on the planet.

What a Lad

Chris Eaton- What a Lad

This week I am joined by Japanese royalty Lomano Lemek! The Japanese rugby legend who has been to the Olympics with the Japanese 7s side who finished 4th, He’s been to 2 RWC’s and has recently signed with Honda Heat again to take him through to 19 years playing professionally in Japan. From a young age Mano wanted to be a professional rugby player and being in the 1st XV at the age of just 14 made that a really realistic dream. However, after that season he failed to make any rep teams which really tested his commitment and perseverance of that dream a pretty random opportunity came up for him to play in Japan with the Canon Eagles. 

Some parts that stood out for me in this one were…
The exciting launch of his new App P2P to help players and teams make contracting easier
We hear about his humble upbringing and his early focus to make rugby a career
How a random opportunity at the Canon Eagles at 19 years old changed his life
His decision to play Japan 7’s and experience the first Olympics with 7s involved
How he found his time at the Sunwolves and playing Super Rugby
Experiencing 2 RWC and the different challenges that were involved leading up to those tournaments
Some classic Jamie Joesph yarn Plenty of stories from his Top league career
And he’s more!

As you’ll hear Lemano has had some career and deserves every single yen he has earns and he is a massive lad who gives an awesome insight into rugby in Japan. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so I can continue to bring you great guests like this.

Check out the p2p platform here https://p2psport.com/

This week I am joined by Japanese royalty Lomano Lemek! The Japanese rugby legend who has been to the Olympics with the Japanese 7s side who finished 4th, He’s been to 2 RWC’s and has recently signed with Honda Heat again to take him through to 19 years playing professionally in Japan. From a young age Mano wanted to be a professional rugby player and being in the 1st XV at the age of just 14 made that a really realistic dream. However, after that season he failed to make any rep teams which really tested his commitment and perseverance of that dream a pretty random opportunity came up for him to play in Japan with the Canon Eagles. 
Some parts that stood out for me in this one were…
<ul>
<li>The exciting launch of his new App P2P to help players and teams make contracting easier</li>
<li>We hear about his humble upbringing and his early focus to make rugby a career</li>
<li>How a random opportunity at the Canon Eagles at 19 years old changed his life</li>
<li>His decision to play Japan 7’s and experience the first Olympics with 7s involved</li>
<li>How he found his time at the Sunwolves and playing Super Rugby</li>
<li>Experiencing 2 RWC and the different challenges that were involved leading up to those tournaments</li>
<li>Some classic Jamie Joesph yarn Plenty of stories from his Top league career</li>
<li>And he’s more!</li>
</ul>
As you’ll hear Lemano has had some career and deserves every single yen he has earns and he is a massive lad who gives an awesome insight into rugby in Japan. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so I can continue to bring you great guests like this.
Check out the p2p platform here <a href="https://p2psport.com/">https://p2psport.com/</a>

Lomano Lemeki- What a Lad

Tamaiti Williams is one of the most exciting talents in the game, he's a whopping 196cm (6ft4) and 140kg (308lbs) with the speed and light feet of an outside back. He's got the skillset of a playmaker and most importantly for his position he's a beast at scrum time comfortably playing both sides of the scrum. All this at just 23 years of age! The potential of this champion lad is huge and it was awesome to go through his journey up until now.

Some key bits that stood out for me...
The emotional rollercoaster the last 12months has been, going to a RWC, getting injured, getting married, having a baby at just 27 weeks, becoming an All Black again. That's an episode in itself.
Hearing about Tamaiti's upbringing in Perth where he had to grow up fast. 
The plan that his parents had to help him achieve success in rugby, which involved moving back to NZ and then down to the Crusaders academy 
The challenges that came with those moves - Becoming a Crusader and then becoming and All Black and what that meant to him and his family. 
We hear all about the RWC in France including that last scrum. 
Plans in the future, all your questions and more.

Tamaiti is such a humble giant, who speaks openly about the challenges he has faced and will continue to face to reach his potential. There's so much good stuff in this one and as you'll hear he is such a lad. If you enjoy this episode I would hugely appreciate it if you could give it a share so I can continue to bring you great guests like this. Side Note- New camera stopped recording at the 1 hour mark so apologies for the average footage for the last bit. On a positive, the What a Lad studio is on only weeks away so the footage going forward will be top notch.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

04:12 Tamaiti's Remarkable last 12 months

09:44 Challenges and Triumphs of Fatherhood

14:21 Overcoming Injuries and Personal Challenges

19:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Responsibilities

32:02 Upbringing in Australia and Decision to Move to New Zealand

38:07 Transition from Number Eight to Prop

46:30 Dealing with Homesickness

51:11 Importance of Hard Work and Perseverance

52:01 From the Crusaders to the All Blacks

54:01 Joining the Crusaders

55:50 Mindset and Nerves in Games

57:25 Working Through Challenges in the Scrum

01:04:13 Getting Fit and Staying Fit

01:13:15 Overcoming Challenges in the Scrum

01:18:24 Becoming the Greatest Ever

01:32:21 Advice for a What a Lad listener

Tamaiti Williams is one of the most exciting talents in the game, he's a whopping 196cm (6ft4) and 140kg (308lbs) with the speed and light feet of an outside back. He's got the skillset of a playmaker and most importantly for his position he's a beast at scrum time comfortably playing both sides of the scrum. All this at just 23 years of age! The potential of this champion lad is huge and it was awesome to go through his journey up until now.
Some key bits that stood out for me...
<ul>
<li>The emotional rollercoaster the last 12months has been, going to a RWC, getting injured, getting married, having a baby at just 27 weeks, becoming an All Black again. That's an episode in itself.</li>
<li>Hearing about Tamaiti's upbringing in Perth where he had to grow up fast. </li>
<li>The plan that his parents had to help him achieve success in rugby, which involved moving back to NZ and then down to the Crusaders academy </li>
<li>The challenges that came with those moves - Becoming a Crusader and then becoming and All Black and what that meant to him and his family. </li>
<li>We hear all about the RWC in France including that last scrum. </li>
<li>Plans in the future, all your questions and more.</li>
</ul>
Tamaiti is such a humble giant, who speaks openly about the challenges he has faced and will continue to face to reach his potential. There's so much good stuff in this one and as you'll hear he is such a lad. If you enjoy this episode I would hugely appreciate it if you could give it a share so I can continue to bring you great guests like this. Side Note- New camera stopped recording at the 1 hour mark so apologies for the average footage for the last bit. On a positive, the What a Lad studio is on only weeks away so the footage going forward will be top notch.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
04:12 Tamaiti's Remarkable last 12 months
09:44 Challenges and Triumphs of Fatherhood
14:21 Overcoming Injuries and Personal Challenges
19:21 Balancing Personal and Professional Responsibilities
32:02 Upbringing in Australia and Decision to Move to New Zealand
38:07 Transition from Number Eight to Prop
46:30 Dealing with Homesickness
51:11 Importance of Hard Work and Perseverance
52:01 From the Crusaders to the All Blacks
54:01 Joining the Crusaders
55:50 Mindset and Nerves in Games
57:25 Working Through Challenges in the Scrum
01:04:13 Getting Fit and Staying Fit
01:13:15 Overcoming Challenges in the Scrum
01:18:24 Becoming the Greatest Ever
01:32:21 Advice for a What a Lad listener

Tamaiti Williams- What a Lad

Richard Kahui is one of those player that when fit was one of the best in the world and the unfortunate thing for him and all of NZ rugby fans was the fact that the "when fit" part was all to few and far between. The man known as Kaks had to go through 5 Full shoulder reconstructions plus another shoulder surgery in the space of 6 years which made fighting for the dream All Black 13 jersey a tough gig. It was also a real challenge mentally to continue to do everything possible to get back from these injuries only to have to go through it all again.

Some key topics that stood out for me were...
How working hard on a building apprenticeship helped with the life after rugby transition
 The power that the Steve Renolf headgear had on his tackling 
The role of self-confidence in achieving success
The dedication and sacrifice are necessary to pursue a dream in rugby 
Obviously the challenges of injuries and the impact on performance
The emotions with winning the 2011 RWC
Why he decided to leave NZ rugby
How he found playing in Japan for 7 years
And all your questions and heaps more!

Heading into this episode I had only ever heard great things about this great man and after the episode it is clear to see why. A genuine champion man who was the ultimate team mate. His love for the game was clear and although he had some tough times throughout his career, to play for 18 years at the level he did is incredible. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share  so I can continue to bring more great guests like this!

Richard Kahui is one of those player that when fit was one of the best in the world and the unfortunate thing for him and all of NZ rugby fans was the fact that the "when fit" part was all to few and far between. The man known as Kaks had to go through 5 Full shoulder reconstructions plus another shoulder surgery in the space of 6 years which made fighting for the dream All Black 13 jersey a tough gig. It was also a real challenge mentally to continue to do everything possible to get back from these injuries only to have to go through it all again.
Some key topics that stood out for me were...
<ul>
<li>How working hard on a building apprenticeship helped with the life after rugby transition</li>
<li> The power that the Steve Renolf headgear had on his tackling </li>
<li>The role of self-confidence in achieving success</li>
<li>The dedication and sacrifice are necessary to pursue a dream in rugby </li>
<li>Obviously the challenges of injuries and the impact on performance</li>
<li>The emotions with winning the 2011 RWC</li>
<li>Why he decided to leave NZ rugby</li>
<li>How he found playing in Japan for 7 years</li>
<li>And all your questions and heaps more!</li>
</ul>
Heading into this episode I had only ever heard great things about this great man and after the episode it is clear to see why. A genuine champion man who was the ultimate team mate. His love for the game was clear and although he had some tough times throughout his career, to play for 18 years at the level he did is incredible. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share  so I can continue to bring more great guests like this!

Chris Eaton- What a Lad

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