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.

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.

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

Colin Cooper- What a Lad

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!

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..
<ul>
<li>What life was like growing up in Samoa with 6 siblings including All Black Nepo Laulala</li>
<li>The pressure Casey put on him self to impress his dad and make him proud</li>
<li>How he focused his mindset was to achieve his goals </li>
<li>His memories playing with and against some of the greats of the game</li>
<li>Why he moved overseas and how he ended up at Cardiff, Munster and Racing Metro</li>
<li>The transition in to coaching and why that wasn't for him</li>
<li>The career change into Real Estate </li>
<li>And he's more classic stories.</li>
</ul>
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!

Casey Laulala- What a Lad

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.

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.

Ross Filipo- What a Lad

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.

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..
<ul>
<li>The battle between the Barrett brothers to be the Alpha growing up</li>
<li>How Kane would fire up the Francis Douglas 1st XV side, once resulting in a yellow card</li>
<li>The time Kane picked up his coach Neil Barns as a 16yo and dropped him on his head</li>
<li>His pathway into NZ Schools for 2 years, Taranaki and the Blues</li>
<li>What forced Kane into retirement and how hard that was to deal with</li>
<li>How he looks at his brothers successful careers</li>
<li>His new life of the farm</li>
<li>And heaps more!</li>
</ul>
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.

Colin Cooper- What a Lad

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