Carlo Tizzano has burst on to the international rugby scene this season with an incredible work rate and tackle success rate and after this conversation it's easy to understand why.

Growing up as an angry child, with 3 other brother constantly winding him up the aggression in his game was always going to be there. Having started out as a winger, he decided to move in to 7 a move with had plenty of doubters and even cost him a spot in the academy. However, as you'll hear Carlo has an incredible self belief, while also having incredible discipline to achieve goals quickly.

Carlo has also recently been diagnosed with ADHD which he describes as an absolute game changer and has made sense of a lot of his behaviour growing up especially at school. His ability to focus on tasks especially in games has been a big part of his rapid rise.

The best part about this episode is that Carlo is an absolute lad who doesn't filter anything, he tells it straight and is very true to himself which always makes for the best podcasts. I'm sure by the end of this you'll have a new favourite Wallaby!

Chapters

01:30 Introduction to Carlo Tizzano
03:00 Playing Style and Transition from Winger to Number Seven
08:42 Italian Background and Growing Up in a Household of Boys
11:39 ADHD Diagnosis and Overcoming Burnout
19:00 Meal Planning and Putting on Weight
24:08 Mindset and Success in Club Rugby
28:13 Becoming a Professional Rugby Player
29:29 Confidence and Debut Experiences
36:08 Challenges and Growth in Different Teams
44:05 Moving to Ealing and Embracing a Different Style of Rugby
48:22 The Wild Ride at Ealing and the Importance of Enjoyment
53:19 Opportunity to Return to the Western Force
59:49 Playing for the Force
01:11:52 The future of the Western Force
01:19:06 Toughest players to tackle
01:23:46 Advice for listeners

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ross Devlin was your classic old school player, he threw his body and head into everything and was too tough to ever want to come off. Now Ross is convinced that he has CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) from multiple concussions which included a very significant car crash. He now just wants to help others who may have it or even better prevent people from getting it.

The key message in this episode is to try and help players, coaches, parents or whoever, that concussions and multiple concussions need to be taken more seriously at all levels of any sport. It's never an injury to tough it out because the danger and potential long term affects are massive. If you know someone this episode might help, please pass it on.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bailey Simonsson is one of the best outside backs in the NRL and it was crazy to hear how close he was to giving up on the game! After a couple of years with the BOP Steamers and a short stint with the All Blacks 7's side Bailey returned home back to Australia with no professional contract. 12 months later and he's playing in the NRL final for the Canberra Raiders.

This episode is another case of the different pressures that are placed on these guys in both codes of footy. The pressure to take your opportunities when you're starting out, which was highlighted for Bailey with the NZ 7's side. How to deal with imposter syndrome, which he felt while training with the Chiefs as a teenager. The long term injury set backs which Bailey has had his fair share of including his current ACL recovery! Also dealing with the abuse that comes with a low fantasy NRL score.

As you'll hear Bailey is a champion lad who has a real good energy and plenty of cool insights into his journey and rugby league. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so that we can continue to bring more great guest like this.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daryl Mitchell is the NZ Black Cap who deserves every single bit of success he gets! From battling away in the NZ domestic league to becoming one of the best all rounders in the world he has had a unique pathway to becoming a professional athlete with a mindset we can all learn from.

Some key parts of this chat were..

-Hearing how growing up with his dad John Mitchell who was an All Black coach and coached all around the world and the moves they made as a family.

-Mitchell talks about his love for all sports, his journey in cricket, and the challenges of juggling different formats of the game.

-He also shares insights into his mental preparation and the importance of being present in the game.

-He also spoke about his experience playing in the IPL, the pressure of performing, and the incredible atmosphere in India.

-He also discusses his plans for the future and the challenges of being away from home for long periods of time.

-Daryl emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and focusing on what one can control.

As you'll hear in this one, Daryl is such a humble man who has achieved so many great things in the game of cricket. I loved hearing about his mindset and there is plenty of awesome advice in this one. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share and let me know what stands out for you in the comments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Darrell Mitchell

02:06 Growing Up with an All Black Coach Father and Moving to Different Places

06:32 Early Love for Sports and Playing Rugby and Cricket

11:08 Cricket Journey in the UK and Australia

16:07 Joining Northern Districts and Transitioning to Canterbury

20:32 The Importance of Mindset in Cricket

25:10 Technical and Mental Aspects of Batting

28:37 Transitioning Between T20 and Test Cricket

32:54 Experiences in the IPL Auction

35:50 Being Part of the IPL and Playing for CSK

38:29 The Atmosphere in India 41:06 Passion for Cricket

45:43 Future Plans

49:40 Focus on How You Play

51:30 Team First Mentality

01:06:52 Concentration Techniques

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.