This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The White Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), explore the essential network of people who shape arugby player’s journey—from grassroots to the professional stage. The duo sharepersonal stories, practical advice, and expert insights on the coaches,mentors, administrators, and support staff who influence both the athlete andthe person. Plus, they recap the latest action in European rugby and look aheadto the Rugby World Cup pools. It’s an episode packed with community spirit,real-life lessons, and plenty of laughs.

Segment 1: Talk Story
Starts at (5:20)
Ofa and Semisi kick things off with lighthearted banter and personal anecdotes,reflecting on early lessons from coaches and teachers that only made senselater in life. The segment highlights the importance of humility, growth, andlearning from setbacks.

Segment 2: Da Latest Scoop
Starts at (12:55)
The hosts break down the latest results and standings from European rugbycompetitions, including the Premiership, Championship, URC, Top 14, and Pro D2.They discuss standout matches, key performances, and the evolving landscape ofclub rugby across Europe.

Segment 3: Da Kuleana (Education Series)Starts at (31:35)Continuing their educational series, Ofa and Semisi focus on the broader“network” that supports rugby players—volunteer coaches, PE teachers, clubadministrators, senior players, parents, development officers, and more. Theyshare stories about the impact of these roles and offer advice for youngathletes and their families.

Segment 4: The Academy & Pro PathwayStarts at (56:00)The conversation shifts to the academy system and professional rugby clubs. Thehosts detail the roles of head coaches, skills coaches, nutritionists, physios,analysts, and player welfare officers, emphasizing the importance of buildingrelationships and embracing every learning opportunity.

Segment 5: Da Big WaveStarts at (1:57:40)Ofa and Semisi preview the newly announced Rugby World Cup pools, sharepredictions, and discuss what the draw means for Pacific teams and the globalrugby scene.

Segment 6: OutroStarts at (2:07:50)The hosts wrap up with reflections on the week, shoutouts to the rugbycommunity, and a reminder to stay connected and keep learning. Listeners areencouraged to send in questions and join the conversation.

Music Credit:Intro and Outro Music by Wesley Winn - I B U (All my life)

This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The White Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), dive into the importance of the "innercircle" in shaping athletes and people. The duo reflect on family,friends, mentors, and the support systems that influence rugby careers, while alsorecapping the latest in European rugby competitions. From personal stories toprofessional insights, it’s an episode packed with heartfelt moments and expertanalysis.

Segment 1: Talk Story
Starts at (3:08)
Ofa and Semisi share funny and embarrassing stories from their rugby days,including weigh-in mishaps and bench-warming blunders. The segment sets alighthearted tone and highlights the camaraderie and humility that come withsports.

Segment 2: Da Latest ScoopStarts at (10:34)The hosts run through the latest results and standings from Premiership Rugby,Championship Rugby, URC, Top 14, and Pro D2. They discuss key matches, standoutperformances, and the shifting dynamics across European competitions.

Segment 3: Da Kuleana (Education Series)Starts at (25:05)Continuing their educational series, Ofa and Semisi focus on the "innercircle"—the family, friends, coaches, mentors, and cultural influencesthat shape an athlete’s journey. They break down the Andre Pori model, discussthe roles of parents and partners, and share personal anecdotes about supportand sacrifice.

Segment 4: Da Big WaveStarts at (1:13:00)The conversation shifts to the upcoming European Champions Cup and ChallengeCup, including format changes, teams to watch, and the impact of newcompetitions like R360. The hosts offer predictions and highlight matchesthey’re excited about.

Segment 5: OutroStarts at (1:30:00)Ofa and Semisi wrap up with reflections on the week, shoutouts to family andcommunity rugby events, and a reminder to stay connected and curious. Theyencourage listeners to send in questions and wish everyone a safe and happyweek.

Music Credit:Intro and Outro Music by Wesley Winn - I B U (All my life)

This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka “The Wine Chief” (Auckland, New Zealand), dive deep into the world of rugby finances, personal development, and life beyond the pitch:

Segment 1: Talk Story

Starts at (1:51)

The hosts share personal stories about hard-learned financial lessons from their rugby careers, including navigating taxes in different countries and the realities of early contracts.

Segment 2: Da Latest Scoop

Starts at (9:44)

A rundown of the latest results and league tables from European rugby competitions, including Premiership Rugby, Championship Rugby, United Rugby Championship, Pro D2, and Top 14. Discussion of recent matches, standings, and the impact of international test windows.

Segment 3: Da Kuleana – Responsibility (Education Segment: Financial Literacy for Rugby Players)

Starts at (18:53)

A comprehensive discussion on financial literacy for rugby players:

The short earning window in professional sports

Investing in yourself as an athlete and rugby player

The importance of agents, contracts, and understanding taxes

Balancing lifestyle and longevity in your career

Planning for life after rugby, education, and leveraging your network

Real-life stories and practical advice for young players and their families

Segment 4: Da Big Wave – International Test Wrap Up

Starts at (1:21:39)

Recap of the final Autumn Nations Series test matches, including Samoa’s World Cup qualification, performances of Pacific and Southern Hemisphere teams, and analysis of All Blacks, Australia, and other major teams.

Outro

Starts at (1:38:45)

Preview of next week’s topic: “The Inner Circle” – building your support network as a rugby player. Encouragement for players and parents to use rugby as a pathway to global opportunities. Listener Q&A invitation: Email questions to talkingaboutacarpo@gmail.com

Music Credit:

Intro and Outro Music by Wesley Winn - I B U (All my life)