Steve Devine is one of the toughest men to ever pull on a rugby jersey. A proud Aussie who moved over to NZ for an opportunity with Auckland, where he quickly made NZ home. Where the fearless competitive halfback played a huge part in Auckland and the Blues success. From that came an his chance to wear the All Black jersey which he managed to do 10 times.

But behind that toughness was a brutal reality, years of repeated head knocks that left him battling crippling migraines, light sensitivity, and a fight just to feel human again.

In this episode, Steve opens up on:

- Life growing up in Australia and why the move to NZ

- Stories from the Auckland and Blues glory days

- The 40+ concussions that changed his life

- The miracle treatment that helped him get his life back

- How he’s now leading the charge with NeuroCheck, a game-changing concussion scanner

- How he's found his transition with life after rugby becoming a fireman

And heaps more

Steve story is honest, powerful, emotional and even shocking at times. Sharing his story from a place of just wanting to help others and for no one having to go through what he has been through. He is such a champion lad and let me know what you thought of the episode in the comments.

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Tom Christie is one of the toughest workhorses in New Zealand rugby.

In this episode the multiple Super Rugby champion opens up on leadership, injuries, and why he’s leaving the Crusaders to chase a new challenge with Newcastle’s Red Bulls.

From captaining the NZ U20s to battling setbacks and rediscovering his love for the game, this is Tom Christie like you’ve never heard him before.

In this episode we chat about...

How he learnt to tackle as a young fella

What it meant leading the NZ U20s side

Life at the Crusaders and what it takes to stay consistent

How his mindset has changed around topping the tackle count

The injury battles and how he rebuilt his confidence

His honest reflections on missing All Blacks selection

How he's handled non selection better than anyone I have worked with

Why he's decide to move to Newcastle and the next chapter of his journey

And heaps more.

As you'll hear, Tom is such a champion and has played a massive part of the Crusaders success during his time. He's one of the most self aware and articulate players I have coached. While players love playing with him cause they just know he will never let you down. He is a lad!

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Mitchell Scott was one of the most talented outside backs in New Zealand rugby, electric pace, unreal footwork, and a try-scoring instinct few could match. But behind the highlight reels was a rollercoaster journey through tragedy, addiction, injuries, and redemption.

From losing his father at just three years old, to wearing an ankle bracelet just months before representing New Zealand U20s in one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Mitch’s story is raw, honest and full of lessons.

In this episode we dive into:

- His early years and the loss that shaped his drive.

- The influence of drugs and alcohol from a young age

- How he made the NZ 20s after just coming off home detention.

- Why he had to get out of Perth while playing for the force

- Addiction, psychosis and recovery

- Finding peace, purpose and passion again through coaching in Otago

- The power of mental health, routine, and clean living

- How he’s preparing for fatherhood and helping young players avoid his mistakes

And heaps more.

This episode sums up what the What a Lad podcast is all about, it’s brutally honest, funny, emotional, and inspiring, a true What a Lad story!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.