This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka “The Wine Chief” (Auckland, New Zealand), explore the crucial topic of representation and building a strong support network for rugby players, both on and off the field.

Segment 1: Talk Story
Starts at (5:00)
The hosts share hilarious and memorable stories from their rugby tours, including cultural misunderstandings, language mix-ups, and the camaraderie that comes from traveling with teammates across the globe.

Segment 2: Da Latest Scoop
Starts at (9:30)
A comprehensive roundup of the latest results and league tables from European rugby competitions: Premiership Rugby, United Rugby Championship, Top 14, Championship Rugby, Pro D2, Investec Champions Cup & EPCR Challenge Cup. The hosts break down key matches, standings, and the impact of international test windows, plus insights into the evolving landscape of club rugby.

Segment 3: Da Kuleana – Responsibility (Education Segment: Representation & Support Network)
Starts at (27:50)
A deep dive into the importance of representation for rugby players:

• The roles of agents, legal advisors, financial advisors, and tax specialists
• Navigating contracts, visas, and life transitions for players and their families
• Building a trustworthy inner circle and understanding the value of player associations and mentors
• Real-life advice on managing finances, avoiding red flags, and maximizing career opportunities
• The significance of cultural understanding and long-term planning in a rugby career

Segment 4: Da Big Wave – Global Rugby Awareness
Starts at (78:30)
A discussion on the global rugby landscape, the importance of knowing your competition, and how players can leverage international opportunities. The hosts reflect on lessons from their own careers and the need for players to stay informed about clubs, competitions, and pathways worldwide.

Outro
Send questions to talkingaboutacarpo@gmail.com for future episodes.

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), 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)