Joel Everson with potentially the craziest story ever on What a Lad! This episode will blow your mind and I’m sure it will also inspire you and I’m sure it will help many.

Joel Everson is the 2:06m lock who had a 12 year rugby career playing for Canterbury, Southland, the Crusaders, Clermont and Hino in Japan. It was his time in Hino where his life was flipped upside down, coming out of a night club in Tokyo, surrounded by Police to then being locked away in a Japanese prison for 23 days.

There’s soo much in this one and some keys that stood out…

The challenges he faced after his rugby career transitioning into a normal life and finding his passion.

He talks about his upbringing, the impact of his parents' divorce, and how rugby became his escape.

How different his life could’ve been had he not found rugby and went down the troubled path he was heading.

Joel discusses his time in the Crusaders Academy, his pathway into Canterbury and the Crusader and his move to Japan.

He reflects on the moments leading up to his arrest, his time in the holding cell, and the challenges he faced mentally and emotionally.

Joel discusses the support he received from his family and friends, the impact on his rugby career, and the lessons he learned from the experience.

He emphasises the importance of self-care, seeking help, and being aware of one's thoughts and mental health.

And heaps more!

As you’ll hear the fact that Joel was open to coming on and sharing his story so openly in the chance it may help someone in a similar position just goes to show you what a champion lad he is,I know you will enjoy this episode so when you do please give it a share

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Bryn Hall has not only been one of the best 9's in NZ rugby for the last decade but he's also been the voice of the game for many with his gift to articulate rugby union in a way to relate to the masses on the Aoteroa Rugby Pod and in Commentary.

What stood out in this episode for me, was just how dedicated Bryn was to achieving the dream of being a professional rugby player from a young age. Then once he was in there, it was his drive to compete and always grow his game, trying to take on as much information as he can. He also talks about his battles with overthinking the game and fighting for the Crusaders no9 jersey for a good 6 years with good mate Mitchell Drummond.

As you'll hear in this one Bryn is such an easy guy to listen to, speaks really well with a great balance of humour and insightful information. He is a true lad and I know you will enjoy this one! If you do please give it a share 🙌

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Shiray Kaka is the NZ Black Ferns 7s star who is also one of the biggest personalities in the game! Her bubbly energy combined with a unique ability to be real and share her feelings, made her a dream guest for this. Her journey through professional rugby hasn't been an easy one and this episode reflects that with plenty of laughs, a few tears and plenty a relatable advice.

Some topics we cover in this episode are...

• The disappointment of her latest injury taking away her Olympic dream
• How she went from a naturally talented player to become an Olympic Gold medalist
• The beauty and challenges of her relationship with Gillies Kaka
• How hard her injuries have been on her mentally and how she got through those challenges
• The challenges professional female athletes face
• The importance of mental health and self-care in the world of sports
• And plenty of great advice!

As you'll hear, Shiray is such a likeable character who tells it exactly how it is. This episode will give you as good of an insight into the challenges and pressures professional athletes face

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