What a Lad rova | James Marshall

Norm Maxwell was pound for pound the hardest hitter this game has probably ever seen. At just 90kgs the All Black lock through himself into collisions like no other every time he stepped on the field. However you tell Norm that he's tough and he's not buying it.

From growing up with feeling the field was the only place he was free and his first big collision being the first time he felt respected, Norm always was going to play rugby. His Crusaders contract came quicker than he'd ever thought and something that was was far from ready for. Throughout his career his battled with injuries and a sore body which took it's toll and forced him to change his identity as a player and a person.

It's clear after this episode that players weren't prepared for professional rugby at the time and you can hear the struggles that Norm had to face not just physically but mentally and psychologically as well.

This is one of my all time favourite episodes Norm is a story teller who is so open and honest and I know you'll enjoy this one! If you do can you please do me a favour and share and subscribe so I can keep bringing you more legends like the great Norm Maxwell.
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In this episode I am joined by the legendary Black Fern sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner. These two champion humans have a very special bond, having grown up in the same room together until 17, to winning a RWC together. They have shared many special moments throughout their journey to becoming professional rugby players.

As you will hear both Chelsea and Alana are such great inspirations for all athletes in our game especially the young females.
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This week we are joined by the lad Peter Breen, who is the founder of Rugby Bricks which is responsible for improving goal kicking all over the world with the production of some of the great kicking tees ever. He’s also played the game professionally for Otago and Northland and has been coaching professionally all around the world, including plenty of NRL clubs and has just recently finished as an assistant coach with the mighty Matatu. Theres plenty of gold in this episode, whether you're an aspiring player, coach, business owner, content creator or father I'm sure you will learn plenty from this one. 
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For this episode I jump on one of the biggest podcasts in the country, The Dom Harvey podcast which is of course hosted by the great Dom Harvey. I talk through everything from footy, coaching and podcasting. If you enjoy Dom's work go and check out his other episodes as well. 
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One of the great lads of Welsh and NZ rugby Johnny McNicholl is on What a Lad this week, after returning to Super Rugby in red hot form!

Having started in Christchurch with Canterbury and the Crusaders, Johnny then spent 8 seasons over in Wales with the Scarletts as well as playing international rugby for Wales. Now he has returned to where it all started and is back with the Crusaders passing on his wisdom and ripping it up on the field.

Some bits that stood out in this chat were...

How setbacks early in his career fuelled him to work harder

The confidence Johnny has always had in his own ability

Why he decided to leave NZ rugby at a young age

How tough it was for him to miss out on the RWC with Wales

What made him send his address to a keyboard warrior

Some epic yarns including one of him fighting Ray Lee-Lo at training

As you'll hear the man they call J Mac is an absolute champion, someone who understands the game of rugby so well, he's always willing to help others and is just good value to be around.
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For this episode I jump on the other side of the mic by going on the O-Studio podcast hosted by the 2 time What a Lad guest Tim Bateman and his co hosts Sophie and Matty. 

They do such an awesome job hosting as I share my journey and a few things I have learnt along the way.

To listen to more episodes of theirs head to the link below...

https://www.ostudio.co.nz/community/o-studio-podcast
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