What a Lad

The 2026 Super Rugby season is officially done and what a finish it was. The Hurricanes capped off a remarkable campaign with a dominant 60-5 victory in the final, producing one of the most complete performances we've seen in Super Rugby history.In this episode, we break down the final, review some of our preseason predictions, discuss the standout performers from the year and look at what made the Hurricanes such a dominant force throughout the competition.We also dive into Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad, discussing the bolters, unlucky omissions, selection surprises and what the squad tells us about how the All Blacks will look to play moving forward.Some of the topics discussed include...- We breakdown what we thought were the keys to the Hurricanes success- The players who stood out throughout the season- Who had the best predictions from the preseason epiosde- The biggest talking points from Dave Rennie's first All Blacks squad- Which players were unlucky to miss selection- Who could become the All Blacks' best player in 2026- Predictions for the upcoming test season and South African tourAnd heaps moreWith the Super Rugby season wrapped up and a massive international season ahead, this was a great chance to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to what's shaping up as one of the biggest years for the All Blacks in recent memory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manasa Mataele is one of the players who is incredibly hard to tackle! His power, speed, athleticism, and freakish offloads has made him hard to handle for any opposition! From growing up in Suva, Manasa’s journey has taken him from Fiji to New Zealand, across to Australia, and now back home with the Fijian Drua.In this episode of What a Lad, Manasa opens up with rare honesty. He reflects on the highs of Super Rugby, the pride of representing Fiji, and the moments that nearly forced him away from the game altogether. From battling injuries and self-doubt, to losing his mum and questioning whether he could keep going, this is a powerful look at resilience, faith, and finding purpose beyond rugby.In this episode, we cover…- Growing up in Fiji and the environment that shaped him- The sliding-doors moment that could have changed his life forever- Moving to New Zealand and adapting to professional rugby- His rapid rise through NPC and Super Rugby- Almost signing with the Blues before a last-minute call from the Crusaders- What it was like walking into a Crusaders locker room full of legends- The mental battles that made him his own worst enemy- His pride in representing Fiji on the international stage- Losing his mum, fracturing his spine, and questioning his future- The role faith played in getting him through his darkest moments- Why returning home to play for the Fijian Drua means so much- Wanting to give back and help the next generation of Fijian rugby playersAs you'll hear Manasa is very articulate and honest about the journey rugby has taken him, he's such a good lad who will no doubt have a big season for the Drua! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Manning’s rugby journey is anything but ordinary. At just 16 years old he was playing against for the Marlborough Red Devils in the NPC which included playing in a Ranfurly Shield game against Canterbury while still being at school. He made the NZ secondary schools team on the wing ahead of Hosea Gear and out of school decided to take up a year offer with the Munster academy. Fast forward a few years later and he's doing the Haka against the All Blacks for Munster in a match!In this episode, we dive into:- Growing up in Marlborough and spending hours kicking goals alone- What it was like being a 16 year old playing with men under Grizz Wylie - Making New Zealand Schools and then missing out on U19s and how that shaped his path- Moving to Ireland and joining Munster - Winning Heineken Cups and learning behind Ronan O’Gara- Playing against the All Blacks for Munster and performing a Haka- Why his time at Newcastle Falcons turned him off rugby- Life after rugby, including working with the Royal Family- Helping Fiji Sevens during their Olympic success- The emotional journey of IVF, surrogacy, and becoming a fatherJeremy is a massive lad with an incredible story. His story is different to most and has had some unique challenges. The way he shares his story with such honesty and vulnerability is super powerful. I know you'll enjoy this one, so let me know what you thought in the comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

produced and after this episode it’s easy to see why.A 108-test All Black, multiple-time World Cup winner, and a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ most dominant era. Owen built his career on work ethic, consistency, and doing whatever it took to get himself in the best position to perform week in and week out.In this episode of What a Lad, Owen opens up like never before. From earning respect as a young All Black, to facing a battle far bigger than rugby when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This is a rare look at what it actually takes to stay at the top — physically, mentally, and emotionally.In this episode, we cover…- Growing up in Motueka with his brother Ben- How he put on the size to become a front rower- The brutal start to professional rugby dislocating his elbow in his first Canterbury scrum- His All Blacks debut and why he never felt overawed- What the All Blacks environment is really like behind closed doors- Earning respect, driving standards, and ruthless competition- Walking out for World Cup finals - Why he went to the gym the next day after World Cup glory- The battle that came with being diagnosed with testicular cancer- Why chemotherapy was tougher than any rugby pain- Life after rugby, coaching, and a new perspectiveThis is one of the most inspiring episodes ever from a man who was (along with his brother) certainly the most professional player I ever saw. He’s someone who deserved every bit of success he got and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.