What a Lad

After having the great Hugh Renton on the podcast on Monday, I thought it was a good time to go back and find the prank I tried on him when he had just arrived to the Hurricanes straight out of school. So for this prank I ring him as someone from the NCEA and they've just found out that his answers were the same as the person next to him. Anyone who knows Hugh or has listened to his podcast will know that he's a straight up guy and is certainly not the kind of guy to try and cheat in a exam. Unfortunately I didn't know what subjects he took at school so that catches me off guard a bit but anyway it's still worth a listen. If you enjoy this episode please share it and if you're keen to follow the What a Lad journey follow the link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some players just get no luck during their careers and that pretty much sums up Hugh Rentons career to date. Hugh has had a massive wrap on him as a player since joining the Hurricanes straight out of school on a 3 year deal but unfortunately due to injury he has struggled to string any decent amount of games together. That's hopefully all about to change as he eyes up a big season, after recently signing with the Tasman Mako for this seasons Mitre10 Cup. Hugh has also had to deal with the shock death of his Dad to suicide which he is incredibly open to talk about, as he just wants to help anyone in a similar situation. He also shares some really good lessons on how he's dealt with that and kept his life moving in the right direction. As you'll hear Hugh is a real lad, one of the most professional players I've played with and it's only a matter of time before his career takes off and I'm certainly hoping its this Mitre10 Cup. As always if you enjoy this episode please share it to others who you think might like it. Also if you're keen to follow the What a Lad journey follow the link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this prank I call one of the stand out young players in NZ, Dalton Papali'i to see if he would be interested in becoming the face of the aquarium Kelly Tarltons. Now I don't know Dalton personally but everyone I have spoken to has told me he's an absolute lad and needed to have him feature on the podcast. As always, I offer Dalton a pretty average deal to partner up with them so have a listen to see if he's keen. If you know someone who you think will enjoy this episode then please share it, or just share it to your story, it all helps massively. I also really appreciate all the listens, shares and feedback I've had so far, thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there was an award for the best team mate in World Rugby the my guest for this episode, Tevita Koloamatangi would be shortlisted every year. Absolute champion bloke on and off the field! Tevita takes us through his rugby journey which has involved him playing for the Tasman Mako, Chiefs, London Irish, Tonga, to now where he is currently carving up in Japan with the Mazda Blue Zoomers. Tevita has had more than his fair share of injuries during his career but has always come back a better player but he shares some valuable insight into how he approached his injuries. There's so many good lessons in this chat, I hope you get as much out of it as I did. If you enjoy this episode as always please share it, I really appreciate all the shares and listens the podcast has had to date. If you're keen to follow the journey follow the link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This prank was inspired by the recent naming of the North v South teams and seeing a young Nelson lad Mitchell Hunt named in the North team. So I thought it would be a good idea to see if I could call Mitch as the Media guy for the North team and try to get some audio recordings off him to convince the public that he is a true North Islander. As you'll hear Hunty is a great lad and I'm looking forward to him having a big game for the North and a massive season for the mighty Mako. As always if you enjoy this episode please share it, tag the What a Lad account in on it too. I really appreciate all the support! Follow the journey here https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here is an episode that I jumped on a couple of months ago on the podcast called the Life Livers Academy with Jamie O' Donnell. It's an awesome podcast with lots of cool guests who talk about ways you can live your life to the fullest and get the best out of yourself, I personally really enjoy listening to it so go check it out! In this episode in particular I talk about some of my struggles throughout my rugby career and somethings that I've learnt along the way. If you enjoy this podcast please share it and it you are keen to follow the 'What a Lad' or 'Life Livers Academy' then check out the links below... https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en https://www.lifeliversacademy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pranks are getting tough, players have switched on so we thought it was time to get a legend, who better than potentially the greatest player to ever play the game Christian Cullen! So, Cully is now a Commercial Sales Consultant with Property Brokers and for this prank our 'What a Lad' prank expert Reggie Goodes calls him as to see if he will sell his Caravan for him. You find out a lot about people from a prank call and as you'll hear Cully is just a champion bloke! If you are looking to buy or sell commercial property (or a caravan) in the Kapiti region get in touch with the man himself by following this link https://www.propertybrokers.co.nz/christian-cullen As always if you enjoy this episode please share it, thanks heaps for the ongoing support of the podcast! If you want to follow the journey or get in touch head to the link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He is back and straight on the What a Lad podcast to tell us all about it. It is one of the biggest names in the game, Julian Savea who joins me after his second week training with the Hurricanes. Julz has had an incredible career where he was the best player on the planet for a while and also has one of the best highlight videos you'll ever see. He takes us through his journey to the top and talks with real honesty about his time in France. Everyone wants to know what the man they call the Bus is doing next and he shares where he is at with contract negotiations. As always if you enjoy this episode please share it and if you're keen to follow the What a Lad journey go to the link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this prank we go back to a time when Simon Hickey had just arrived at the Hurricanes, a time when the keyboard warriors were out in full force targeting whoever was named in the 10 jersey. So I thought it was a good chance to set up a "live" radio interview to get stuck into the lads and see if I can get Hickey to join in. Obviously this is not what I think of both Jackson and Fletcher as they've both had great seasons in that 10 jersey and both have massive futures. Also Simon is an absolute lad for the way he handles this prank. Thanks for the ongoing support of the podcast and sharing the episodes, it really is appreciated! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We did it, we finally got the best hooker to play the game Dane Coles, to come on and share his stories. Colesy is a completely misunderstood bloke, one of the best guys you'll ever meet off the field but known as an absolute grub on it. We talk at length about his niggle and his thoughts on being voted the biggest grub in NZ. Colesy has had an unreal career which he takes us through with honesty you just don't hear in the professional game anymore. Whatever you thought of Dane Coles before listening to this episode you'll be sure to be a big fan of him at the end of it. One of the greats! Thanks for all the support of the podcast to date and thanks heaps for sharing episodes! If you're keen to follow the What a Lad journey follow the link below... https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with one of the real lads of the Hurricanes and Manawatu Turbos, Jamie Booth. Boothy has had an eventful rugby journey to date, playing for plenty of teams as he's sat on the fringe trying to force his way into a side. He's battled with injuries and self confidence and shares some really interesting stories around what he's been through. Fast forward to now where he plays a staring role for the Hurricanes off the bench every week, bringing a spark and energy to the side which hasn't been seen before. At only 25 Boothy has a massive future in NZ rugby! If you enjoy this episode as always please share it with someone you think would like it! I really appreciate all the support the What a Lad podcast has been getting if your keen to follow the journey head to https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en This episode was brought to you by fortune favours beer, What a Brew! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With this weekend being Mental Wellbeing round of Super Rugby Aotearoa, I thought it'd be a good chance to chat with Ex professional referee Mike Lash. Lashy has had his own mental health journey and has inspired him to build a platform called The Reel Effect to help other men who may be struggling to deal with the pressure of life. Lashy talks very honestly about his struggles with his mental wellbeing from how it all started, what he was feeling and to how he managed to turn it around. He also gives a real honest insight in to what it is like being a professional referee and the difficulties referees face. If you're keen to try a trip with The Reel Effect you can get in touch with Lashy on the website https://www.thereeleffect.co.nz/ As always if you enjoy this episode or know someone who may benefit from listening please share it and if you want to follow the What a Lad journey click the link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with Hurricanes flyer Kobus van Wyk, as he takes us through his story which has led him to be starring on the wing for the Hurricanes this season. He also talks about his tough decision to leave the Hurricanes at the end of the season to head over to the UK to join the Leicester Tigers. Kobus is a real good man so it was awesome to have him on to give us some insight to his life. If you enjoy this episode please share it and as always if you're keen to follow the What a Lad journey click the links below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/whataladpodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAKc7G2GSqc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this prank I call All Black and Chiefs star Damian Mckenzie to see if I can get him to do a nude calendar for the new food company he's using. Damian is one of the real good lads of NZ rugby and handles the prank like a champion. If you enjoy this prank please share it and make sure you tag the What a Lad page when you share. Link below https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this prank I call on my expert pranker Reggie Goodes, who calls Chiefs winger Shaun Stevenson to see if he can get him to invest in a really bad investment idea. This prank was brought to you by Fortune Favours beer, available at all good beer retailers NZ wide. As always if you enjoy the prank please share it and to follow the What a Lad journey head to instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with one of the biggest names in NZ rugby TJ Perenara. TJ has achieved so much in his career already that it's hard to believe that he is still only 28! He's already the most capped Hurricane is history and has scored a ridiculous 57 tries in Super Rugby! His life off the field is also busy as he prepares to become a father and has recently started his own business (pullup cards). His mindset is something that I think sets him apart from other players and it was interesting to hear how he developed that. I literally could of spoken to TJ for a good couple of hours as he's achieved so much and has so much going on in his life. This is an episode you don't want to miss! If you enjoy this episode as always please share it and if you want to follow journey the What a Lad journey follow the link below... https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this prank we call a young Ngani Laumape who had just joined the Hurricanes. The plan was to see if we could get him to run out for his Hurricanes debut match with a dreadlock wig on, just to pay his respects to Hurricane legends Ma'a Nonu and Tana Umaga. The call was done by one of the greats Reggie Goodes! If you enjoy this prank as always please share it and if you're keen to follow the What a Lad journey then head to the link below.. https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this new prank I give Keithy another crack at calling a player, this time it's Highlanders winger Jona Nareki who gets the invite around for dinner. I had never met Jona before this prank but I quickly learnt that he is incredibly nice guy! As always please share this prank with someone you think might like it and follow the "What a Lad' journey at https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one here was my very first prank which was on a young Hisa Sasagi who had just arrived to the Hurricanes. I call him as a Hurricanes fan called Keithy and try to invite him to my farm. Hisa is a top lad as you will hear in the prank. If you enjoy the prank please share it and follow the journey at https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with the extremely talented Hurricanes prop Alex Fidow. Not only is he super talented on the field but he also has a few hidden talents off it! The man they call Axe takes us through his journey so far sharing some good stories along the way. He also talks about his plans for life after Rugby which is interestingly another sport. Alex Fidow is definitely a name you will hearing a lot more about over the next few years so here is an opportunity to get to know everything you need to know about him. If you enjoy the podcast please share it with your mates and follow the What a Lad journey at https://www.instagram.com/what_a_lad_podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this prank I call a young Pita Ahki who had just joined the Hurricanes. I call him as someone from one of our new sponsors (they weren't a sponsor) Pita Pit and offer him an average offer to join the team. If you enjoy this episode share it with your mates and follow the journey at www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with the Hurricanes no10 Jackson Garden Bachop. Jacko is from one of the most famous rugby families in NZ rugby with both his parents representing NZ at the highest level. During our chat he gives insight as to what its been like taking over from Beauden Barrett as well as talking about his plans for the future. If you enjoy the podcast come and follow the journey on www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I call Fletcher Smith from the Hurricanes as a "new sponsor" and offer him a pretty average deal to join the team. Have a listen to see if he's keen.. If you enjoy this episode please share it with someone you think will enjoy it and follow the What a Lad journey at www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with Liam Mitchell aka Chippy, who has a crazy story! In the space of 2 years, he went from being the leader of the famous Manawatu Turbo bucketheads to go on to play for the Hurricanes! Chippy is one of the real characters of the Hurricanes and he shares some good insight into his journey so far. If you enjoy the episode please share it and follow the journey on the What a Lad instragram page (link below) www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we have the most requested guest join us to take us through his journey, Mike Coman! Mike shares stories from his time with Canterbury, Hawkes Bay, The Hurricanes, Edinburgh and London Irish. He also talks about his career ending injury and his life after rugby transition. Mike holds some great records which include, the most capped development player ever, the most dominate collisions in a season with 87. I hope you enjoy the yarn and if you do please share it and follow the journey through www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here is the prank where Salesi Rayasi gets a call from Jonty (a passionate Hurricanes fan) who tries to make things as awkward as possible for the new signing. Follow the 'What a Lad' podcast journey through the link below www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we catch up with the next big thing in NZ rugby Salesi Rayasi. We talk about everything from growing up in Japan, to why he tucks his pants up so high. He also takes us through his rise through Wellington Club Rugby to Mitre 10 cup to Super Rugby and NZ 7s. Salesi also shows off his gift of impressions where he demonstrates at least 5 absolute classics! He also takes us back to the moment he met some important people in his career including Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ben Lam, Ngani Laumape and of course Jonty. I hope you enjoy the podcast and if you do please subscribe on whatever platform you listen to it and share it with your mates. Also follow the journey through www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I catch up with Ex Hurricane Reggie Goodes who takes us through his incredible journey which involves everything from moving to NZ from South Africa at the tough age of 13, to having to end his career early due to ongoing concussions. He also talks about his transition post rugby which in 2 years has involved selling printers at Rico, becoming a professional rugby coach in Japan to now selling sports gears at Kukri. Reggie also takes us through one of his favourite pranks which were a regular feature during his career on Hurricane away trips. For this prank he pranks team mate Loni Uhila to offer him a fight against Joseph Parker. I hope you enjoy the episode and please follow this podcast journey by following me on... www.whatalad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.