What a Lad

RWC Dance in France Preview- Round 5

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The last round of pool play is here and knockout rugby has come a week early for a few teams, which makes for a couple of mouth watering clashes to fi...

Brad Mika- What a Lad

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Big Brad Mika was one of those guys I loved watching growing up, an absolute beast with the skill set of a back. Capped by the All Blacks just 3 times...

RWC Dance in France Preview- Round 4 pool play

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How good is the RWC, no game for the All Blacks but that didn’t stop the drame, Aussie gone, Dupont with a facial fracture, Ireland win the battle o...

Sam Matavasi- What a Lad

24 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Matavasi is someone who certainly hasn't had the typical pathway to the top. In this episode we go through his incredible journey of being the you...

RWC Dance in France Preview- Pool Play round 3

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How good is the Rugby World Cup, huge wins from NZ, SA and Ireland. Fiji with a massive win in the context of the competition in one of the games of t...

Phil Burleigh- What a Lad

16 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Burleigh is one of those lads you just can't not like. A top man who has had a very interesting career which has seen him have the highs of playi...

RWC Preview- Round 2- Pool Play

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the first round of the RWC been and gone there was plenty to discuss in this weeks episode with a very special guest joining Searley and I in Jac...

Danny Cipriani- What a Lad

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What an incredible journey Danny Cipriani has had on and off the field! On it he's one of the best ball players at the line we have seen, his understa...

Rugby World Cup Preview- Round 1 Pool Play

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The time has come, the RWC is almost here starting with some absolute beaut games! Of course What a Lads roving reporter Searley joins us live from Fr...

Piri Weepu- What a Lad

03 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Piri Weepu is a true NZ rugby legend, the instinctive halfback had a unique ability as a 9 and showed all his talents as he helped guided the All Blac...

RWC Preview Show- ft Searley

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the RWC just around the corner I managed to get the sport guru and absolute lad Searley back on What a Lad to talk all thing RWC and get the exci...

Brendan Laney- What a Lad

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan Chainsaw Laney was one of everyones favourite players in the late 90's, he had the skills and turn of pace to change a game and of course the ...

Cory Jane- What a Lad

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cory Jane is widely regarded as one of the all time great wingers with a combination of his sharp footwork, deadly fend and ability under the high bal...

Tj Va’a- What a Lad

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TJ Va'a was a school boy star and one of the brightest prospects coming through NZ rugby. The reality of this sport is that not every gifted young pla...

Oliver Hoskins- What a Lad

30 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you'll hear the brutal reality of professional sport, one minute Ollie Hoskins has 2 more years left on his significant London Irish c...

Sione Havili Talitui- What a Lad

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm super grateful to get Sione Havili Talitui on What a Lad this week, I know it's not easy to go on a podcast when English is your second language b...

Ryan Crotty - What a Lad

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When I saw Ryan Crotty strolling down my street the other day I thought I need to get this Canterbury, Crusader and All Black legend on the podcast be...

Jack Goodhue- What a Lad

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For episode 200 I could not think of a better guest than the large chested All Black midfielder Jack Goodhue! It was so good to get him on What a Lad ...

Greig Laidlaw- What a Lad

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When I think of Scotland Rugby I straight away think Greig Laidlaw, the absolute lad who has captained his country more than any other player. He's al...

Sevu Reece & George Bower- What Lads

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What’s better than having one Crusader and All Black legend on the podcast? Thats right, having two of them and for  this episode we have just that...

Paul Williams- What a Lad

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If there is one job in rugby that is under appreciated it has to be the referee, such a tough job in such a complex game where the expectation is to a...

Stacey Waaka- What a Lad

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stacey Waaka is one of the biggest stars in the womens game, she has been a key member of the successful NZ womens 7's side as well as the Black Ferns...

Codie Taylor- What a Lad

09 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Codie Taylor is one of NZ rugbys great lads, a champion man on and off the field. He's also one of the best hookers in the modern era where his speed ...

Israel Dagg- What a Lad

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Israel Dagg is one of the all time greats! At his peak the gifted fullback made rugby look easy, even in the All Black jersey in some of the biggest t...

Tim Bateman- Life after Rugby

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Life after rugby or life after professional sport is hard. As you would’ve heard in previous episodes with retired players, everyone handles it diff...

Eljiah Taylor- What a Lad

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Elijah Taylor is a Rugby League legend here in NZ. He has played big roles for NRL sides including the Warriors, Panthers and Tigers, as well as playi...

Michael Fatialofa- What a Lad

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Speights What a Lad podcast season 4 is under way and what a guest to start! Michael Fatialofa was one of the toughest players on the field I ever...

Tamati Ellison- What a Lad

18 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here it is, the last episode of Season 3 and there is no better way to finish what has been a massive season then with greatest lad of them all Tamati...

Noah Hotham- What a Lad

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Noah Hotham is one of the most exciting young rugby talents on the planet and it was a pleasure to get him on the podcast and go through the first 19 ...

Jamie O’Donnell- What a Lad

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Breathing is something we do every minute of the day and it's crazy how many of us don't breathe correctly including myself. It's mind blowing to hear...

Colin Slade- What a Lad

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After however many episodes I have done so far, it's clear that every single rugby career is full of up and downs. In Colin Slade's case, the highs we...

Tony Lamborn- What a Lad

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After the recent retirement of the great American International Tony Lamborn, I knew I just had to get him on and man he does not dissapoint! A man wh...

Mike Coman- Q&A

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I know you've all heard the Mike Coman story (Season 1, episode 3) which was one of the greatest episodes to date. Now we've got him back on by popula...

Matt Duffie- What a Lad

06 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our first ever dual code international has jumped on What a Lad in the form of one of the greats Matt Duffie!   Matt who started off as a teenager wi...

Ricky Riccitelli- What a Lad

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What a guest Ricky Riccitelli was to get into the What a Lad studio for the last time, this man is a seriously good lad and there were plenty of laugh...

Shaun Stevenson- What a Lad

23 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It was awesome to get Shaun 'Shooter' Stevenson on What a Lad, this time for a yarn and not a prank about a dodgy DVD store. Although it was good to h...

Joe Royal- What a Lad

16 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you've played rugby in NZ in the last decade, it is highly likely you have either played with or against this great lad, Joe Royal. Joe has had a d...

Hoani Macdonald- What a Lad

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's not often we get someone on who has literally died while playing but in this episode with one of the great lads Hoani Macdonald I do. To think Ho...

Pablo Matera- What a Lad

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pablo Matera is one of the best loose forwards in the world, he is the very passionate captain of his country Argentina and most importantly one of th...

Papa Wharewera- What a Lad

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I suppose I get a lot of guests on who go on to become All Blacks or get to where they strived to be, this episode with Papa Wharewera is a bit differ...

Dan Hawkins- What a Lad

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Picton prince, Dan Hawkins is a self acclaimed white battler but what he is really most known for is being one of the games great lads. Anyone who...

Ngani Laumape- Announcement

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The great Ngani Laumape is back on What a Lad and this time we get to hear what is next for the most destructive ball carrier in the game. I love hear...

Jona Nareki- What a Lad

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As many of you will already know, Jona Nareki is a lad! A lad with plenty of good stories from his career to date and a personality that will have you...

Grayson Hart- Pure Sport

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the arrival of Pure Sport to NZ shores there is no better time to be joined by the Pure Sport Co-Founder and absolute lad Grayson Hart! Most of y...

Everyday with Garage Gym NZ ft James Marshall

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I jumped on the Everyday with Garage Gym NZ podcast as we speak about the What a Lad podcast, a bit about my career and the recent coa...

Dan Perrin- What a Lad

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I’m joined by Tasman Mako co head coach and one of the best butchers going around Dan Perrin and he’s maddd! Nothing has come easy for t...

Pek Cowan- What a Lad

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's not often I get Australian Rugby legends on What a Lad, so this episode with Western Force and Wallaby legend Pek Cowan is a real treat. Pek has ...

International Preview- Test 3

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a huge comeback from all the Northern Hemisphere teams last week the scene has been set for a huge round of footy with 4 series going down to a ...

Scott Hamilton- What a Lad

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After plenty of requests, it was awesome to get the great Scott Hamilton on What a Lad and I now know why he was so popular! Firstly his rugby journey...

International Rugby Preview- Test 2

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How good is International rugby at the moment! Some great last week so it was only fitting to get the thoughts of the usual panel of Searley, Tojo and...

John Schwalger- What a Lad

03 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Those who know John Schwalger will know he is one of the genuine good guys of our game. Such a great lad who has plenty of good stories from his caree...

International Rugby Preview- 1st Test

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Back by popular demand we got all the lads back from the Super Rugby Preview shows to look into the International Test week in particular the All Blac...

Sam Cane- What a Lad

26 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Cane the All Black skipper and Chiefs legend has just proven how much of a lad he is, by jumping on What a Lad during a very busy time for him. Ju...

Kendra Cocksedge- What a Lad

19 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We've done it, we have finally got a female on the podcast and what a guest to start! Kendra Cocksedge is a legend of the womens game here in NZ and a...

Super Rugby Final Review

18 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The last review show of what has been an awesome Super Rugby season! What a final it was, what a clinical performance from the Crusaders.  Enjoy! Thi...

Super Rugby Preview- The Final

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Then there were two! The final is here and the scene is set. The 2 top teams all season, a sold out Eden Park, All Blacks everywhere, match ups galore...

Ben Smith- What a Lad

12 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Smith the self acclaimed 'white battler', who has gone on to be one the the greatest outside backs of this generation. For the Highlanders, he is ...

Super Rugby Preview- Semi Final

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

And then there were 4! Semi Final time, with a couple of huge match ups to look forward to! Before we look ahead, we do look back to what was an enter...

Naitoa Ah Kuoi- What a Lad

05 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is lads and then there is Naitoa Ah Kuoi! Geez there were some laughs in this one, such a character and such a lad. After his recent post match ...

Super Rugby Preview- Quarter Finals

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finals Footy is here! We've been pumped for this weekend for ages and now it's finally here! After last weekends disaster round on the picks, it's fai...

Ajeet Rai- Bonus Mental Health episode

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A couple of days after sitting down with Ajeet for a What a Lad episode, he messaged me. He asked if he could come back on and open up about some of h...

Ajeet Rai- What a Lad

29 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

NZs number 1 tennis player Ajeet Rai is on What a Lad this week and it was awesome to get an insight into life as a professional tennis player. Ajeet ...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 15

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The last games of round robin are here before we get into the excitement of knockout footy! Heaps to get through  in this one with some massive games...

Dave Porecki- What a Lad

22 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Porecki is a perfect example of how far you can get when you commit to something and you're willing to make the sacrifices. It was awesome to cat...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 14

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How good is Super Rugby! Another cracking weekend last weekend and the match ups this weekend make for a very interesting round. For this episode I am...

James Evans- What a Lad

15 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered what being a punter in American Football is like then this is the episode for you! In this episode I'm joined by James Evans,...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 13

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Round 12 provided some magic which in this episode Searley and I will review. We talk about which players and teams stood out for us last week and thr...

Mark Telea- What a Lad

08 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You all know Mark Telea as one of the most dangerous wingers in rugby. He has the footwork, fend, D and work rate to be one of the greats. There is no...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 12

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Geez last week really threw a few spanners in the mixer after the all the Aussie teams impressed. Although it was bad for our tips it is awesome for t...

Craig Newby- What a Lad

01 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Craig Newby was someone that I had been told by many as being a seriously good lad and after this episode I can see why! So many good yarns in this on...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 11

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have Jackson Garden-Bachop join us as we preview Round 11 of Super Rugby, which should be a cracker. But first, we look back on last week...

Isaia Walker-Leawere- What a Lad

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are cruisy people in this world, then there is Izzy from Gizzy! There is not much that phases big Isaia Walker-Leawere and he is one of those gu...

Super Rugby Preview- Super Round

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Super Round is here, such a cool concept and an awesome weekend for any rugby fan to get along to or park up on the couch and get some exciting games ...

Jimmy Gopperth- What a Lad

17 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy Gopperth has had an incredible 19 year rugby career, where he has made a name for himself on both sides of the world. His consistency and his ab...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 9

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are lucky enough to be joined by Crusaders coach and goat lad Andrew Goodman, who joins Searley and I for another cracking week of Super ...

Simon Hickey- What a Lad

10 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I've never heard anyone ever say anything bad about Simon Hickey as a person. He’s a genuine lad who has had a hell of a footy career to date! An ag...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 8

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Round 8 of Super Rugby brings not only another great round of games to look forward to but also another great Super Rugby Review/ Preview show. This t...

Brett Cameron- What a Lad

03 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At just 25 years old, Brett Cameron has had a truely unique career to date. He's won almost everything there is to win in NZ Rugby with Canterbury and...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 7

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another ripper round of Super Rugby ahead for round 7, with plenty of juicy match ups to preview. As always I'm joined by the lad, co-host Searley fro...

Conor Gilsenan- What a Lad

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Conor Gilsenan, the London Irish legend, the reality TV star and one of the biggest lads you'll meet joins me this week on What a Lad. Gilly is a man ...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 6

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have a full round of Super Rugby again this week and crowds are back! How good! I'm pumped to see crowds back and I'm sure the players will be too ...

Tom Robinson- What a Lad

20 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Robinson is one of the real characters in NZ Rugby, so it was awesome to get him on What a Lad and hear some of his classic yarns! Big Tom has had...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 5

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What a shambles round 5 has turned out to be with Covid taking a massive toll on the NZ teams, leaving us with just 4 games for us to preview this wee...

Stephen Donald- What a Lad

13 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Donald has one of the greatest stories in sport. From a man who copped so much public criticism, he couldn’t even go to the supermarket with...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 4

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For this weeks Swysh Super Rugby Preview, we are lucky enough to be joined by the man who tipped out the Drua last week Searley, from award winning po...

Richie Mo’unga- What a Lad

06 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Richie Mo'unga is without a doubt one of the best players in the game and somehow even a better lad! It was awesome to get one of the greats on the Sw...

Super Rugby Preview Round 3

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For this weeks Swysh Super Rugby Preview, we have a very special guest in podcast guru Searley, from award winning podcast Searley talks sport. He joi...

Ben May- What a Lad

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben May is officially the oldest player to ever play Super Rugby and unofficially he is one of the most entertaining lads you will meet. The man affec...

Super Rugby Preview- Round 2

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another round of Super Rugby and another What a Lad preview! As you may have heard last week, Tom Marshall has kindly offered to join the panel every ...

Filipo Levi- What a Lad

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The life after sport transition is something that plays on all athletes minds. It's hard to prepare for and you don't really know what you're in for u...

Super Rugby Preview

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're trying something a bit different with this one and giving you a Marshall brother preview Super Rugby Pacific. We preview the games and highlight...

Elliot Dixon- What a Lad

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Was it a try, or did he drop it? That has been the question that has followed Elliot Dixon since his incredible try to win the Highlanders their first...

Denny Solomona- What a Lad

06 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Professional sport always sounds like the dream lifestyle but as you'll hear, in this episode from Denny Solomona, it does come with it's challenges. ...

Victor Vito- What a Lad

30 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Most fans will know Victor Vito as the big physical beast, who is big fast and strong and has all the skills in the world. The Victor Vito you are abo...

Ethan Blackadder- What a Lad

23 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Season 3 of What a Lad is here and there is no better way to start the new season, than with one of the biggest lads to walk this earth, the great Eth...

James Lowe- What a Lad

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

James Lowe has had an incredible journey to becoming the Irish International winger!   The kid gifted with size, speed and skill, was always going to...

Ardie Savea- What a Lad

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The lads just keep coming and honestly they don't get much bigger than Ardie Savea. The man who is leading the way for NZ athletes on and off the fiel...

Jordie Barrett- What a Lad

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jordie Barrett, yes the great Jordie Barrett, has come on what a lad and as he has always done on the field, he has well and truely delivered with thi...

Will Jordan- What a Lad

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There aren’t too many players who make the game of rugby look as easy as Will Jordan does, his speed and acceleration look effortless as he often le...

Pari Pari Parkinson - What a Lad

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pari Pari Parkinson is one of the most unique characters in NZ rugby. From his unique hairstyles on his 2.08m frame, to his often painted toenails and...