Jeff McTainsh

Jeff McTainsh is quickly becoming one of the leading voices in New Zealand rugby. From growing up in Dunedin dreaming of the All Blacks, to commentating games off the TV as a kid, Jeff has built an incredible career through persistence, passion and years of hard work behind the scenes.After working through radio, journalism, TV news and sports reporting, Jeff slowly carved his way into the commentary world — eventually earning the opportunity to call All Blacks test matches on Sky Sport. Along the way he’s covered Olympic Games, NPC rugby, Super Rugby, international rugby and become one of the most respected commentators in the country.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- The story behind sending a commentary clip to Sky Sport in hopes of getting an opportunity- Getting the call to commentate college rugby and how that changed everything- The surreal moment he got called in to commentate the All Blacks at Eden Park- How commentators prepare for games, player pronunciations and big moments- His hilarious impressions of Dave Rennie, Ray Warren, Hamish McKay and more- Why balance, fitness and routine completely changed his life over the last few years- His thoughts on the future of rugby, commentary and the All BlacksJeff is one of those genuine good blokes who clearly loves rugby and loves storytelling. This episode is full of awesome insight into sports broadcasting, plenty of laughs, some elite impressions and a seriously cool story about chasing a passion and slowly building your way to the top. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Heem is one of the most underrated rugby players New Zealand has produced. From leaving school early and working trades, to partying his way through his late teens, Bryce carved out a 15-year professional rugby career through hard work, resilience and taking every opportunity that came his way.Playing for the Auckland, Northland, Tasman, the Chiefs, the Blues, NZ Sevens, Worcester and Toulon, Bryce built a career that took him all around the world and made him one of the most respected teammates in the game.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- How he's found his transition from rugby to mortgage broking- Going from working in refrigeration and air conditioning to marking Hosea Gear in his first professional game- The brutal fitness standards and lessons he learned under Gordon Tietjens in NZ Sevens- Why he chose to leave New Zealand rugby for Worcester and the reality of overseas rugby life- Returning home from France after his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer- How a simple message helped earn him a contract with the Blues- Winning Super Rugby with the Blues after years of being so close- His thoughts on missing out on the All Blacks and why he has no regrets about his career- Why “don’t burn bridges” became one of the biggest lessons he learned through rugbyBryce is one of those lads everyone he played with will conform he's a legendary man. Tough as nails on the field, humble off it and full of great perspective from a career that took him all over the world. Plenty of laughs, honest reflections and awesome stories in this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Gubb is one of rugby league’s great characters. A Queensland Cup legend known for his physicality, longevity and hilarious stories, Gubby shares plenty of great yarns in this one. From the 3rd XV at school to still playing high-level footy at 37, his journey is anything but ordinary.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Hearing his side of the story on what growing up was like for him with his brother Charlie.- The reality of chasing an NRL dream.- His unique thoughts on training, longevity and being a “lifetime trainer”- The dangers of superstitions and when they can become too much- What the ultimate amount of caffeine is to take pre a podcast- His thoughts on confidence, backing yourself and saying yes to opportunitiesAnd some of the funniest stories you'll hear!It's not often I'll listen back to and episode and be laughing out loud but there's something about the Gubb brothers that crack me up! Peter is one of those blokes you could listen to for hours — authentic, funny and just a genuine lad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brad Thorn is one of the most unique athletes to ever come out of New Zealand. A cross-code legend known for his physicality, discipline and longevity, Thorn built an incredible career winning amore variety of titles than anyone to have played the game.In this episode of What a Lad, Thorny opens up about his full journey through rugby league and union. From dominating in the NRL as a teenager, to making the bold decision to switch codes and start again, and everything it took to become one of the most respected forwards in world rugby.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Reflecting on previous stories that had been told on the podcast about him before- The moment his mindset changed and he was a whole different beast- How he dealt with what came with being an NRL star as a teenager- Making the call to leave rugby league at his peak and sacrifice his prime years to learn rugby union- Being told he was hurting the team and how he dealt with that pressure- The mindset behind his training and pushing himself when no one else was watching- The pressure of playing for the All Blacks and what it really means to represent New Zealand- Winning the Rugby World Cup and how it felt in the moment- His journey into head coaching at the Reds and the pressure involved with that- His reflections on his career and the standards he held himself to throughoutAnd heaps more!This episode is full of honesty, perspective and a real look into what it actually takes to reinvent yourself at the highest level. Thorny is one of the toughest and most respected players to do it, and this one gives a proper insight into how he became that guy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seti Tafua has one of the most powerful and inspiring stories you’ll hear in New Zealand rugby. A talented young player chasing his dream overseas, Seti’s life changed in an instant after a horrific neck injury left him paralysed and fighting for his life. Doctors told him he may never walk again.In this episode of What a Lad, Seti opens up about that journey through rugby and life. From the moment of the injury, to the reality of being unable to move, the long road through rehab, and the mindset that helped him defy the odds and walk again. He also shares how he found purpose after rugby and built a new career as the Hurricanes Analyst.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- The moment he made a tackle and instantly knew something was seriously wrong- Being told by doctors he would likely have to rely on others for the rest of his life- Spending over two years in a wheelchair and the reality of daily rehab- The mindset he used to stay positive and never give up despite the odds- Taking his first steps again and the emotion that came with it- The unbelievable support from the rugby community during his recovery- How he managed to become part of the Hurricanes Analyst team.- His outlook on life now and the importance of staying positive and being gratefulAnd heaps more!This episode is incredibly powerful. Seti’s mindset, resilience and positivity through everything he’s been through is something special. He’s the kind of person that puts life into perspective and reminds you what really matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Holland is one of the most respected coaches in New Zealand rugby. A brilliant rugby mind known for his attacking detail, leadership and ability to get the best out of people. The man known as Alfie has built an impressive career through Manawatu, Taranaki, Munster, Canterbury, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. In this episode of What a Lad, Alfie opens up about his full journey through rugby, from a young kid growing with a love for the game, to coaching the All Blacks and everything in between.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Always having a ball in hand as a kid and how rugby became ingrained in him from a young age- While always loving the game but not always training as hard as he could have- Heading overseas to Munster and the moment he realised what it took to become a true professional- Spending over a decade at Munster as both a player and coach and how that shaped his career- Getting the opportunity to move into coaching and the challenges involved- His time with the Hurricanes and winning a Super Rugby title with a special group of players- The transition into the All Blacks environment and the pressure that comes with coaching at the very top- Reflection on his time in the All Blacks and an insight into his decision to step away- An insight into his move to Head Coach the Blues next season.And heaps more!This episode is full of insight, honesty and some great perspective on the realities of professional rugby and coaching. Alfie was one of my all time favourite coaches, such a genuinely good guy who loves talking footy. I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Ellis is one of the most iconic and entertaining characters New Zealand rugby has ever produced. A former All Black known for his speed, skill and ability to light up a game, Ellis became just as famous off the field for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and outrageous stories that have become the stuff of legend.In this episode of What a Lad, Marc opens up about the journey through rugby and beyond. From his rise through Otago and into the All Blacks, to the wild days of student life, media, business ventures and everything in between, this one is packed with laughs, chaos and a few unexpected insights.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…His rise through Otago rugby and what it took to reach the All BlacksThe famous stories from his university days and how loose things really gotBuying a fire engine with his mates and the chaos that came with itThe reality behind some of the stories people have heard over the yearsHis mindset around taking opportunities and backing yourselfHis memories from the All Blacks including score 6 or 8 tries in one game!How he found the Warriors and the culture difference to rugbyHis perspective on risk, failure and why you’ve just got to have a crackAnd heaps more! This episode is pure entertainment. Marc brings unbelievable energy, humour and honesty, with story after story that somehow just keep getting better. There’s a lot of laughs in this one, but also some great perspective around life, backing yourself and making the most of every opportunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron Suafoa is one of the toughest and most resilient players ever! A hard-working loose forward who earned everything through grit and determination, Cam built his career through Auckland, Tasman and North Harbour before becoming a standout for the Blues and earning selection for the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.In this What a Lad exclusive, Cam opens up like never before. From his journey through the rugby ranks to the battle he’s faced off the field, this is an incredibly powerful and emotional conversation. Cam shares what it was like being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, playing rugby while unknowingly dealing with cancer, and the physical and mental toll that followed.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- The determination to fight for every opportunity as a player coming through- Finding a lump in his back and later being diagnosed with a high grade sarcoma- Playing through the NPC season while unknowingly dealing with cancer- Undergoing surgery to remove the tumour and the brutal recovery that followed- Going through radiation while still training and playing rugby- The moment he found out his cancer had returned and spread- Coming to terms with being told he is terminally ill- The mindset he’s used to stay positive through everything- Leaning on family, especially his wife Britt, during the toughest moments- Making the most of life and appreciating the small thingsThis episode was the hardest episode I've ever done but honestly Cam's positive outlook and ability to see things for what they are was incredible to witness. His honesty, courage and perspective are seriously inspiring. The way he has held himself during his battle has been so impressive, he's such a champion man who I know will fight with all he can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pasilio Tosi is one of the most unique stories in New Zealand rugby right now. A 140kg powerhouse known for his brutal scrummaging and ball carrying, Tosi has quickly become a key figure for the Hurricanes and has fully earnt his place as an All Black. But his journey to the top was anything but straightforward.In this episode of What a Lad, Tosi opens up about that journey through rugby and life. From working on the veggie farms with his old man, to moving away from home at a young age, battling through the Southland system as a number 8, and eventually making the switch to prop that changed everything.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Growing up and the work ethic he learned from his dad working long days on the farms- Playing both rugby league and union before being forced to choose between the two- Moving away to Rotorua Boys and dealing with homesickness and losing his mum during school- Heading down to Southland, living alone for the first time and learning how to be independent- Playing as a number 8 before making the tough decision to switch to prop- Getting “pumped every scrum” early on and learning the dark art of scrummaging- Putting on 20+ kilos during lockdown and the wake-up call that followed- Struggling financially early in his Hurricanes career while supporting a young family- Missing selection and being told he needed more experience before finally getting his chance- The moment Jason Ryan told him he was close to the All Blacks- Getting the call that he had made the All Blacks and what that meant for his family- And heaps more!This episode is full of honesty, humour and real insight into what it takes to make it at the highest level. Pasi is one of the real characters in the game, great energy, enjoys life and is full of sharns! There are some classic stories in this one and a lot of perspective around the journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Tito is one of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby. A tough, uncompromising forward known for his work rate, leadership and physicality, Paul built an outstanding career with Taranaki, the Hurricanes and overseas with Cardiff, where he played over 120 games and captained the club.In this episode of What a Lad, Fish opens up about the full journey through rugby and coaching. From getting thrown into provincial rugby at just 18, to playing alongside legends like Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana UmagaSome parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Getting told at 18 he was starting against Argentina- Playing alongside Hurricanes legends like Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga- The call from John Mitchell that made him think he was about to be named an All Black- Missing out on selection and how he reflects on his career without regrets- His move overseas to Cardiff and becoming a leader and captain of the club- Finishing his playing career and transitioning into coaching- Starting out coaching his school and working his way into professional rugby- Moving to France and spending 18 months away from his family during COVID- The sacrifices that come with coaching and constantly being away from home- His experience coaching Georgia and being part of a historic win over Wales- Why he believes taking opportunities is the key to building a great careerThis episode is full of honesty, perspective and classic rugby stories. Fish shares the highs, the setbacks, and the sacrifices that come with a life in rugby, both as a player and a coach. There’s some seriously good insight in this one and a few unreal stories along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.