Holly Parkes on What a Lad

In this powerful episode I’m joined by Holly Parkes, someone who lived through the reality of caring for Shane Christie in his final years. Holly has bravely come on the podcast not for herself, but to continue Shane’s mission, to shine a light on the devastating impact of brain injuries and to give others a clearer understanding of what life with CTE really looks like.She opens up about what it was like supporting Shane day-to-day, the heartbreaking changes she witnessed, and the strength it took to stand by him as he fought through some heavy paranoia episodes. Holly also shares her own journey — the lessons, the love, and the hope she wants to pass on to players, families, and anyone impacted by brain injury.This was the hands down the heaviest podcast I've ever done. It’s raw, honest and emotional, but above all it’s a conversation that Holly wanted to have so that Shane’s suffering wasn’t in vain. This is an episode that will move you, challenge you, and hopefully help those who might be facing similar battles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Du’Plessis Kirifi has had one of the more inspiring journeys to the top and is one heck of lad to top it off. From growing up in Taranaki and spending part of his childhood in Samoa, to working three jobs while chasing his rugby dream, Dups has had anything but a straight road to the top.He opens up on the setbacks that shaped him — missing out on NZ U20s after being told he was “good enough but a bit of a dickhead”, the grind of trying to pack on size when everyone said he was too small, and the lessons he learned from competing hard in his early Hurricanes days.But through sheer hard work and resilience, he’s gone from labouring on worksites and sleeping in mates’ garages to captaining Wellington, becoming a leader at the Hurricanes, and finally achieving his All Black dream.In this episode we chat about…Growing up between Samoa and Taranaki, and the values his family instilled in himThe brutal honesty that sparked his turnaround after missing NZ U20sThe conscious effort he puts into his speaking The near move to Japan and the moment that kept him in New ZealandThe call from Razor How he got such big Quads!And heaps moreAn inspiring story of perseverance, self-awareness — this is such a good epiosde. Dups is not only a competitor on the field but also one of the most thoughtful and articulate players in the game. What a lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Western Force signing George Bridge is our guest this week and what a lad he is! From humble beginnings in Gisborne, to carving up for Canterbury, the Crusaders, and then going on to wear the black jersey on the biggest stage of all! But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. George had his struggles moving down to Christchurch as a 17 year old, he had to deal with some brutal injuries – knees, pec tears, appendicitis, he had three surgeries in eight months! He even played a Super Rugby Final with a nasty vomit bug. Despite all that, he kept bouncing back and showing his class and always finishing of tries!Some highlights for me in this one were..Hearing why he made the leap from Gisborne to Christchurch, The pathway he took to becoming an All Black,The influence of Leon MacDonald,The heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Why he moved to France and how he found itHis next chapter with the Force,And heaps more including all your questions.George is someone who always took his opportunity on the field through work rate and the never give up attitude. Players loved playing with this man cause he would never let them down and he is a champion lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this one I am joined by one of the Black Ferns’ most exciting talents, Amy du Plessis. Amy’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, from growing up in South Africa to becoming a Rugby World Cup winner with the Black ferns! Her silky skills and ability to play anywhere has made her a hugely valuable asset for NZ Rugby and now she’s now preparing to take on the world again in the 2025 Rugby World Cup! In this episode we chat about..* Life growing up in South Africa and why her family moved to NZ* How she got into Rugby* Why she travelled 5 hours a day to play for Otago* Why her move to Canterbury was “the best thing I’ve ever done”* Being named in the Black Ferns and working under legends Wayne Smith & Graham Henry* Playing in front of sold-out crowds and winning the RWC* Her love for Super Rugby and Matatū* The build-up to the upcoming RWC and her expectations heading in* And plenty of great adviceAs you’ll hear, Amy is such a champion human, and this yarn is packed with stories, laughs and some really inspiring takeaways. This is such a cool insight into the women’s game as we look to cheer on our Black Ferns to hopefully another RWC! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angus Ta’avao is one of the biggest characters in New Zealand rugby, someone who is always good value to be around and has a great ability to bring a side together with his personality.Angus has done it all: NPC champ with Taranaki, Super Rugby champ with the Blues, he's an All Black, TV star, saxophone shredder and he is still playing rugby as good as he ever has! Angus is the ultimate lad. In this episode we get into- Why he has decided to move down to the Highlanders for 2026!- He talks through the moment when he said he’d never play rugby again.- He reflects on "that tackle" where he was concussed, red carded and suspended.- The journey he has been on as a father- He goes through the potential options for life after footy- We chat why he’s decided to move south- And of course plenty of random chatThis one’s got everything – laughs, honesty and a heap of inspiration from one of the great characters of our game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oli Mathis is one of the most talented young players in the country. The Hamilton Boys star produced some of the most iconic NZ Schools performances we’ve ever seen. Whether he’s been playing loose forward or on the wing, the 20-year-old has been unstoppable playing for Waikato, the All Blacks 7’s side & the NZ U20s. In this episode, we chat about:What it was like growing up in Waihi on the farmWhy he moved to Hamilton Boys and his time in the First XVWe talk about those incredible NZ Schools performances and what he felt set him apart as a schoolboyWhy he turned down the Crusaders Academy to stay in the Chiefs regionHis experiences with Waikato, Chiefs wider squad, All Blacks 7s and NZ U20sThe frustration of missing the U20 World Cup Final through injuryLife as a hybrid forward/wing and where he sees his best positionWhere he see’s his future in the game And heaps moreAs you’ll hear Oli is a passionate rugby man, he always has been! And then when he’s not on the field, he is up on the hills hunting in true kiwi style. This is an awesome insight into someone with a huge future ahead of him, a special talent and one of the great lads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamison Gibson Park has gone on to be without a doubt one of the best 9s in world rugby! He's one of my favourite players to watch the way he plays with speed and controls the tempo of games while always nailing the basics. He was also one of my favourite team mates to play with because he was just a massive lad. 4 years ago this episode was recorded where he had just debuted for Ireland so it's pretty cool to hear some of the conversations we had around his future plans to see how far he has exceeded them!Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode...Hearing about the rural upbringing Jamison had on Great Barrier Island.How he handled missing out on the NZ 20's even though many felt he should've been in there.How he was shafted by the Blues.Winning the Super Rugby with the Hurricanes, starting as a wider squad member.Why he left NZ.How he had found it over in Ireland & with Leinster.And heaps more!As you'll hear, Jammo is a massive lad and it's been so cool seeing him starring at RWC's with Ireland and now on the Lions tour. He is one of the greats! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Bell might not be a recognisable name for you all, but as soon as you hear that voice – you will definitely recognise the voice. The man widely regarded for having the greatest larynx in the country which we have heard delivering some of the great moments in Heartland Rugby! Donny Bell has an infectious love for the game and brings the fizz like no other.In this episode, we chat about:•Why he always wanted to be a commentator as a kid •Commentating with some of his childhood hero’s including Chainsaw Laney•His commentary impersonations of almost every commentator in the game (including the South African special!)•An awesome insight into what goes on behind the mic •Plenty of great yarns from travelling around the countryAnd heaps more! This is a very entertaining episode with a great insight into what goes on behind the mic, Donny brings impressive energy to this one and I voice I could listen to all day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Darry is a massive lad! Standing at over 2 metres tall and at just 24 years old the man has achieved and been through a lot! And it feels like he is still just getting started, After dominating schoolboy footy, Sam signed with Canterbury young and then made a bold move to head north to the Blues, a decision that he felt gave him the opportunity to become one of the best young locks in the game. It's fair to say it's worked out pretty well for him, being an important piece of the puzzle in the Blues 2024 winning season and going on to become an All Black.In this episode we dive into:Growing up with his mum Kat being being the All Blacks nutritionist How rowing at college helped shape him as an athleteWhy he decided to turn down the Crusaders to head to the BluesTom Robinson’s top-tier pranksHow Vern Cotter helped his gameWhat it meant to win the 2024 Super Rugby Title with the BluesWhy Jase Ryan had to square him before his debutHis tight bond with Luke Romano, and lessons he’ll never forgetHow he has handled the different injuries he has been hit with throughout his careerAnd how he plans to attack the next three years with a World Cup in sightBig Sam Darry is sharp, humble, and full of unreal yarns. He is on his way to becoming one of the greats, and this episode gives you an insight into the journey and the man of the future legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No one has won more Super Rugby titles than Mitchell Drummond! A man who has done it all in the red and black jersey, Drummy has won 3 NPC titles with Canterbury and a ridiculous 8 Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders – yes, 8 titles! Add to that a test for the All Blacks, a stint with the Barbarians, over 100 games for Canterbury, and being the youngest ever Crusaders centurion and you start to get the picture.But beyond the stats, Mitch has been the Glue Guy for the Canterbury Region for over a decade, a man who has genuinely put the team first and always nailed his role in the side whatever that may be.In this episode, we chat about:- An exclusive announcement on where he will be playing his rugby this season- Why he chose Rugby over a promising Cricket career- Why he turned down an offer from another Club- How he went from playing against the All Blacks one week to playing for them the next- An insight into the competitive rivalry with Bryn Hall- His struggles with social media comments- How he feels about his Dad owning the Highlanders- And all of your questions!Drummy also gives some great insights into leadership, what’s made the Crusaders successful, and great advice for young aspiring rugby player.Mitch Drummond is one special human and this episode is one of the great episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.