With Super Rugby just around the corner, who better to talk to than the Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley. The fact that Jack was keen to come on What a Lad and share his very honest thoughts on the game and where it is heading, is proof that this man will do what he can to grow the game.

Transparency was a big part of what Jack wants to see going forward and he certainly leading the way with how open he was around the challenges Super Rugby is facing but also some great ideas he has around the opportunities we have in the game. We speak about the highly anticipated fantasy rugby game that was be live for the 2025 Super Rugby season which will be an absolute game changer.

I left this conversation very exciting about the 2025 Super Rugby season, I do believe it will be one of the best yet and I was also left excited about where the competition and the game is heading. Jack will be an outstanding addition to the competition, he's a passionate rugby man who is a massive lad and I'm sure you'll enjoy this insight.

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Tom Walsh has been one of the best shot-putters in the world for the last decade so it was an honour to get him on What a Lad for this one.

Plenty of people have suggested over the years to get him on and I can see why, he isn’t just good at what he does but he’s a massive lad with an incredible mindset which has seen him win Gold Medals at the World Champs (outdoor and indoor) and the Commonwealth games while twice picking up a Bronze at the Olympics

Some parts that stood out for me were..

How he is sometimes awkwardly mistaken for the great Joe Moody.

Growing up with Dyslexia and the challenges that came with that.

His upbringing in all sports, a rugby no8, cricket wizard and shot put beast.

How he ended up in shot-put and the unique lifestyle of a shot-putter

Why he kept throwing at this years Olympics even with a torn abductor

As well as plenty of great advice for everyone!

As you’ll hear Tom Walsh is a very likeable character, who has had an incredible career to date and the best thing is that it is not over yet. Hearing the mindset that Tom has, I've got no doubt there's more success to come for this great New Zealanders.

If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!

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Everyone who has played with Brayden Mitchell will testify that he is one of the greatest lads to play the game, he was a champion team mate on and off the field, who loved a good time and could always back it up when on the pitch. Some of the stories and reflections that the man they call Scratcher has in this episode were incredible to hear. He was so honest, held back nothing and can tell a seriously good yarn!

Some bits that stood out for me in this one were...

How hard the struggle of retiring from rugby due to a neck injury was for him

His relationship with gambling throughout his career

Getting his first contract straight out of school.

Dealing with a lack of confidence in himself

His relationship with alcohol during his career and during the transition post footy

Dealing with injuries and his regret in how he attacked his rehab

Becoming the Stags captain and the pressure involved with that

And honestly some of the best behind the scene stories of a professional rugby player you will hear.

I've got so much time for Scratcher, just a champion human who played the game for enjoyment and he certainly did that! If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and let me know what stood out for you in the comments.

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