Kylem O’Donnell is a lad who has truly lived the highs and lows of chasing the rugby dream. From starring at Hamilton Boys’ High to winning an NPC title with Taranaki and travelling the world with the All Blacks Sevens, he looked destined for it all. But behind the speed, fitness and flair, Kylem’s story is one of setbacks, mental battles, and resilience.

In this episode he opens up like never before from the challenge of dealing with injuries and non-selection, to a being on the receiving end of brutal bouncer assault. He even shares some incredibly hard moments in his life including a terrifying drug-induced psychosis that had him running to on the motorway naked! However the most powerful of all are the moments where Kylem shares his raw struggles with mental health, including times he nearly didn’t make it through, and the support that helped him fight back.

This episode is not just about the rugby it’s about honesty, vulnerability, and rediscovering who you are. An incredible chat with a man who is now using his own journey to inspire and help others.

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Mark Hammett has done it all in the game. With 81 games for the Crusaders, 4 Super Rugby titles, 29 Tests for the All Blacks and now a spot in the Crusaders Hall of Fame, Hammer’s rugby journey is an incredible one. Add in a coaching career that’s taken him from the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Cardiff Blues, Sunwolves, Tasman and Highlanders, the influence he has had on each side has been huge!

In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from a soccer player, to the early days of professional rugby, and the mindset that carried him through as both player and coach.

In this episode we go through..

The competitive edge that drove the Crusaders dynasty

What he learnt from coaches like Robbie Deans and Wayne Smith

The realities of early professional rugby contracts and suspensions

All Black memories including the infamous SAS camp

His move to coach the Hurricanes & the controversial decisions around Ma’a Nonu and Andrew Hore

His stints overseas with Cardiff and Japan’s Sunwolves

Lessons learned at the Highlanders and what he’d do differently

His passion for neuroscience, brain health and life after rugby

What he’s most proud of and the advice he lives by

And heaps more

Hammer is humble, competitive, brutally honest and one of the most authentic leaders you’ll hear from. There's so much gold in this one for everyone and whether you loved him or not as a player or a coach I know you'll have a new found respect for him after this one!

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Will Genia is one of the all-time great halfbacks and after this conversation I'm sure you'll understand why. With over 100 Tests for the Wallabies, a Super Rugby title with the Reds and stints with the Rebels, Stade Francais and the Kintetsu Liners Will had a bit of everything in his career!

In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from growing up in Papua New Guinea where he dreamt of becoming a cricketer, to falling in love with Rugby and the insane work ethic that took him from Colts to the Wallabies in the blink of an eye.

In this episode we go through..

One of the strongest mindsets to continually get better I have hear.

His journey through the grades and how he felt like an imposter at each step.

Winning super rugby and that incredible try that he scored in that final!

The highs and heartbreaks of three Rugby World Cups

His brutal ACL injury and his comeback to star against the Lions

Life in France and six more years in Japan

Why he walked away when he still could’ve played on

His transition into coaching alongside Quade Cooper

And heaps more.

If you think you work hard this episode might question that, Wills work ethic and drive blew me away. He's also humble, honest, insightful and just one of the absolute great lads!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.