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 things

This 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.

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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.

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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 Umaga

Some 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 career

This 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.