Daniel Hobbs may not be a household name in New Zealand sport, but his story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.

Known throughout Tasman rugby as a respected strength and conditioning coach, Daniel opens up about the horrific abuse he endured growing up at the hands of his stepfather. From living in constant fear, to enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, to the heartbreaking moment he nearly took his own life at just nine years old, this is a story of incredible resilience.

Daniel shares how he overcame the lasting effects of childhood abuse, the PTSD that still impacts him today, and why he made a conscious decision to become the kind of man and father he never had

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Growing up in a household filled with fear, violence and control.

- The unimaginable abuse he, his mum and sister endured for years.

- The moment he nearly took his own life at just nine years old.

- The long-term effects of PTSD and childhood trauma.

- Discovering the truth about his biological father later in life.

- Why he's most proud of breaking the cycle of abuse.

- His advice for anyone currently going through a difficult time.

This is one of the bravest conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Daniel's willingness to share his story is an incredible act of courage, and I have no doubt it will help people who are facing similar struggles or know someone who i

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Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has one of the most remarkable stories in Australian rugby. He didn't even start playing rugby union until Year 12, yet just a few years later he was making his Super Rugby debut before earning his first Wallabies cap against the Springboks.

In this episode of What a Lad, Lukhan opens up about the journey that shaped him. From missing representative teams as a teenager and using rejection as motivation, to becoming one of Australia's most respected forwards, playing for the Reds, Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and the Wallabies.

He also shares his thoughts on missing this year's Wallabies squad despite making the Super Rugby Team of the Year, why he's at peace with the decision, and how becoming a father has completely changed his perspective on rugby and life.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Starting rugby union in Year 12 after growing up playing rugby league

- Missing representative teams and the conversation with his dad that changed his mindset forever

- Earning his first Wallabies cap only a year after his Super Rugby debut

- The influence Brad Thorn had on his career and development

- His experiences playing for Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and against the British & Irish Lions

- Why family now comes before rugby and what he hopes his kids remember about him

Lukhan is one of the genuine good guys in rugby. Honest, humble and incredibly resilient, this conversation gives a great insight into the mindset behind one of Australia's best forwards.

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Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua.

A two-time Rugby World Cup representative and one of Fiji's most experienced first fives, Ben has experienced the highs of winning Super Rugby and the lows of missing a Rugby World Cup squad. Throughout it all, he's built a reputation as one of rugby's ultimate professionals and a respected teammate wherever he's played.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Why rugby was the only plan he ever had growing up

- The decision to represent Fiji after coming through the Australian pathway

- What he learned from the Crusaders culture and why the best cultures win championships

- The heartbreak of missing Fiji's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and how he found motivation again

- Playing alongside stars like Israel Folau & Richie Mo'unga

- Why he's returning home to join the Fijian Drua and help build the future of Fijian rugby

- The lessons he's taken from playing professionally across Australia, New Zealand, France and England

Ben has experienced almost every corner of professional rugby, but what stood out most was his humility, gratitude and perspective. This is a fascinating conversation about resilience, culture, leadership and what it really takes to build a long career in professional sport.

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