Marc Ellis is one of the most iconic and entertaining characters New Zealand rugby has ever produced. A former All Black known for his speed, skill and ability to light up a game, Ellis became just as famous off the field for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and outrageous stories that have become the stuff of legend.

In this episode of What a Lad, Marc opens up about the journey through rugby and beyond. From his rise through Otago and into the All Blacks, to the wild days of student life, media, business ventures and everything in between, this one is packed with laughs, chaos and a few unexpected insights.

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

His rise through Otago rugby and what it took to reach the All Blacks

The famous stories from his university days and how loose things really got

Buying a fire engine with his mates and the chaos that came with it

The reality behind some of the stories people have heard over the years

His mindset around taking opportunities and backing yourself

His memories from the All Blacks including score 6 or 8 tries in one game!

How he found the Warriors and the culture difference to rugby

His perspective on risk, failure and why you’ve just got to have a crack

And heaps more!

This episode is pure entertainment. Marc brings unbelievable energy, humour and honesty, with story after story that somehow just keep getting better. There’s a lot of laughs in this one, but also some great perspective around life, backing yourself and making the most of every opportunity.

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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.

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