Jeremy Manning’s rugby journey is anything but ordinary. At just 16 years old he was playing against for the Marlborough Red Devils in the NPC which included playing in a Ranfurly Shield game against Canterbury while still being at school. He made the NZ secondary schools team on the wing ahead of Hosea Gear and out of school decided to take up a year offer with the Munster academy. Fast forward a few years later and he's doing the Haka against the All Blacks for Munster in a match!

In this episode, we dive into:

- Growing up in Marlborough and spending hours kicking goals alone

- What it was like being a 16 year old playing with men under Grizz Wylie

- Making New Zealand Schools and then missing out on U19s and how that shaped his path

- Moving to Ireland and joining Munster

- Winning Heineken Cups and learning behind Ronan O’Gara

- Playing against the All Blacks for Munster and performing a Haka

- Why his time at Newcastle Falcons turned him off rugby

- Life after rugby, including working with the Royal Family

- Helping Fiji Sevens during their Olympic success

- The emotional journey of IVF, surrogacy, and becoming a father

Jeremy is a massive lad with an incredible story. His story is different to most and has had some unique challenges. The way he shares his story with such honesty and vulnerability is super powerful. I know you'll enjoy this one, so let me know what you thought in the comments.

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