Kieran Read is one of the greatest All Blacks of the professional era. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, four-time Super Rugby champion and former All Blacks captain, Kieran built a career defined by consistency, leadership and an incredible work ethic.

From a typical Kiwi childhood in Papakura, to representing Counties in both rugby and cricket, Kieran's path to the top wasn't as straightforward as many would think. He wasn't a player who came through every representative system, and by his own admission was a shy kid who often kept to himself. Yet through hard work, resilience and a constant desire to improve, he became one of the most respected leaders New Zealand rugby has ever produced.

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

* Why cricket was arguably his best sport growing up and how close he came to pursuing it professionally

* The moment rugby went from being something he loved to something he wanted to chase seriously

* Making New Zealand Secondary Schools despite not being part of the traditional rugby pathway

* Playing 49 consecutive games at the start of his Crusaders career

* Becoming Canterbury captain at just 22 years old

* His memories of winning Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015

* Taking over from Richie McCaw as All Blacks captain and learning to lead in his own way

* The sacrifices that come with professional rugby and being away from family for long periods

* The leadership lessons he's taken from rugby into business and life after retirement

Kieran is one of those rare people whose achievements speak for themselves, yet remains incredibly humble. This episode is packed with stories from one of rugby's greatest careers, along with plenty of lessons on leadership, resilience and personal growth.

Let us know what you thought of this episode in the comments 👇

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