produced and after this episode it’s easy to see why.

A 108-test All Black, multiple-time World Cup winner, and a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ most dominant era. Owen built his career on work ethic, consistency, and doing whatever it took to get himself in the best position to perform week in and week out.

In this episode of What a Lad, Owen opens up like never before. From earning respect as a young All Black, to facing a battle far bigger than rugby when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This is a rare look at what it actually takes to stay at the top — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In this episode, we cover…

- Growing up in Motueka with his brother Ben

- How he put on the size to become a front rower

- The brutal start to professional rugby dislocating his elbow in his first Canterbury scrum

- His All Blacks debut and why he never felt overawed

- What the All Blacks environment is really like behind closed doors

- Earning respect, driving standards, and ruthless competition

- Walking out for World Cup finals

- Why he went to the gym the next day after World Cup glory

- The battle that came with being diagnosed with testicular cancer

- Why chemotherapy was tougher than any rugby pain

- Life after rugby, coaching, and a new perspective

This is one of the most inspiring episodes ever from a man who was (along with his brother) certainly the most professional player I ever saw. He’s someone who deserved every bit of success he got and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one!

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