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.

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