What happens when the game gets taken away from you for the first time?

Today on the DSPN, Martin sits down with All Blacks and Chiefs forward Tupou Vaa’i as he opens up about his knee injury, a long road back to fitness, and what being sidelined taught him about rugby and life.

From lonely mornings watching the boys on tour to finding clarity through family time, Tupou reflects on a season that changed him.

We also get into confidence, imposter syndrome, and the moments that helped lift his game to another level back in 2024. Tupou talks honestly about working alongside Scott Barrett, the impact of mental skills coaching, and how becoming a father shifted his entire perspective.

It’s a grounded, thoughtful conversation with one of the All Blacks’ most quietly important players.

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