Life From The Sidelines

In this episode of Life From The Sidelines, we dive into the world of women's rugby coaching with Willie Walker, Coach and Amy Courtney, Manager of the Nz Cavs 7s team, two passionate advocates for the sport. Together, they share their journeys—from unexpected beginnings to nearly a decade of shaping the game for women. We explore what it takes to build resilience in athletes, the unique dynamics of coaching women, and why treating players as individuals truly matters.Willie and Amy open up about the joys and challenges of working in a sport that's still fighting for recognition and resources. They discuss the crucial role of family support, how open communication empowers athletes (especially mothers), and why management needs to prioritize the personal lives of their players. Most importantly, they reflect on the legacy they hope to leave: a strong foundation for future generations of women in rugby and a reminder that sport is only one part of a much bigger life journey.Tune in for honest stories, practical insights, and a celebration of the community that makes women's rugby so special.

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into Teddy's remarkable journey—a story defined by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Teddy opens up about how maximizing personal potential isn't just about individual success, but about giving back and uplifting others. We explore how cultural values influence life both on and off the field, and how setbacks, like injuries, can unlock unexpected opportunities and new directions.Teddy shares candid reflections on why everything happens for a reason, and how embracing entrepreneurship can offer athletes a fulfilling path after their sports careers. He emphasizes the vital role of family support, the importance of taking ownership of your own story, and why relying solely on external networks isn't enough. Throughout, Teddy's humble beginnings and powerful insights remind us that inspiration can come from anywhere—and that every challenge holds the seed for new growth.Whether you're an athlete, a partner, or anyone navigating life's unpredictable sidelines, this conversation will uplift and empower you to redefine your journey with courage and intention.

In this heartfelt episode, Tima Savea takes us on an inspiring journey from her roots in Iraq to building a life in New Zealand and navigating the unique challenges of living in France. She opens up about the delicate balancing act of motherhood, marriage, and mental health, sharing deeply personal stories of cultural transitions, the impact of COVID-19, and the power of family support.Tima dives into her IVF experience, the pressures of social media, and the importance of staying authentic in the influencer world. She also reflects on the lessons learned through friendship, personal growth, and the evolving dynamics of life after rugby. This candid conversation is a celebration of resilience, maturity, and the grace it takes to overcome life's hurdles. Tune in for a raw and uplifting discussion that will leave you feeling empowered and connected.

In this insightful episode of Life From The Sidelines, we sit down with David Galbraith, a New Zealand Registered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with elite athletes, including the All Blacks, Chiefs, and Olympic athletes. David shares his journey from a sports-loving childhood to becoming a renowned sports psychologist, helping athletes and their partners thrive both on and off the field.We dive into the mental health challenges faced by professional athletes, particularly rugby players, and explore how partners can support them without adding pressure. David offers practical strategies for improving communication, maintaining work-life balance, and recognizing signs of mental health struggles. He also provides actionable mental resilience practices for couples and advice on building a supportive community to navigate the unique challenges of professional sports.Whether you're an athlete partner, a sports enthusiast, or someone passionate about mental health, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in and discover how to strengthen your relationship, prioritize mental well-being, and thrive together in the high-pressure world of professional sports.

In this special episode of LFTSL, we sit down with Ben O'Keeffe, the renowned international rugby referee from New Zealand who has officiated at two Rugby World Cups, recently reached 100 Super Rugby games, and is now celebrating a personal milestone—his engagement to Wilhelmina! Ben shares his remarkable journey, from his childhood days in New Zealand playing sports to the steps he took to become a top-tier referee, balancing the pressure of the global stage with his equally impressive career in the medical field.Dive into Ben's experience officiating high-stakes matches across hemispheres, hear how he learned to speak French for Top 14 matches, and discover how he manages co-founding oDocs Eye Care while also providing anti-wrinkle treatments in Auckland! If you've ever wondered what it takes to excel in such diverse fields—both on and off the pitch—this episode is a must-listen. Plus, learn about the tight-knit community of rugby referees and the mental resilience tools needed to thrive amid controversy and high expectations.Tune in to hear:Ben's early life and the spark that led him to pursue refereeing.Refereeing at the Rugby World Cup—the pinnacle of a ref's career.The balancing act of being a world-class referee and a medical professional.Key advice for aspiring referees who dream of breaking into the big leagues.Join us for a conversation that will entertain, inspire, and give you a whole new appreciation for the critical role referees play in the world of rugby!

Join us,  Kayla and Jada in a captivating conversation with special guest Fiona Wainiqolo, wife of Fijian rugby star Jiuta Wainiqolo. Fiona pulls back the curtain on her life off the field—managing family schedules, training for Hyrox competitions, and planning for life after rugby. From morning chaos to unexpected travel dates, discover how these athlete wives juggle motherhood, fitness, and business ventures while staying true to their wellness goals. Fiona also shares her journey into property investments in Fiji and launching the “Siosio” merch brand, revealing the importance of financial foresight and creating multiple income streams. Whether you're an athlete's partner or just looking for inspiration on balancing career, family, and self-care, this episode is filled with candid insights, practical tips, and a hearty dose of motivation. Tune in to hear how Fiona and Jiuta support each other's ambitions, and learn the secrets to thriving—on and off the field.https://siosioapparel.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Libby Boxall—a qualified nutritionist, naturopath, entrepreneur, wife to pro footballer Michael Boxall, and mother of two—to discuss her incredible journey. From founding Dose & Co and Milou Beauty to navigating life as an athlete's wife, Libby shares how she turned her passion for health and beauty into a global brand while raising a family and supporting her husband's soccer career from the sidelines. She also opens up about working with Khloé Kardashian, the challenges of being a female entrepreneur, and the importance of self-care amidst a busy life. Join us as Libby reveals her biggest business lessons, motherhood insights, and wellness philosophies—plus, what's next for her brands!  Listen now and follow Libby on Instagram: @libbyboxall

 What happens when your partner's career takes you across the world—again and again?

In this special episode, we take you behind the scenes of our very first Life from the Sidelines Women's Empowerment Dinner. This event was all about building connections, sharing stories, and creating a space for women to celebrate their journeys together.We'll share the vision behind the dinner series, the highlights from the evening, and how you can join our growing community. Whether you're looking for inspiration or curious about how this empowering night came together, this episode is for you. Tune in and be part of the conversation!

On this laugh-filled episode of Life from the Sidelines, Kayla, Jada, and their husbands take you on a rugby adventure like no other. From breaking down the latest rugby news to sharing iconic plays and hilarious bloopers, we've got something for every type of fan.But here's the twist—midway through, the guys flip the script and turn the mic on us! We're spilling what it's really like to be sideline supporters, balancing family life with the intensity of rugby careers, and our most embarrassing moments cheering from the stands.Tune in for unforgettable stories, tons of laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the game we all love. Don't forget to share your funniest rugby memory on social media and tag us @LifeFromTheSidelines!

This week, we're joined by the inspiring Milica Anscombe, wife of professional rugby player Gareth Anscombe, mother, and entrepreneur behind "Home Host UK." Milica shares her journey of starting her own business while managing the demands of family life and the unique challenges of being part of the rugby community.In this episode, Milica opens up about:The courage it takes to just start and build something meaningful.Balancing the fast-paced life of rugby with raising a family.Her experience launching "Home Host UK" and the lessons she's learned along the way.Whether you're looking for inspiration to start your own venture or insight into managing a busy lifestyle, this conversation is packed with heartfelt advice and practical tips.

Join Life From the Sidelines as we kick off the New Year discussing personal resolutions, upcoming rugby events, and hot takes from an ex-All Black legend criticizing France's squad decisions for 2025. Plus, meet our behind-the-scenes star, Oceane, who keeps our podcast running smoothly.

As the year comes to a close, we're inviting our biggest teammates—our husbands—onto the mic for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Together, we're looking back on the wins, challenges, and growth that defined our year both on and off the field. From life as partners to athletes and the lessons we've learned along the way, this episode is a special celebration of love, sport, and everything in between. Tune in for laughter, reflections, and a glimpse into how we're setting our intentions for the year ahead.

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring lives of Tyla King (née Nathan-Wong) and Tupuria King, two world-class athletes who have achieved greatness in their respective sports while building a life of love and shared values. From Tyla's incredible journey as a New Zealand Rugby Sevens legend and three-time Olympian to Tupuria's dominance as a world champion in waka ama, we explore their individual achievements, their love story, and the challenges they face as a power couple in the world of sports.Join us as they share how their families, education, and unwavering mutual support have shaped their success both on and off the field. Whether it's balancing international competitions, planning their dream wedding, or looking to the future, Tyla and Tupuria's story is a testament to resilience, love, and partnership.Tune in for an episode filled with heartwarming anecdotes, lessons on teamwork, and a celebration of triumphs in life and love.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pam Timu, wife of professional rugby player Caleb Timu, as she shares her journey from Colomiers, France, where she balances life as a mother of three and a wife to an international athlete. Pam opens up about the challenges of relocating for her husband's career, the emotional toll of adjusting to a new culture, and her struggles with mental health. Discover how her faith became a lifeline, and hear about her incredible transition into a new career in web development. This episode is a powerful reflection on finding identity, purpose, and balance in the midst of life's biggest transitions.

In this special and deeply personal episode, we welcome Helen Faasalele, wife of professional rugby player Piula Faasalele, to share her journey as the spouse of an international athlete. Together, we reflect on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of being a partner to a professional rugby player, while also honoring the life and memory of our beloved friend, Helen Tekori. We share stories of sisterhood, grief, and the enduring bonds that unite wives of athletes. Through laughter and tears, we celebrate Helen's incredible legacy of friendship, strength, and love. Join us for this heartfelt tribute to the power of sisterhood and resilience in the face of loss.

In this episode, we sit down with Keilani Bituniyata, wife of Fijian rugby star Setareki Bituniyata, to hear her incredible story. Keilani shares her journey from life in Fiji to starting a new chapter in France, balancing motherhood, and supporting her husband's international rugby career.We explore their love story, how they met, and the challenges of dating and marrying a professional athlete. Keilani reflects on adjusting to French culture, raising their children in a foreign country, and finding community in a new land.We also dive into the realities of being a rugby wife, from the highs of supporting her husband's career to the challenges of managing long separations and the physical risks of the sport.Join us for an inspiring look into Keilani's life, filled with love, resilience, and lessons learned along the way.In this episode, we discuss sensitive topics, including domestic violence. These conversations may be triggering for some listeners. We encourage anyone who may be affected by these discussions to listen with caution and prioritize their well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek support from local resources or helplines in your area.

In this episode, We are sharing all about our recent holiday and the wild experience of training for (and running!) a marathon while being married to a pro athlete. We'll talk about the fun and challenges of juggling vacation time with training, and how life as an athlete's wife always keeps you on your toes.Plus, we will touch on the big wins this year—our husbands being crowned double champions in their rugby season (such a proud moment!). But with the highs came some real lows too. We sadly lost a dear sister Madame Tekori over the summer, and we will open up about what that journey has been like, and how we're getting through it together.From celebrating victories to coping with loss, this episode dives deep into the balance of joy, grief, and keeping life moving forward.

Sophie Bennett partner to Alan Ryan Strength & Conditioning coach of Stade Toulousain, a former team manager at Bath Rugby, shares her journey in sports and her transition to a new role. She discusses her passion for sport, her experience in coaching and managing rugby teams, and her love for running and CrossFit. Sophie also talks about her relationship with her partner, Alan Ryan, and the challenges they faced being in different countries. She reflects on the emotional process of leaving Bath Rugby and the importance of family and support in her life. Sophie shares her passion for running and supporting women in their fitness journeys. She discusses her own experiences with ultra-running races, including Dragon's Back and Winter Downs. Sophie emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and taking care of oneself in the demanding lifestyle of being a partner to a professional athlete. She offers advice for getting started with running, including finding the right shoes, joining a couch to 5K program, and considering a coach for support.

In this episode, Jada and Kayla interview Dina Celina, the fiancee of Scottish rugby player Blair Kinghorn. Dina shares her background as a registered nutritionist and DJ, and how she balanced her careers with supporting Blair's rugby career. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being in a rugby relationship and emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence and self-care. Dina also talks about her transition from DJing to focusing full-time on her nutrition business. The episode concludes with a discussion about Blair's move to Toulouse and the couple's future plans. In this conversation, Jada Meafou and Kayla Ahki intervies Dina Celina about her experience moving to a new country and adjusting to a new culture. They discuss the challenges of sobriety and the importance of putting oneself first. Dina also shares tips for starting a nutrition journey and talks about the excitement of running a wine marathon.

Pitas rugby World Cup Experience, Emmanuels French Nationalisation. Catch up with us and our hubbys as we chit chat through life in France and rugby.

On this Episode of Life From the Sidelines (LFTS) we sit down and talanoa with Taylah Johnson a wife and mother on all sides of the Sidelines. A player, A wife to a player and also an expert sport commentator with a background in law and accounting... what doesn't she do?Taylah opens up about her experience watching her husband being forced into retirement due to medical reasons and almost losing him and how that has impacted how they live their lives now. We talk rugby and sit and listen to Taylah talk about rugby in awe of her knowledge and passion for the game. A truly inspiring women that we are privileged to share space with.

Review some of our favourite French wines with us while we whine about the silly things we have to deal with being wives of athletes. On our first Whine of the week episode we tell you the story of dealing with crazy women in our DMs, fake accounts and crazy stalkers...all apart of Life From the Sidelines.For legal reasons: this story is completely made up... lol

This episode contains discussions around Mens Mental health. If this is something you are dealing with or someone you know is dealing with please reach out for help. journey with us into the life of a Wife of a RWC player in the Japanese team. We discuss the ins and outs of the international team and how cut throat it can be when you are injured and sent home early. We also discuss how Lara supported her husband on his mental health journey. 

catch up with us after almost 4 months! Lots happening and lots to come as we follow the 2023 RWC

Multiple Injuries, wasps going bankrupt, losing your job overnight, moving to France a month later and restarting all over again. Megs perspective supporting her partner Jack Willis through some of the lowest points an athlete can go through and bouncing back. An interesting and emotional journey of how ruthless the rugby business can be on not only the players but the families around them as well. Thank you Megan for sharing your journey with us

On this Episode of LFTS we talk with Madame Helen Tekori. The Queen of community building, the life of the party and everyones favourite person here in Toulouse, France. We talk about everything from working in a factory in NZ to living the WAG life in the South of France. Madame Tekori is a safe haven for a lot of us women here in France, she's the first person we meet, the first person we get drunk with and just the ultimate socialite! We are so grateful for women like Helen and a lot of us families would not have lasted here in France without the Tekori family.

On this episode of LFTS we talk to Rachelle Faumuina and go down memory lane as she reminisces on her life from the side lines being the wife to All Blacks Legend Charlie Faumuina. Rachelle talks to us about her and her husbands passion for community  and real estate and how they've intertwined those passions into rugby to help them prepare for the next chapter; Life after Rugby. We are blessed to know, love and have Rachelle as a big sister and to get to have spent years on this side of the world with her. WE WILL MISS YOU FAUMUINA FAMILY!

On this episode of LFTS we discuss how Ann Marie manages balancing her amazing career as a Lead Soft Tissue Therapist  for England Rugby and The British Lions, Managing her Business Offical Sport Services and being a supportive wifey to her Pro Rugby Player husband Thretton Palamo. We chat about long distance, Mindset, timing and even preparing for life after Rugby.

On this episode of Life From the Sidelines we open up a little bit about ourselves and share our thoughts on keyboard warriors, making sacrifices to be supportive wives and also get into the story of Kayla giving birth to Sadie