Life of Chance Podcast

Send us a Text Message.Life of Chance Podcast - Ben Donaldson  Season 3 Episode 5Get to know your Wallabies This episode we get an insight into the life of Ben Donaldson. Dono is a 10 for the Australian Wallabies and the Western Force in Super Rugby. Dono has played more than 50 Super Rugby games across two clubs - NSW Waratahs (from 2020-2023) and Western Force (2024-current). Dono went through school at Waverley College, Played jnr rugby for the Clovelly Eagles, played Aus School's, Aus 20s, was a part of the Tahs Academy before making higher honours and now currently represents Australia. Dono talks of life growing up, how he has grown up competing with some of his best mates through rugby which has brought out the best in him, reflects on the value of playing structure but not being afraid of playing what's in front of you. Talks about being vulnerable and taking a chance to learn from others still in the game (around the world)A really insightful chat, I hope you enjoy it!

Send us a Text Message.Life of Chance Podcast - Fraser McReight  Season 3 Episode 4Get to know your Wallabies This episode we get an insight into the life of Fraser McReightFraser is a number 7 for the Wallabies and the QLD Reds in Super Rugby. Hi is a one club man so far having played all his rugby for Brothers Rugby, QLD Reds and Wallabies. McReight had two very successful Australian under 20s campaigns - Captaining 2019 and leading the team to beat New Zealand and coming up as runners up in the u20s grand final by 1 point to Argentina. Two time Junior Wallabies Player of the year. Contracted to the QLD Reds from 2018 and Debuting for the Wallabies in 2020. Fraser talks of life growing up, how he approaches training and staying in the moment or the team he is playing for rather than getting too ahead of himself. A really insightful chat, I hope you enjoy it! 

Send us a Text Message.Life of Chance Podcast - Andrew Kellaway  Season 3 Episode 3Get to know your Wallabies This episode we get an insight into the life of Andrew KellawayKells is a Winger/Fullback for the Wallabies and the Melbourne Rebels inn Super Rugby. Kellaway had a quick rise through schoolboy Rugby and under 20s into Aussie teams and earnt a full time contract with the NSW Waratahs in 2016. Kellaway has played in England, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia and grown/learnt from all of them inn different ways. A new Dad and full of insight into the life lessons he learnt that helped a man who absolutely hands down loves game day! A really insightful chat, I hope you enjoy it! 

 Life of Chance Podcast -  Allan Alaalatoa Season 3 Episode 2Get to know your Wallabies This episode we get an insight into the life of Allan Alaalatoa.  Allan is a Tighthead Prop for the Wallabies and the ACT Brumbies where he is in his 11th season. Moving from Ashfield Boys High School to Newington College for years 10-12, Allan learnt the value of dedication and how committing to the grind and learning how to apply yourself can lead to greater success and enjoyment on the field. From this experience and a short period at Southern Districts, Allan was offered a Full Time contract with the ACT Brumbies, where he has been since then! Debuting in the Quarters in his first season off the bench in 2014 and going on to debut for the Wallabies in Sydney in 2016. Allan talks about leadership and the value of connecting with the individual as a person before trying to connect on a professional level. Over his longer term injury he has valued balancing opportunities to be at home with his three young kids, enjoying the grind of rehab and breaking down the time to achievable goals each week and investing time into learning more about leadership; specifically leading with empathy. A really insightful chat, I hope you enjoy it! 

Life of Chance Podcast -  Ned Hanigan, Season 3 Episode 1Get to know your Wallabies This episode we get an insight into the life of Ned Hanigan.  Ned is a utility back row/lock for the Wallabies and the NSW Waratahs. Growing up in Coonamble, Central West NSW, Ned is a country boy. His passion for all things agriculture are big in his outside of rugby life. Moving to the big smoke in Sydney at St Josephs School in year 7, Ned developed as a rugby player going on to represent Australian Schoolboys (2013) and then into the Aus u20's gaining team MVP in 2015. Ned was offered his first full time team contract with the NSW Waratahs in 2016 and made his debut off the bench in the same year. 2017 saw Ned start 12 times with the Waratahs and also earn his debut for the Wallabies and the title of Rooke if the Year. Ned had a stint in Japan over 2020/21 playing for Karita Water Gush and spent a portion of 2023 playing for the well known Barbarians. Ned is a balanaced man who sees the responsibility he has to the youth who come to rugby union games as a role model and is a great giver back to the game. He has a wonderful balance in his life with outside of rugby passion and connection to back home. A really enjoyable chat, I hope you enjoy it! 

Episode 6, season 2 with Bre Hoy Get to know your WallaroosThis episode we get an insight into the life of Bre Hoy.  Bre is a Loose Head Prop for the Wallaroos. Bre plays in the Super W for the NSW Waratahs and club rugby for Sydney Uni in the Jack Scott Cup as well as playing the 2023/24 season for the Mie Pearls in Japan. Bre made her debut for the Wallaroos in 2023 v England in game 1 of WXV, after joining the wider training group following her performance in Super w 2023. Bre has had a taste of full time rugby in Japan shortly after debuting for the Wallaroos. Having grown up in Coffs Harbour, NSW and making the move to Sydney in 2019 she has had a relatively quick rise to success but this is clearly due to her dedication and love for the game. Bre talks of how the chances she has taken have always lead to a more holistic and fulfilling life through the learnings from pushing the comfort zone. 

Life of Chance Podcast - episode 5, season 2 with Layne MorganGet to know your WallaroosThis episode we get an insight into the life of "Laynos" Layne Morgan.  Layne is a 9 for the Wallaroos. Layne plays in the Super W for the NSW Waratahs and club rugby currently for the Hunter Wildfires in the Jack Scott Cup.   Layne made her debut for the Wallaroos in 2021 v Fiji and has been in the squad since 2020. Layne talks about her journey, her commitment to the game, who she has learnt from and how she shapes her game. Layne makes many decisions to prioritise her rugby and values balance in life always making sure she has time for her family and friends and down time as well as training and eating right. Almost a qualified Math Teacher. I hope you enjoy this yarn. 

Life of Chance Podcast - episode 4, season 2 with Tania Naden. Get to know your Wallaroos This episode we get an insight into the life of "Tan" Tania Naden.  Tan is a hooker for the Wallaroos. Tan plays in the Super W for the ACT Brumbies and club rugby for the Uni Norths Owls (hoot hoot).  Tan made her debut for the Wallaroos in 2022 at the Rugby World Cup, having a quick rise to success in her rugby journey only picking up the game just before COVID. Tan is a hard worker and a fabulous team member who has a great 'team first' mentality. She can be calm and quiet and also feisty and fearsome on the field. A great chat to get an insight into a girl you won't hear speak out of turn. 

Life of Chance Podcast - Season 2, Episode 3 with Adiana Talakai. Get to know your Wallaroos This episode we get an insight into the life of Adiana Talakai "Adi". Adi is a hooker for the Wallaroos. Adi plays in the Super W for the NSW Waratahs and club rugby for Sydney Uni Football Club. Adi made her debut for the Wallaroos in 2022 and has grown as a person and player over the years I have known her.  She is inquisitive, a hard worker, loves to have a laugh and rocks a room with her DJ choices in the gym. This angry otter is a loyal friend and has a very bright future ahead of her in both life and rugby. 

Season 2 - Get to know your Wallaroos This episode we get an insight into the life of Michaela Leonard "Mac". Mac is a Lock for the Wallaroos. Mac plays in the Super W for Western Force and has also played in Aupiki for Matatu in New Zealand and is completing a short stint in the French Elite 1 for Montpellier. Mac has recently finished studying Animal Physio after completing her degree in human Physio. Mac has filled in as Captain for the Wallaroos for 2023 and has taken many chances to explore rugby and how she can get the most experience out of the game while balancing work and study. 

Season 2 - Get to know your Wallaroos This episode we get an insight into the life of Emily Robinson aka Horse. Horse is a Loosehead Prop for the Wallaroos, NSW Waratahs and Warringah rats. Horse is a Carpenter by trade and by night a rugby player. have a listen to get some insights into horse and the chances she has taken to give herself the best opportunity to be a rugby player but also do something she is passionate about that also pays the bills! 

Erin Morton - 'Bez'Found the love for rugby through family connection and ultimately her brothers love for the Balmain Tigers NRL and the link in colour of uniform to the local junior Rugby Union team, the Narrabeen Tigers. This conversation shows the importance of volunteers in sport and how the community factor has the ability to be so inclusive in rugby union that it develops into family. The same feeling that can be created around the world within the same game. Bez talks about being risk averse but she is blind to the risks she takes for the things she cares about and will throw herself wholeheartedly at causes she is passionate about. The Female Athlete Program (TFAP), Rugby Union through the Warringah Rats and NSW Rugby/Waratahs are clear examples of that.A great chat. We need more "Bez's" in this wonderful game.

Sean Hedger Hedge is a decorated coach across Australia and Japan. Has coached in both the professional space and the club scenes. His time with the club rugby has coincidentally also been in the University space at Sydney Uni and Bond Uni. Hedge is a great chance taker as well as a provider of chances for others. We talk about why coaching, creating culture and where that starts from - on or off the field, why he helped me out and the superpower of sharing your time along with his expertise. The importance of clarity for all involved in executing a game plan or philosophy and the value of getting everyone committed to the same thing are two topics we explore. A great man and a great conversation.

Amy Cokayne Full Time English Red Rose, England XV Rugby Union Athlete. Amy and her family moved to New Zealand for her dad's work with RAF and her love for rugby continued there. As she grew up playing rugby in New Zealand, she emerged herself in the game often training or playing every day with both school and club commitments. Amy now plays for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Women's Rugby Competition (PWR) having been one of my teammates and friends at Harlequins for the 2022/23 season. Amy talks through her learning methods and how she understands lineouts versus a jumper. She values having a passion or career or something outside of rugby and is also a member of Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Police Officer, Flight Lieutenant. 

Les Elder (nee Ketu) Former Black Ferns 7s and XV player and captain,  mother, Rugby World Cup Champion and Commentator. Les is a passionate advocate for other women doing great things, particularly those black ferns from before her, during her time and the future. As she says "once a Black Fern, always a Black Fern" Les played XV through the transitioning period from amateur through to the professional era, and lead the team through a challenging period in her life. She had a baby and bounced back to continue playing at the top of her game. Les discusses some of the less glamorous parts of being a captain as well as the challenge she holds herself to being the best that she can be. Growing up in Waikato, played netball and rugby. Moved to Australia with her partner after finishing University. Played XV rugby for teams such as: ChiefsBay of Plenty Easts Tigers (QLD) Sunnybank (QLD) Queensland and made her Debut for NZ in 2015. 

Peter Breen is the guest for episode 2 on Life of Chance Podcast. What an insightful episode full of the detail and energy Pete brings to everything he does. This chat covers his experience with the Wallaroos and his coaching opportunities so far, why women rugby, how RugbyBricks came about, project mentality and explores his passion for detail and what drives his coaching and work focuses with helping people and creating detail. Pete is the founder of RugbyBricks - a company that designs and makes kicking tees and creates content with an emphasis on detail to develop skills in the game of Rugby. There is a focus on working smarter and learning faster which matches their moto Outwork Outlearn Pete is a Kiwi who has been a Professional Rugby Player for Otago. He moved to Australia in 2018 with his wife and coached the Wallaroos 2019-2021 as backs and attack coach and then was the interim head coach for a period through COVID. Pete has been involved with individual athletes such as: - Aaron Smith - Reece Hodge- Charlotte Caslick - Chloe Dalton - Renae Holmes - Marcus Smith - the list goes onHe has also been involved with teams such as: - Melbourne Storm- BlackRams in Japan- Georgia - Wallaroos - Blackferns XV - teams in France