Brad Thorn's Most Savage Moments from Legendary Career

Dom Harvey

Episode Description

Brad Thorn career is a highlights reel: NRL premierships with the Broncos, 59 All Black tests with an 85% win rate including a Rugby World Cup title and a reputation as one of the toughest men to ever lace up boots.

But this may be the most open and personal podcast Brad has ever given. Brad opens up about: Why he turned down an All-Blacks selection in 2001, his thoughts on the All Blacks coaching role and the sacking of Razor Robertson, why he swore at Sir Wayne Smith a few days before the 2011 RWC final and plenty more sports stuff.

Then there is the off-field areas: His mums Alzheimer’s disease and the heartbreak of her no longer recognising him. His “womaniser” party years in the NRL. Finding faith at the height of success at the Broncos, and the backlash that followed. Fatherhood, masculinity, anxiety and what excellence looks like now.

For a man considered to be one of the hardest All Blacks of this century this conversation is Reflective. Honest. And surprisingly tender. This was the first time we met, but by the time we finished I felt like we had known each other for years.

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Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate. Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients – you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website.

I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a game changer for me personally – I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.

You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom

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00:00 – Intro 06:25 – 2011 World Cup: Ruthless Mindset 11:09 – One Win from 11 Origins (Owning Failure) 17:58 – From “Credit Card” to World Cup Clutch 25:01 – Rituals, Discipline & Doing Extra 34:13 – Why He Finally Wrote the Book 47:33 – Playing at 36 & Chasing Greatness 01:03:55 – Losing His Dad at 19 01:11:31 – His Mum’s Alzheimer’s & Becoming the Protector 01:22:19 – Partying, Ego & The Emptiness 01:29:23 – Becoming a Christian in the Broncos Era 01:44:49 – Turning Down the All Blacks 01:58:56 – Meeting the Queen & 94,000 in Soweto 02:05:55 – Snapping at Wayne Smith Before a Final 02:13:34 – The Brutal Reality of Coaching 02:20:54 – Anxiety, Fatherhood & What Matters Now 02:26:33 – Are You Proud of Yourself?

Brief Summary

Brad Thorne discusses his rugby journey, family values, faith, and personal growth in this insightful episode.

Key points

  • Reflections on Childhood. A nostalgic look back at simpler times before technology.
  • Humbled by Rugby. Transitioning to rugby in his mid-20s was a humbling experience for him.
  • Routine for Performance. He emphasizes the importance of routine for consistent performance in sports.
  • Impact of Coaches. Reflecting on the influence of coaches like Wayne Bennett and Robbie Deans. "To have those guys talk about you is crazy."
  • A Father's Influence. Reflecting on the impact of his father, who passed away when he was 19.
  • Coping with Loss. Discussing the challenges of losing a parent and supporting a mother with Alzheimer's.

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