Honey Hireme‑Smiler: Rugby Icon on Juggling Life, Love & Cancer Care

Honey Hireme-Smiler is one of the greatest rugby players New Zealand has ever produced, across both league and union.

But Honey Hireme-Smiler is so much more than just a sporting legend.

She’s a mum, a trailblazer, a role-model, a commentator, a mentor, and an unapologetic force for good.

This is a small part of the Honey Hireme-Smiler story:

+Stories about her most memorable playing moments. Including playing both league and rugby for New Zealand in two different countries in the space of a week

+The bitter disappointment of not being selected to go to the Olympics then watching the games on TV when her teammates won silver.

+Her journey from self-described town bully to head girl during her high school years.

+Her reflections on nursing her mum during her brief battle with cancer.

There's also lots of fun, light moments too- including a very awkward story about meeting Prince Harry at Buckingham palace!

Honey is the real deal. She was a savage on the field. But off the field she is softly spoken, intelligent, articulate, kind, loyal and hilarious. This was the first time we met, and I felt like she was an old friend.

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**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro & Honey’s Rugby Legacy 03:45 – Childhood, Sport & Early Toughness 12:20 – The Olympic Dream That Died 19:55 – Dealing With Non-Selection 26:30 – Mental Skills & ‘Jumping Off The Cliff’ 32:15 – Retirement: Quiet Exit, Private Decision 39:40 – Rochelle’s Cancer Battle 47:10 – Hope, Grief & Holding On 54:45 – Saying Goodbye to Her Mum 1:03:00 – Online Hate & Commentary Journey 1:08:30 – Reconnecting With Te Ao Māori 1:11:00 – What’s Next for Honey 1:15:00 – Final Reflections