The All Blacks Coach Who Hit the Wall: Depression, Burnout, and Winning Two World Cups
- Jun 30, 2026
- 1:23:21
- Full Episode
Sir Graham Henry is one of the most successful and respected coaches in New Zealand sporting history.
He coached the All Blacks from 2004 to 2011, finishing with 88 wins from 103 test matches.
This podcast first came out in 2023 – I’m re-releasing it because at the age of 80, 15 years after he retired as coach, Sir Graham Henry is back with the All Blacks as the team selector.
Some of the ground we cover in this conversation includes: + His 56-year marriage to Raewyn and why she first thought he was “a bit of a prick” + The great Auckland rugby dynasty of the 1990s where he coached Jonah Lomu, Michael Jones, Sean Fitzpatrick, Carlos Spencer and others + Being told by NZ rugby he would be banned for life from coaching in New Zealand again if he went to Wales. Then going anyway. + The loneliness and pressure of coaching the Lions. + Why suffering burnout and depression changed his whole coaching philosophy + Reflections on the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups and much more.
I loved this episode when it first came out, and I still love it now.
Ted is a true icon of NZ Rugby.
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Brief Summary
Sir Graeme Henry discusses his coaching career, the 2007 World Cup loss, and personal challenges, including depression and marriage.
Key points
- Coaching Challenges. Henry opens up about his struggles with depression during his coaching career.
- Inspirational Achievements. Henry reflects on achieving greatness later in life, inspiring others.
- Coaching the All Blacks. Reflecting on his coaching years with the All Blacks, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity.
- The Henry Clause. He discusses the consequences of coaching abroad and the infamous Henry Clause that barred him from coaching in New Zealand again.
- Turning Wales Around. He shares his experience coaching Wales after a devastating loss, leading to remarkable victories.
- The Great Redeemer. Reflecting on the nickname and its impact, he admits it felt like a 'ultimate [ __ ] you' to critics.
Episode highlights
- Coaching ChallengesHenry opens up about his struggles with depression during his coaching career.“I just lost all desire or energy to do the job.”4:36Jun 30, 2026
- Inspirational AchievementsHenry reflects on achieving greatness later in life, inspiring others.“Life's been fantastic.”18:44Jun 30, 2026
- Coaching the All BlacksReflecting on his coaching years with the All Blacks, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity.“How lucky you were, you know, fantastic.”20:18Jun 30, 2026
- The Henry ClauseHe discusses the consequences of coaching abroad and the infamous Henry Clause that barred him from coaching in New Zealand again.“If you go to Wales, you'll never coach in this country again.”29:34Jun 30, 2026
- Turning Wales AroundHe shares his experience coaching Wales after a devastating loss, leading to remarkable victories.“We beat South Africa to open the Millennium Stadium.”39:29Jun 30, 2026
- The Great RedeemerReflecting on the nickname and its impact, he admits it felt like a 'ultimate [ __ ] you' to critics.“Did it sit comfortably with you?”42:16Jun 30, 2026
- Coaching the LionsHe discusses the pressure and toll of coaching the British and Irish Lions, leading to his resignation.“I thought I was bulletproof but it took its toll when I hit the wall and got depression.”44:34Jun 30, 2026
- Mental Health JourneyHe shares his struggles with depression and the importance of mental health and exercise.“I just didn't want to connect with people.”48:41Jun 30, 2026





