NZR Around The Grounds

Previewing the PAC4 Series with Black Fern midfielders Sylvia Brunt, Amy Du Plessis and Grace Steinmetz.

Around the Grounds is a podcast from New Zealand Rugby bringing you closer to our national game.
Super Rugby Aupiki is done and dusted and now we have our First Black Ferns squad named for 2024 ahead of the PAC4 series. 
That kicks off May the 11th at FMG Stadium between the Black Ferns and the USA.
To talk about the upcoming series and their journey to the Black Jersey is of our midfield players, Sylvia Brunt, Amy Du Plessis and Grace Steinmetz.
Enjoy the Pod. 
 

Amanda Murphy, the woman behind Strength & Conditioning for the Black Ferns Sevens

Recorded at Blake Park, home of our Black Fern 7s squad. 
Amanda Murphy joins us to chat about what it’s like to be an S&C coach for a high performing team like the Black Ferns Sevens.  
As a former Black Fern herself, she talks us through her career switch from player to coach, the differences between training women and men, how important it is to understand player workloads and building relationships.   
Enjoy the pod. 

Debunking myths with our NZR Player Safety experts

Join NZR Chief Scientist Ken Quarrie, NZR Concussion Research Scientist Janelle Romanchuk and NZR Medical Manager Karen Rasmussen in a four-part Player Safety series, deep diving into brain health, concussion, smart mouthguard technology and women’s health.
 
On this episode, our experts debunk myths and answer questions from our listeners on all things Player Safety. 
Enjoy the pod!
 
 

Steve Lancaster on the state of the community game

Hear from our General Manager of Community Rugby Steve Lancaster who joins us to discuss how the game continues to evolve.
In-line with the grassroots rugby season kicking off, Steve talks about a range of topics including player safety, game innovations, strategies and how important change can be to match society. 
Enjoy the Pod!

The best seat in the house with Community referees Yvonne Chaplin and Rob Harman

We’re back for 2024 and we’re stoked to have community referees Yvonne Chaplin and Rob Harman in studio.
Yvonne and Rob are at different stages of their journeys and are encouraging as many people to pick up the whistle. Referees are a critical part of all levels of rugby, simply put rugby couldn’t happen without them.
#BeInTheGame visit ww.nzrugby.co.nz/referee today.

Balancing hauora and wellbeing in rugby with Roos and Vettise

Current Black Fern Maiakawakaulani Roos and NZR Clinical Psychologist Dom Vettise join us on the podcast as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, and kōrero (converse) about different ways to balance hauora (health) and wellbeing based off their different experiences in rugby.
 
Disclaimer
The following podcast episode contains content about suicide which some viewers may find triggering. If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, thoughts of self-harm or just need to talk, you can free call or text 1737 to chat to a trained professional or visit your nearest GP if you’re overseas. 

Former All Black Pita Alatini on navigating cultural identity and mental health in rugby”

Former All Black and Mind Set Engage facilitator Pita Alatini talks about his upbringing in Ōtara, South Auckland and how an opportunity to attend a private school led to navigating two different worlds. Pita also reflects on the highs and lows of a professional rugby player in a time where mental health was hardly discussed.  

Will Jordan discusses the importance of a balanced approach to Sport

Balance is better by Sport New Zealand is about creating quality experiences for all young people to keep them active and in the game. It is about young people staying in sport for life and realising their potential at the right time. 
 
Balance is better Ambassador and All Black Will Jordan jumps on NZR Around the Grounds podcast to discuss why balance was so important to him growing up and while it is still important today even at the highest levels of rugby. 
 
Will also discusses some influential coaches in his career from highschool through to professional rugby as well as the ideal player to partner with in the All Blacks on golf day. 

Natarsha Ganley on her Ranfurly Shield appointment

“Referee Natarsha Ganley talks about being the second woman to referee a Ranfurly Shield game, no more white shorts for women's referees and her rapid rise through the ranks.”

Campbell Johnstone and Honey Hireme-Smiler on rainbow inclusion and being gay in rugby

Former All Black Campbell Johnstone and former Black Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler join the NZR Around the Grounds podcast to chat about rainbow inclusion in rugby and their unique journeys through the sport.
 
Honey and CJ talk about what it means to be an ally in rugby, fitting the norm, finding happiness, the importance of inclusion and advice for people wanting to come out.
 
Plus, hear about the chances of a Honey and CJ lawn bowls team at next year’s Rainbow Games 2024 in Auckland.