Mark Hammett- What a Lad

Mark Hammett has done it all in the game. With 81 games for the Crusaders, 4 Super Rugby titles, 29 Tests for the All Blacks and now a spot in the Crusaders Hall of Fame, Hammer’s rugby journey is an incredible one. Add in a coaching career that’s taken him from the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Cardiff Blues, Sunwolves, Tasman and Highlanders, the influence he has had on each side has been huge!

In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from a soccer player, to the early days of professional rugby, and the mindset that carried him through as both player and coach.

In this episode we go through..

The competitive edge that drove the Crusaders dynasty

What he learnt from coaches like Robbie Deans and Wayne Smith

The realities of early professional rugby contracts and suspensions

All Black memories including the infamous SAS camp

His move to coach the Hurricanes & the controversial decisions around Ma’a Nonu and Andrew Hore

His stints overseas with Cardiff and Japan’s Sunwolves

Lessons learned at the Highlanders and what he’d do differently

His passion for neuroscience, brain health and life after rugby

What he’s most proud of and the advice he lives by

And heaps more

Hammer is humble, competitive, brutally honest and one of the most authentic leaders you’ll hear from. There's so much gold in this one for everyone and whether you loved him or not as a player or a coach I know you'll have a new found respect for him after this one!

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