In the latest episode of Give 'em Rugby, host Liam sits down with current Brumby and Wallaby, Blake Schoupp, on a mission to uncover the path that led Blake to become one of rugby's up and coming talents. The episode dives into Blake's journey—from his upbringing in Wollongong and playing for various clubs to his invaluable education in rugby from Nudgee College. Drawing the curtain back on the realities of professional rugby, the show offers listeners an intimate look into the nuances that shape a player both on and off the pitch.

Starting with his early years, Blake credits his family's passion for rugby as a driving force behind his career. His transition from being a fan on the sidelines to becoming the athlete in the spotlight underlines the immense effort and determination needed to succeed. Blake's recount of his experience with the Brumbies offers a glimpse into the club's robust culture and the significance of set pieces in the team's strategy. The conversation then shifts to his memorable moment being capped as a Wallaby, highlighting the emotion and pride that come with representing one's country.

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Creators & Guests

• Blake Schoupp - Guest
• Liam McGrath - Host

About the Guest:
Jack Debreczeni is a professional rugby player with a rich and diverse career across multiple countries and teams. As a testament to his versatility, Jack has played for teams such as the Melbourne Rebels, Northland, the Honda Heat, Red Dolphins, Brumbies, Barbarians, and the Chiefs. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the game’s intricacies, inherently possessing a high rugby IQ. Jack's journey has been characterized by learning from varied rugby cultures and environments, significantly contributing to his development as a player.

Episode Summary:
This episode of the Give 'em Rugby podcast welcomes the multi-talented rugby player Jack Debreczeni, engaging in a vibrant conversation about his journey through the complex world of rugby. A highly cerebral player, Jack dissects his experiences across different rugby nations and what each culture brought to his ever-evolving understanding of the game.

In-depth discussions highlight Jack's early rugby days, where club culture speaks to the sport's pure passion and local vibrancy. Further delving into his professional career, Jack reflects on the cultural nuances of playing in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Particularly noteworthy is the comparison of rugby to a game of chess and how mental acuity parallels physical rigour on the field. Listeners are treated to his candid thoughts on player development, rugby's intricate strategies, and preserving passion for the game while navigating its professional pressures.

Stay tuned for more engaging and insightful episodes from the Give Rugby podcast. Don't miss out on the full conversation with Jack Debreczeni for a deeper understanding of his unique perspective on rugby as both a sport and a personal journey.

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Creators & Guests

• Liam McGrath - Host
• Jack Debreczeni - Guest

About the Guest:
On this episode of the Given Rugby podcast, Liam is joined by Brumbies Rugby and Wallabies lock Darcy Swain. Hailing originally from Cairns, Darcy is known for excelling in the sport despite coming from a region dominated by rugby league enthusiasts. He has transitioned from playing rugby union and league to solidifying himself as a formidable lock. Darcy is a professional rugby union player who represents the Brumbies in Super Rugby and has earned his place as a Wallaby, playing for the Australian national team. His journey through the ranks, from playing representative rugby with the North Queensland Bush Rangers to securing a private school scholarship and eventually joining the Brumbies under 20s, outlines his non-traditional but impactful pathway to professional rugby

Episode Summary:
In this engaging instalment of the Give 'em Rugby podcast, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with Darcy Swain, a notable talent in the rugby scene and a cherished Wallaby. Dive into Darcy's journey from a young sports enthusiast to a professional athlete navigating the heights of Super Rugby.

Darcy reminisces on his early years growing up in Cairns, his transition from rugby league to union, and the opportunities that shaped his career trajectory. He openly discusses the role of injuries in an athlete's life, the recovery process, and the mental resilience required to bounce back onto the field. The discussion delves into the intricacies of rugby, emphasizing Darcy's penchant for the lineout game and the strategic aspects of rugby that he cherishes. He reflects on his Wallabies debut, the brotherhood within the team, and the special dynamic shared with teammates like Len Ikitau.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Given Rugby podcast to fully appreciate Darcy Swain's profound insights and heartfelt rugby tales. Stay connected for more inspiring discussions and stories from the world of rugby that are sure to captivate any sports enthusiast.

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About the Guest:
Ryan Lonergan is an Australian professional rugby union player, currently captaining the Canberra-based Brumbies in Super Rugby. Not only has he captained at club level, but he has also led the Australia A team, showcasing his leadership qualities on and off the pitch. His position as scrum-half enables him to orchestrate the game with precision, and he's known for his swift passing and tactical acumen. His commitment to the sport, competitive nature, and ability to connect with his teammates have made him a respected figure in the rugby community.

Episode Summary:
In this riveting episode of the Give 'em Rugby Podcast, host Liam sits down with Brumbies captain and scrum-half, Ryan Lonergan. The conversation offers a glimpse into the personal and professional life of a professional rugby player, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with the sport. From the serenity of farm life to the intensity of the rugby pitch, Lonergan delivers intriguing insights into what drives him both on and off the field.

The episode starts with a discussion about growing up on a family farm and its impact on Lonergan’s work ethic and perspective towards rugby. The duo delves into the dynamics of team sports, covering the significant role camaraderie and competitive spirit play in Lonergan’s love for rugby. They also touch upon technical skills vital for rugby positions, with Lonergan sharing stories from both his early career and recent endeavours on the Barbarians tour. The episode wraps up with reflections on the evolution of rugby, the strategic nature of the box kick, and the importance of game IQ in modern rugby.

For anyone looking to delve deeper into the nuances of rugby and gain personal insight from one of Rugby's top young players, this episode with Ryan Lonergan is a must-listen. Be sure to listen to the full conversation for an in-depth exploration of rugby's evolving landscape and stay tuned for more from the Give 'em Rugby Podcast.

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About the Guest:

Connal McInerney is a professional rugby player, widely recognized within the rugby community for his dedication and skills on the field. Having played for the Brumbies and holding the title of Wallaby number 947, McInerney's career has been marked by his evolution from club rugby to the international stage. Known for his commitment to the sport and his journey through various rugby leagues, McInerney's personal narrative is a testament to his hard work and passion for rugby.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of the Give 'em Rugby podcast, host Liam McGrath sits down with the inspiring Connal McInerney, a true embodiment of relentless dedication to rugby. Listeners get a front-row seat to McInerney's profound journey from his grassroots beginnings to flourishing as a Wallaby.

The conversation unfolds with a heartfelt recount of McInerney's earliest rugby memories and the pivotal moments that sculpted his career trajectory. The episode peels back the layers on his remarkable transition from facing setbacks and hurdling obstacles to grasping the opportunity to don the esteemed Wallabies jersey. His tales of resilience offer an intimate look into the life of a professional athlete maneuvering the ebbs and flows of competitive sport.

Key themes revolve around the significance of formative experiences in McInerney's growth, the nuanced perspectives on rugby's cultural impact, and the influence of strategic decisions in shaping one's athletic path. Filled with insightful anecdotes and McInerney's personal wisdom, this episode promises to leave its audience both informed and inspired.

Key Takeaways:

• Connell McInerney's journey from local club rugby to playing for the Wallabies embodies perseverance in professional sports.
• The importance of facing adversity with resilience is highlighted by McInerney's response to being initially overlooked for a development contract.
• Insights into McInerney's evolution as a player and how critical conversations and rejections became turning points in his career.
• The emotional and proud moment of being called up for the Wallabies and the experiences of representing Australia on the international stage.
• Reflection on the impactful mentors and pivotal decisions that helped shape McInerney's career trajectory, illustrating the power of opportunity and preparation in sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "I remember going for a job interview... But then he [the interviewer] knocked me back and that was the best thing to happen because I just picked up uni and did part-time and just did a little bit just to say I'm doing something, you know, and then I was able to put the time into rugby." - Connell McInerney
• "Yeah, that year I kind of played. Played at east train. Sorry, I trained to Thursday with Brahms and then I'd go and play for east and it was like one of the best years of my life because like I'm having… It's like a split life." - Connell McInerney
• "…and I wasn't ready enough to take chick's position. And club captain… But legend and like. And he never showed any ego around me or anything, you know, he was… Yeah, he was always… He kind of would give off the energy that, you know, I'm only here for a year or two more and then you… Then you'll jump." - Connell McInerney
• "I didn't make my school team. And we're not even a rugby school. Like we're not like you, darlin Marist… This was for a one-off comp." - Connell McInerney, on an unexpected setback in his early rugby experiences.
• "They just gave me a call out of nowhere. And it was before our first trial. Game against swinger." - Connell McInerney, reflecting on the surprise of being called to play for the Brumbies.

Resources:

• Social media @giveemrugby
• Give 'em Rugby club
• www.cardtradr.com
• www.thecover.com
• Asics

Dive deep into the full episode to unpack Connell McInerney's compelling rugby narrative, and get ready for more enriching and introspective conversations on the Given Rugby podcast.