Lima Sopoaga on How One Year on Social Media Changed His Life After Rugby

Former All Black, Highlanders champion and Samoa international Lima Sopoaga joins ShedlifeNZ for an honest conversation about the historic 2015 Super Rugby title, his unforgettable debut at Ellis Park, and the year on social media that changed his life after rugby.From feeling like a superhero in the black jersey to becoming a Sky Sport broadcaster, Lima opens up about the defining moments, decisions and people behind his journey.Lima tells the story behind Tony Brown’s famous backwards kick, which did not work once at training before coming off under the lights against the Hurricanes. He reflects on the Highlanders’ championship season, the lessons he learned from Jamie Joseph and Brad Thorn, what it meant to represent both the All Blacks and Samoa, and why he chose time with his wife and daughters over another overseas rugby contract.He also explains how a challenge to post 30 videos in 30 days helped him gain 13,000 followers, overcome the fear of what people might think, and open the door to opportunities with Sky Sport. One year later, Lima says he feels more popular now than during his playing career and believes the decision to start creating content changed his life.This is Lima Sopoaga beyond the highlights: rugby, identity, family, resilience, social media and learning to become a beginner again.In this episode:• Becoming an All Black at Ellis Park• Feeling like a superhero in the black jersey• The Highlanders’ historic 2015 Super Rugby title• The true story behind the famous backwards kick• Jamie Joseph, Tony Brown and Brad Thorn• Representing the All Blacks and Samoa• Playing for Wasps, Lyon, Japan and Waikato• Choosing family over another overseas contract• Growing 13,000 followers in 30 days• Moving from professional rugby into Sky Sport and social media• Why rugby was what he did, not who he isSubscribe to ShedlifeNZ for positive stories about good people working hard.Which part of Lima’s journey stood out most to you? Let us know in the comments.