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Talking About A Carpool

by Talking About A Carpool

Talking About a Carpool takes you inside the real rugby journey. From schoolyard dreams to the professional stage, we unpack what it’s like to chase a contract overseas. Hear stories, lessons, and insights on pathways through Europe’s top competitions — Top 14, ProD2, Premiership, Championship, URC, and the European Cups. Whether you’re a young player, parent, or fan, this podcast helps you understand the opportunities, challenges, and choices behind pursuing rugby abroad — told with honesty, experience, and a carpool vibe.

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Episodes

  1. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 45 – Bledisloe Cup, RLWC Kickoff & Pacific World Nations Squads

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), break down a massive weekend of rugby. Ofa recaps histrip to Auckland for the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park, the crew runs through allthe European domestic…

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  2. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 44 – European Rugby Results, NRL Grand Final & RLWC 2026

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), cover European rugby results across five competitions, review the NRL Grand Final, preview Bledisloe Cup One at Eden Park, and break down the Rugby League...

  3. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 43 – Euro Rugby Round One, NRL Prelims & Wallabies Upset

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), cover the opening rounds of five European club rugby competitions, break down a massive NRL preliminary finals weekend, and unpack the Wallabies' big win…

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  4. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 42 – Season 2 Kickoff: European Rugby, All Blacks vs Springboks & Pacific Nations

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), kick off Season 2 with a full wrap of European rugbyresults across seven competitions, the All Blacks' historic tour of SouthAfrica, Pacific Nations Cup, and...

  5. Da Kuleana: Skill Development — From Natural Talent to Reps, Video Analysis & Owning Your Game

    Natural talent gets you noticed, but skill refinement underpressure is what keeps you in the game. Ofahelotu and Semisi break down whatreal skill development looks like — from the extras Carlos Spencer did aftertraining, to the reps that build confidence when you're gassed on the field.This is...

  6. Da Kuleana: Physical Preparation Beyond the Gym

    Physical preparation for rugby isn't just about lifting weights — it's everything you do to keep your body ready to perform, recover, and stay injury-free across a gruelling 10-month season. ofahelotu and The Wine Chief break down what it actually takes to prepare physically as a professional…

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  7. Da Kuleana: Player Mindset & Discipline

    What separates the players who make it from the ones whodon't isn't raw talent — it's discipline. Not motivation. Discipline. In thisweek's Da Kuleana, ofahelotu and Semisi "The Wine Chief" Telefonibreak down what player mindset and discipline actually look like on and off thefield, drawing from...

  8. Da Kuleana: Understanding Your Coach

    Your coach can't help you if they don't know you. Thissegment breaks down exactly how players at every level — from club toprofessional — should be building and managing their relationship with theircoaching staff. Whether you're fighting for a starting spot, dealing withfeedback you disagree…

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  9. Da Kuleana: Money, Legacy & the Career Window — Talking About A Carpool Ep. 4

    Every rugby player faces the same crossroads: chase themoney or chase the legacy? For Pacific players especially, that choice carriesthe weight of family, community, and culture. In this Da Kuleana segment,ofahelotu and Semisi "The Wine Chief" Telefoni break down what thecareer window actually...

  10. Da Kuleana: Rugby Agents — What They Do, When You Need One & How to Protect Your Value

    Most rugby players and their families don't get the agentconversation until they're already overseas, out of their depth, andmid-negotiation. Ofa and Semisi have both played professionally across France,England, Scotland, and the US — and in this segment they break down everythingthey wish they'd...

  11.   Da Kuleana: Off-Season Management for Professional Rugby Players

    The off-season isn't time off — it's the window that determines what kind of player you'll be when pre-season hits. ofahelotu and Semisi Telefoni break down exactly how to manage your mind, body, and nutrition during the break, drawing from the mistakes and wins across their own professional...

  12. ): Talking About A Carpool: Episode 41 – Season Finale | Off-Season, Managing Your Body & Mind, Top 14 Final Wrap & Season's Best Teams

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), wrap up the 2025/26 European rugby season in their41st episode. They go deep on how professional rugby players should manage theoff-season — physically,...

  13. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 40 – Finals Season Wrap, All Blacks & Wallabies Named

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), wrap up a massive finals weekend across four major competitions — URC, Premiership Rugby, Super Rugby, and the Top 14 semifinals — before breaking down the...

  14. Da Kuleana: Rugby CV — How to Get Yourself Signed

    Your rugby CV is the first thing a club, agent, or directorof rugby sees before they ever watch your highlights — and most players get itwrong. ofahelotu and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief", walk youthrough every section of a professional rugby CV, from profile basics topassport…

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  15. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 39 – How to Build Your Rugby CV

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), break down what's happening across the European rugbyfinals — Premiership, Top 14, and URC — before diving into the most practicalepisode of the season. The...

  16. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 38 – European Rugby Finals Round-Up & State of Origin Game 2 Preview

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), break down the business end of the European rugbyseason — Premiership Rugby, Top 14, Pro D2, and URC — before turning theirattention to the NRL State of…

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  17. Da Kuleana: Leaving Home for Rugby

    Leaving home for rugby is one of the biggest decisions aplayer will ever make — and most of them make it without a roadmap. In thissegment, ofahelotu and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief", shareexactly what it cost them to go: the conversations with family, the emptyapartments after evening...

  18. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 37 – Leaving Home for Rugby

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), cover the business end of the European rugby seasonbefore getting into the conversation that matters most: what it actually coststo leave home for rugby. From...

  19. Da Kuleana: Life After Rugby — Semisi's Transition from Pro Player to Wine Industry

    Most rugby players don't plan for life after the game — because everything in the professional environment tells you to focus on right now. Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief," is a Tongan New Zealander who played professional rugby in France for over a decade, and then did something very...

  20. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 36 – From the Pitch to the Cellar: Semisi's Second Chapter

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), open up about the weight of life off the field — ason's ankle operation, local derby prep, and three daughters representing atNetball Carnival. Then it's into...

  21. Da Kuleana: Rugby League to Rugby Union — How I Made the Switch

    If you're a rugby league player — or the parent or coach of one — wondering whether rugby union is worth considering, this is the conversation you need to hear. ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) tells his full story: from chasing the NRL dream in Victoria, to turning down a Raiders trial, to…

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  22. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 35 – League to Union, Euro Finals & State of Origin Squads Named

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), dig into the European rugby finals weekend in Bilbao, break down the latest results from all five competitions, and explore the newly named 2026 State of...

  23. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 34 – Super Rugby, European Results & Winning Culture

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, host ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) flies solo — Semisi Telefoni, aka "The WineChief" (Auckland, New Zealand), takes the week off. ofahelotu breaks downthe latest European rugby results across four competitions, then goes deep onwhat's really holding Australian...

  24. Da Kuleana: How to Keep Your Local Rugby Club Alive — Talking About A Carpool Ep. 33

    Grassroots rugby clubs in New Zealand and Australia are merging, shrinking, and disappearing — not because people stopped loving the game, but because not enough people are showing up for it off the field. This Da Kuleana breaks down exactly what parents, players, former players, and community...

  25. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 33 – Keeping Grassroots Rugby Alive

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), dig into the state of grassroots rugby and whateveryday people can do to keep it alive. From Champ Rugby standings andEuropean Champions Cup semi-finals, to a...

  26. Da Kuleana: Video Review — How Professionals Use Footage to Get Better (And What Every Player Can Learn From It) — Talking About A Carpool

    Video review isn't just for professionals — it's one of themost powerful tools any rugby player can use to improve, and it's moreaccessible than ever. Whether you're coming off a loss, fighting for your spotin the squad, or preparing your pack for the week ahead, knowing how to watchand learn…

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  27. Talking About A Carpool - Episode 32: Anzac Weekend + European Rugby Wrap | Rugby Takes You Further Than You Think

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), catch up over Anzac weekend — footy, family, brass bands, and winter sports kicking off — before diving deep into European rugby. The boys wrap the...

  28. Da Kuleana: Club Rugby Players - How to Prepare Yourself for Professional Rugby

    Most young rugby players want to go pro — but very few understand what that actually requires before the contract arrives. This week's Da Kuleana breaks down the real daily and weekly demands of a professional rugby environment, and what uncontracted players in the 18–25 bracket need to start…

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  29. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 31 – Moana Pasifika's Future, European Rugby Round-Up & How to Prepare for Professional Rugby

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), dig into a big week in rugby — from the European clubseason heating up across the Championship, URC, and Top 14, to theheartbreaking news surrounding Moana...

  30. Da Kuleana: The European Challenge Cup — How It Works, Its History & Why It's the Best Rugby You're Not Watching

    If you're in Australia or New Zealand and you've never heard of the European Challenge Cup, you're not alone — but you're missing out on some of the best professional club rugby in the world. In this Da Kuleana, ofahelotu and Semisi break down exactly how the competition works, walk through its...

  31. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 30 – Carlos Ulberg, Faith in Sport & European Rugby Rundown

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), celebrate Episode 30 with a packed show. They cover European rugby's business end — Championship Rugby, Pro D2, the Challenge Cup, and Investec Champions…

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  32. Da Kuleana: The European Champions Cup Explained

    Da Kuleana: The European Champions Cup Explained From Talking About A Carpool — Episode 28 If you've ever wondered why European club rugby is considered the pinnacle of the professional game — this is the episode to start with. The Investec Champions Cup brings together the best players from the...

  33. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 29 – European Rugby Results, Penrith Panthers, and the Michael Jackson Movie

    Talking About A Carpool: Episode 29 – European Rugby Results, Penrith Panthers, and the Michael Jackson Movie This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), dig deep into the European club rugby season…

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  34. Da Kuleana: Rugby Opportunities Beyond Australia & New Zealand — Part 2

    Da Kuleana: Rugby Opportunities Beyond Australia & New Zealand — Part 2 From Talking About A Carpool — Episode 28 You know how to catch, tackle, and scrum — but do you know where those skills can take you outside Super Rugby and the NPC? This Kuleana breaks down the professional and semi-pro…

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  35. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 28 – All Blacks Coaching Overhaul & The Fighter's Dilemma

    Talking About A Carpool: Episode 28 – All Blacks Coaching Overhaul & The Fighter's Dilemma This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), break down Dave Rennie's newly appointed All Blacks coaching…

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  36. Da Kuleana: European Rugby Pathways Beyond the Big Leagues

    Da Kuleana: European Rugby Pathways Beyond the Big Leagues This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), present an education-focused Kuleana episode exploring professional rugby opportunities in...

  37. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 27 – Music, Mindset, and the State of Pacific Rugby

    Talking About A Carpool: Episode 27 – Music, Mindset, and the State of Pacific Rugby This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), discuss life balancing family, coaching duties, and rugby commitments...

  38. Da Kuleana – National Pride vs 'It's Just a Game'

    In this special Da Kuleana (Responsibility) episode, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), tackle one of rugby's most heated debates: Is it just a game, or does wearing the national jersey carry deeper meaning? Sparked by England's...

  39. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 26 – Six Months In: Reflection & Six Nations Review

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), celebrate their six-month podcasting milestone by reflecting on their journey while delivering a thrilling Six Nations 2026 recap and diving into a...

  40. Da Kuleana – Working While Trying to Make It in Rugby

    Starts at (0:10) The hosts share personal experiences working labour-intensive and office jobs while pursuing rugby careers. Semisi recalls working at Fulton Hogan road company while playing for Auckland, while ofahelotu discusses everything from powder coating factories to loading meat…

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  41. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 25 – Six Nations Finale, Dave Rennie's All Blacks Appointment & Rugby's Format Evolution

    Talking About A Carpool: Episode 25 – Six Nations Finale, Dave Rennie's All Blacks Appointment & Rugby's Format Evolution This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), dive into the thrilling Six…

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  42. Da Kuleana – Responsibility (Education Segment: The Student Athlete Journey)

    Da Kuleana – Responsibility (Education Segment: The Student Athlete Journey) A comprehensive breakdown of the student athlete experience across different life stages, exploring how young players can balance sport, education, and personal development from childhood through professional careers....

  43. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 24 - European Rugby Roundup, Why do the Blues Have Everything But Still Can't Win Consistently

    Talking About A Carpool: Episode 24 - European Rugby Roundup, Why do the Blues Have Everything But Still Can't Win Consistently This week, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney) and Semisi Telefoni aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland) deliver comprehensive European rugby results, battle in their weekly tipping...

  44. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 23 – Domestic Rugby Pathways: Australia and New Zealand

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), break down the complex domestic rugby pathways in bothcountries, helping young athletes and parents understand the journey fromgrassroots to professional…

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  45. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 22 – Rugby World Cup 2027 Preview & Munster Rugby Deep Dive

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), dive into the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, break down the latest European rugby results, and explore the rich history of Munster Rugby.…

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  46. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 21 – International Eligibility, Six Nations & Toulouse Rugby

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), explore international rugby eligibility rules and European club opportunities that can shape a player's career. Segment 1: Talk Story Starts at (0:37) The...

  47. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 20 – The People Behind the Player: Coaches, Support Staff, and Mentors

    This week, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and SemisiTelefoni, "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), honor thecoaches, support staff, and mentors who shaped their professional rugbycareers. Talk Story Starts at (1:05) The hosts discuss GordonRugby's sand dune training at Palm Beach,...

  48. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 19 – Six Nations & International Pathways: How Players from Australia & New Zealand Qualify for European National Teams

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), dive into the Six Nations Championship and explore pathways for players from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands to represent European national...

  49. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 18 – Navigating Coach Changes: Professionalism and Performance in Rugby

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu(Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief"(Auckland, New Zealand), tackle how professional rugby players should handlecoaching changes. Drawing from their European rugby careers, the hosts sharepersonal stories about adapting...

  50. Talking About A Carpool: Episode 17 – European Champions Cup: The Elite Competition You Need to Know About

    This week on Talking About A Carpool, hosts ofahelotu (Sydney, Australia) and Semisi Telefoni, aka "The Wine Chief" (Auckland, New Zealand), dive deep into the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup—the premier club rugby competitions in the world. The hosts break down why Australian and New...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Talking About a Carpool takes you inside the real rugby journey. From schoolyard dreams to the professional stage, we unpack what it’s like to chase a contract overseas. Hear stories, lessons, and insights on pathways through Europe’s top competitions — Top 14, ProD2, Premiership, Championship, URC, and the European Cups. Whether you’re a young player, parent, or fan, this podcast helps you understand the opportunities, challenges, and choices behind pursuing rugby abroad — told with honesty, experience, and a carpool vibe.

HOSTED BY

Talking About A Carpool

CATEGORIES

sports rugby

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Talking About A Carpool have?

Talking About A Carpool currently has 66 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Talking About A Carpool about?

Talking About a Carpool takes you inside the real rugby journey. From schoolyard dreams to the professional stage, we unpack what it’s like to chase a contract overseas. Hear stories, lessons, and insights on pathways through Europe’s top competitions — Top 14, ProD2, Premiership, Championship,...

How often does Talking About A Carpool release new episodes?

Talking About A Carpool has 66 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Talking About A Carpool?

You can listen to Talking About A Carpool on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Talking About A Carpool?

Talking About A Carpool is created and hosted by Talking About A Carpool.
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