The Rugby Bricks Podcast
by Peter Breen
The Rugby Bricks Podcast is about speaking with some of the brightest minds, smartest coaches and most talented athletes from all around the world. We're breaking down their habits of what's made them successful and sharing their insights, tips, and quirks from their fields to make you the best you can be whether that's on or off the pitch.
Episodes
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#77 Nic Gill | NFL Ravens & What Is Rugby Fitness?
There's nothing quite like the feeling of being rugby fit, knowing your fitness is strong enough to do what you need and play for the teams you want. Today, we chat with Dr. Nic Gill, "Gilly," the Baltimore Ravens Vice President of Health and Performance. He's also a former long-serving Head of...
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#77 Sophie de Goede | World First Signature Kicking Tee
We're proud to partner with World Player of the Year Sophie de Goede to bring the first-ever Signature Kicking Tee to rugby. The red colour represents Sophie's Canadian heritage, and the packaging draws inspiration from basketball and rugby skill development and the journey a player travels…
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#76 John Mitchell | England Red Roses Head Coach
John Mitchell's journey is a testament to the power of embracing change, refining communication, and fostering authentic connections. His insights remind us that the journey of growth is ongoing, both personally and professionally. In this episode, Mitch shares his experiences and reflections,...
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#75 Craig Stewart | KOBE Skills Coaching
Craig Stewart Skills Coach for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers talks skill work used in the championship winning 2026 season, alongside Head Coach Dave Rene.
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#74 Paul Tito | Mastering the Modern Lineout
In this Rugby Bricks podcast, Blues forwards coach breaks down the detail, mindset, and simplicity behind building a dominant lineout. Fish shares lessons from coaching environments around the world, why too many calls can hurt clarity, and the importance of mastering the "drill" before anything...
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#73 Ben Herring | Culture Wins: Coaching Beyond the Game
Ben Herring breaks down why modern coaching is less about tactics and more about building genuine connections, trust, and a strong team culture. By putting people first, setting clear standards, and creating a shared purpose, coaches can unlock better performance and deeper player buy-in.
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#72 Sean Graham | How Nudgee College Builds a Rugby Culture That Lasts
Sean Graham, Rugby Director at Nudgee College, shares insights on coaching youth rugby, building a strong program, and supporting coaches and players. Discover how to create a winning culture, manage top talent, and foster leadership in young athletes.
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Brick #013 Phone Fasting | The New Edge in Focus and Flow
Ever wondered how often you reach for your phone? Over 2,000 times a day. In this episode, Pete dives into phone fasting, the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. reset inside Outwork October, and how cutting the scroll builds focus, creativity, and presence. From golf swings to goal kicking, Pete unpacks how…
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Brick #012 League vs Union | Why League Kicks Smarter & Union Kicks Bigger
In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of kicking across both Rugby League and Rugby Union, from cage kicks and spiral bombs to box kicks and goal kicking pressure. With insights from Melbourne Storm, the Crusaders, AFL, and the rise of the women's kicking game, this is a...
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Brick #011 Foundation Passing | The 4 Pieces of a World-Class Pass
We're diving deep into the four core pieces of the catch pass puzzle, from clean hands to passing power, so you can sharpen your skill set and stand out at any level. Whether you're coaching kids or running pro systems, this is the session every rugby player needs.
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Brick #010 Bronco Breathing | Recover Like a Pro Between Whistles
In this short solo episode, Pete breaks down the power of "Bronco Breathing" a fast and effective recovery method used by NRL teams between whistles. Learn how ditching the tall, stoic stance and embracing intentional exhaling can bring your game back to life.
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Brick #009 Social Media | How to Build a Powerful Club Presence on Social
In this episode, Peter Breen shares the ultimate social media game plan for grassroots rugby clubs. From gear tips to storytelling ideas and everything in between, this brick is your playbook for building a club presence that actually connects.
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#71 Tom Coventry | Building Belief: Tom Coventry on Rugby, Leadership & Mental Edge
Tom Coventry shares powerful insights into modern rugby coaching, highlighting the importance of team communication, mental preparation, and the evolving demands of the game. From pre-season planning to the influence of role models and off-field habits, this episode dives deep into what drives...
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Brick #008 Ignore | Ignore to Improve: The Skill of Strategic Focus
In this Brick episode, Pete breaks down the power of choosing what to ignore so you can make real progress where it matters most—on the field, in business, and in life. With lessons from the Wright brothers to Rugby Bricks' own journey, it's time to lock in your focus and fly.
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Brick #007 10 Pillars | Mindset to Compression: Mastering Goal Kicking Fundamentals
In this Bricks episode, Peter Breen breaks down the Ten Pillars of Goal Kicking—the foundational questions every goal kicker, coach, or parent needs to ask to build confidence, consistency, and clarity in their kicking game. Whether you're hitting 90% or chasing improvement from 60%, this episode...
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Brick #006 Coach | 5 Ways to Get Picked Without Saying "Pick Me"
In this Brick episode, Pete shares 5 game-changing ways to communicate with your coach so you can build trust, get picked, and thrive in your team environment. No fluff, just practical tools to help you lead yourself first, so others can follow.
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Brick #005 Conversational Threads | The Skill That'll Unlock Better Conversations On & Off the Field
In this brick, Peter breaks down the power of conversational threads—the simple skill of adding detail to your responses to keep kōrero flowing, build connection, and create better relationships both on and off the field. Whether it's with coaches, teammates, or mates at a wedding, adding just a...
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Brick #004 Clutch | Earn the Right to Be Clutch: More Than Just a Moment
Being clutch isn't luck — it's earned. In this episode, we break down the four pieces of the puzzle that make up true clutch moments and why they only come to those who've put in the work.
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Brick #003 Fighter Mindset | Fighter vs Victim: The Mindset That Changes Everything
In this Brick episode of The Rugby Bricks Podcast, We unpack the powerful shift between a fighter and victim mentality, sharing lessons from his time with the Melbourne Storm during the challenges of COVID. Peter reflects on a personal coaching experience where team dynamics turned quickly,...
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#70 Carter Gordon | The Transition from Union to League: Techniques & Mindset for Success
In this insightful podcast episode, Carter Gordon, Australian Wallabies fly-half, reflects on his journey transitioning from rugby union to rugby league. He opens up about the challenges of a high-pressure career, including his time with Eddie Jones at the Rugby World Cup and the brutal honesty…
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Brick #002 Communication | How to Communicate Like a Pro on the Field: 5 Tips for Team Success
Focusing on the small details makes a big impact.
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Brick #001 Timeliness | Why You Should Be On Time For Training? Why Coaches Value Timeliness
Focusing on the small details makes a big impact.
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#69 Nick Evans | The Modern Playmaker: Mastering The 10 & 15 Jersey
Join us for an epic deep dive into the art of attack, team identity, and elite coaching with Nick Evans. From Harlequins' DNA to All Blacks' tactical mastery, we break down what makes teams click, how players can 'be special,' and why simplicity is the ultimate weapon. Packed with insights,...
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#66 Matt Giteau | Goal Kicking: Insights from Rugby Legends like Johnny Wilkinson | Mental Game, Techniques, and Lessons Learned
Matt Giteau is an Australian rugby union player known for his versatility. Currently playing for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby, Giteau excels as a utility back, primarily in the inside centre and fly-half positions. Debuting for the Wallabies in 2002, Giteau was nominated for the...
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#65 John Cooney | Kicking Mindset: Embracing Growth, Simplicity, and Continuous Improvement in the World of Rugby Kicking
John Cooney is a talented professional rugby union player from Ireland known for his skills as a scrum-half. He was born on December 17, 1989, in Dublin, Ireland. Cooney has played for various teams throughout his career, including Connacht, Leinster, and currently Ulster Rugby in the Pro14 and...
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#64: Peter & Kale | Full Contact Coaching: Rugby, People, and Personal Growth
Welcome to another episode of the Rugby Bricks Podcast. We are thrilled to bring you this latest episode featuring our very own founders, Peter Breen and Kale Panoho. They are here to share their experiences, insights, and the exciting developments happening at Rugby Bricks in 2023. Peter Breen…
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#63: Nic Gill | Unlocking Peak Performance: Learn How The All Blacks Prepare For Test Match Footy.
Nic Gill has revolutionised the strength & conditioning program for the All Blacks over the past 16 years. The esteemed All Blacks S&C coach, known for his unparalleled expertise and tireless dedication has solidified his place as one of the greatest minds in the game. Gill has had one of the…
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#62: Ben O'Keeffe | Penalties, Pressure, and Professionalism: Dealing With Scrutiny & The Journey To Becoming A World-Class Referee
Ben O'Keeffe is a world-renowned rugby union referee and ophthalmologist (eye doctor) from New Zealand. He has climbed to the top of the referee ladder and is cited as one of the top referees leading into the Rugby World Cup in France this year. O'Keeffe became an official referee in 2013 and has...
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#61: Peter Breen | How Cultural Differences Shape The Success Of A Team's Environment
We are excited to share what's been happening behind the scenes in 2023. There's been a whole lot happening already and even more to come. Peter Breen has been busy and shares his most recent experiences and learnings while coaching some of the top teams in rugby and the NRL, which include the...
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#60: Owen Franks & Jase Ryan | Dealing With Public Pressure & How The Iron Back Has Revolutionised Scrum Training Technology.
Owen Franks & Jase Ryan are renowned as a couple of the greatest rugby minds in the game, especially when it comes to the front row & scrums. Ryan is a world-leading forwards coach and has a decorated career to date. He has recently been appointed as the new All Blacks forwards coach in 2022 and...
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#59: Zara Fa'avae | The Future To Come For Rugby Bricks & How the Outwork Outlearn Mantra Influences Our Decision Making.
Zara Fa'avae is the new CEO of Rugby Bricks. Her expertise has given her the opportunity to work with some of the world's best sports brands, including Nike, Adidas, New Era and more. Zara's talent has led to some amazing interactions with some A-list celebrities including Kayne West when he came...
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#58: Owen Franks | The Secret Behind Becoming A Legendary 100 Test All Black & Mastering The Front Row.
Owen Franks is a current New Zealand rugby union player, he is a part of the 2022 Hurricanes squad looking to make his debut late in the season. Frank's first significant playing role was for the Canterbury provincial team, then he moved on to play for the Crusaders where he won three consecutive...
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#57: Peter Breen | The Launch Of Rugby Bricks Going Live in Europe & UK
We are excited to announce this long-awaited launch in the UK & Europe. Rugby Bricks is now live in the UK & Europe with the full range of kicking tees in all colours and styles. We have been working hard to get this across the line to give you access to tees without all of the hassle of shipping...
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#56: Kale & Peter | The Launch Of Our New Exclusive Community Group The Bricks Club.
We are super excited to bring you our newest project. The Bricks Club is our new Facebook group where the goal is to give back to the community and the game. The two brains of Rugby Bricks talk through the creation of the Bricks Club and how it has become an interactive community for people to...
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#55: Jase Ryan | The Secret Art Of The Scrum & Creating A Winning Legacy & Culture Within The Most Successful Super Rugby Franchise.
Jase Ryan is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the forward's coach of the Crusaders and assistant coach to Fiji. Ryan's first significant coaching role was for the Canterbury provincial team originally as a scrum coach and then became assistant in 2015-16 and went on to...
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#54: Chloe Dalton | Dealing With The Pressure Of Being A Triple Sports Elite Athlete & Being A Change Maker For The Paralympian's.
Chloe Dalton is one of Australia's few triple sports athletes. She has been a part of the WNBL with the Sydney Uni Flames. Chloe then represented Australia in rugby sevens and made her debut in 2014 on the Dubai women's sevens circuit. Chloe won a gold medal as a part of the women's sevens team…
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#53: Peter Breen & Kale Panoho | The First Release Of The New Limited Edition Rugby Bricks Gold Rare NFT
Firstly, we can't wait to launch our first NFT on Friday the 17th of September 2021 and we wouldn't have been able to get this across the line without the ongoing support of our community and the interest in the project so the thanks goes out to the Rugby Bricks community. This episode of the…
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#52: Wayne Smith | Creating a Winning Formula In The All Blacks Environment & Becoming A Tactical Genius
Wayne Smith is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the Director of Rugby for the Japanese Top League club, the Kobelco Steelers. Smith's first significant coaching role was for the Crusaders in the 1997 season and went on to win back to back titles in 1998 and 1999…
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#51:Mitch Hunt | How To Master Game Driving Ability & Kicking Strategy When Under Pressure.
Mitch Hunt is a professional New Zealand rugby player. Hunt was among the top 10 lead point scorers for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament and the top 3 lead point scorers in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition. Hunt has already managed to play over 70 games of Super Rugby with…
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#50: Kale Panoho | The Journey Still To Come For Rugby Bricks & Living In A Digital World.
Kale is the partner of K&J Growth and Rugby Bricks. His companies have worked with local businesses like BNZ and local gyms through to international brands like TikTok, Microsoft and Monster Energy and have helped hundreds of businesses go online. Kale is a member of the Forbes Agency Council and...
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#49: Chelsea Alley | The Reality Of Women's Rugby & How They Live, Train & Survive.
Chelsea Alley is a New Zealand Professional rugby player. She is currently the captain of the Waikato Women's team In the Farah Palmer Cup and has broken the union's record for most games and points. Alley also won the World Cup in 2017 and has been a part of the NZ black ferns since 2013. For…
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#48: Ben Herring | The Art Of The Tackle & Jackal & How To Outsmart Your Opponents With Cunning Tactics
Ben Herring is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the assistant coach of the Newest Japanese top league team the Hino Red Dolphins. He was the Otago rugby head coach from 2018 to 2019 winning the Ranfurly Shield with the side in 2018. Herring's had a decorated coaching...
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#47: Rachel Vickery | How The Melbourne Storm Use Breathing Tactics to Excel Under Pressure
Rachel Vickery is an elite breathing and high-performance strategist. She has been a part of some of the top sporting organisations, including the Golden State Warriors, PGA Golf, Sydney Roosters and currently working with the Melbourne Storm. From her time with these teams, she has been labelled...
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#46: Joe Rokocoko | The Fijian Flyer & The Art of Deception On The Pitch
Josevata Taliga "Joe" Rokocoko is a professional New Zealand rugby union player. Rokocoko is one of the top ten try scorers of all time in International Test Rugby. Rokocoko played 96 matches for the Auckland Blues and 69 first class test matches for the All Blacks before moving to France where…
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#45: Robbie Deans | Creating The Crusaders Championship Culture & Building Living Legacies
Robbie Deans is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the head coach of the Panasonic Wild Knights. He was head coach of the Australian national team between 2008 and 2013. Deans had previously coached the Crusaders for eight seasons and was an assistant coach of New…
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#44: Black Friday | The Launch Of Our Latest Product
It's Black Friday at Rugby Bricks and we're chatting through the launch of our new RB Kicker Boot Bag, grubbers and everything Black Friday deals. Here's what we're covering in today's episode: A new RB Product Launch: The Rugby Bricks Kickers Boot Bag is built to keep your boots, your tee and...
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#43: Gareth Jenkinson | Interviewing Siya Kolisi After The 2019 World Cup Final & Revitalising Rugby In South Africa
Gareth Jenkinson is a sports journalist and is one of the team now leading the launch of Rugby Bricks South Africa. This episode covers some special moments: How Gareth interviewed Siya Kolisi as he walked off the pitch after winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup How Gareth's career in journalism has...
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#42: Leo Breen | Establishing The Rugby Bricks Values & The History Of Rugby Bricks
Leo Breen is my Dad and is the roading manager at Whitestone Cheese in Oamaru where I grew up. In this episode, we discuss the values that drive us inside of Rugby Bricks. We chat through: What it means to lead with empathy How to be you and let others be Why you need to share what you learn with...
About this show
The Rugby Bricks Podcast is about speaking with some of the brightest minds, smartest coaches and most talented athletes from all around the world. We're breaking down their habits of what's made them successful and sharing their insights, tips, and quirks from their fields to make you the best you can be whether that's on or off the pitch.
Hosted by
Peter Breen