The Pivot Poddy

When Ben Franks was a young man, his father instilled a simple mantra that stayed with him throughout his career: "You never know who's watching." From that moment on, every training session, trialgame or match was approached with the same commitment! To give his best, every single time. After 15 years at the pinnacle of professional rugby, Ben brought his playing career to a close during a season...

Dillon Boucher spent 25 years playing professional basketball, beginning at just 17 years old and retiring at 42. But what happens when the game you've dedicated your life to comes to an end? . A true New Zealand basketball legend, Dillon admits that the word “retirement” was daunting for him. Now the General Manager of his beloved New Zealand Breakers, Dillon shares on his journey from leading on...

When Matt Cornwell was 20 years old he watched his best mate become paralysed at rugby training... a day that altered his life forever. He went on to carve out a serious pro rugby career, representing Leicester Tigers, Exeter Chiefs, and Northampton Saints. But his impact stretched well beyond the field. With the backing of the rugby community, he helped build the Matt Hampson Foundation, supporti...

A story about... well... just having a crack really! Massive respect for Troy and the way he's been able to transition almost seamlessly from an 18 year rugby career into entrepreneurship! From forging Troy Prehab, launching Haka Rugby Global, and now Footy Nippers. It was awesome to chat with Troy and reflect on 11 years of business building! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

When Alex Opacic’s knee stopped cooperating, his pro basketball career was over the very next day… A brutal reminder that sport is a business first. 💔 Like many athletes, it took Alex years to find PEACE with that part of his story. But from the ashes he rose into the world of sales and now leads his own venture Athlete2Business… a recruitment agency helping ex-athletes transition into high-perfo...

Ever wondered what it would be like supporting your partner through retirement? This week we dive into the real side of life after sport, not just for the athlete, but for the partner standing beside them through it all. Dan (ex-professional rugby player for North Harbour) and Storm (former pro netballer for the Northern Mystics, U21 New Zealand Netball Team, the Southern Steel, the Northern Stars...

If you don't know the name go back and watch your footy from the early 2000s! Once a tough, abrassive openside flanker, Ben had a rugby career many would covet! Playing for teams like the Hurricanes, Leicester Tigers and ofcourse the mighty Southland Stags! After 3 bad concussioons ended his time between the white lines, Ben unexpectedly found himself on the other side of the game. Coaching. Now w...

Thinking of transitioning out of sport? Wondering what's next? You're not alone. ‪@ThePivotPoddy‬ is about getting together with ex-athletes and finding out how they did it, what they've learned and what they would share with others who are hunting for their next thrill. Episode 1: Introducing Dan Kirkpatrick, professional rugby player in Aotearoa for The Hurricanes, The Blues and winner of the il...