From the Plains to the Pitch

Precision, Power & Youth @ Auckland FC - Episode 12

In this special edition of From The Plains to The Pitch, we sit down with three stars from Auckland FC for a rapid–fire series of interviews that dive into mindset, pressure, opportunity, and the future of football in Aotearoa. Featuring: 🔹 Cam Howieson - A remarkable story of resilience — from an eight–year break from professional football to becoming a key figure in Auckland’s midfield. We talk comeback mentality, rediscovering passion, and what drives him today. 🔹 Oli Sail - Current All White and one of New Zealand’s most recognisable goalkeepers. Oli opens up about the fight for the #1 shirt, life inside a new A-League setup, and the dream of representing his country on football’s biggest stage. 🔹 Jake Girdwood-Reich - One of the most exciting defenders midfielders in the league. We discuss reuniting with coach Steve Corica, adapting to life in New Zealand, pushing for Socceroos selection, and the evolution of the modern defender. Three players. Three journeys. One massive episode. Whether you’re an Auckland FC fan, a supporter of the All Whites, or just love hearing what shapes elite athletes — this is one you won’t want to miss. Head over to our Facebook and Instagram for an Auckland FC Giveaway.

Movember Madness - Episode 11

In this special Movember episode, Matt, Jack, and Alex sit down with Robert Dunne, the Country Lead for Movember New Zealand, to talk about men’s health, community, and the power of conversation. Robert shares what it’s like leading one of the world’s biggest men’s health movements, some unforgettable stories from Movember’s early days, and how family and sport continue to shape his approach to wellbeing. The team dives into how physical activity helps men open up, why checking in on your mates matters more than ever, and what’s next for Movember — both here in New Zealand and around the globe. 💬 There’s still time to take part — whether you’re growing a mo, moving for a mate, or hosting your own event. Movember starts when you sign up. Support our Movember team here: https://movember.com/m/15365386?mc=1

Falling in Love with Sport - Episode 10

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT | Falling in Love with Sport 💬 This week on From The Plains to The Pitch we’re joined by someone who truly embodies passion, balance, and leadership both on and off the field.  Natalie O’Neil — Thames Valley Vixen, women’s rugby advocate, and this year’s Players’ Player and Rookie of the Year in the Waikato Women’s Development Competition — shares her story of: 💪 Becoming a role model for young women 🐄 Swapping the deputy principal’s desk for the dairy farm 🏉 The rise of women’s rugby across the region 👩‍👧 Balancing motherhood, team captaincy, and community A raw, real, and inspiring chat about how sport shapes lives — and why falling in love with the game can change everything.

EP-10 Preview

🎙️ NEW EPISODE PREVIEW | Falling in Love with Sport 💬 This week on From The Plains to The Pitch we’re joined by someone who truly embodies passion, balance, and leadership both on and off the field.  Natalie O’Neil — Thames Valley Vixen, women’s rugby advocate, and this year’s Players’ Player and Rookie of the Year in the Waikato Women’s Development Competition — shares her story of: 💪 Becoming a role model for young women 🐄 Swapping the deputy principal’s desk for the dairy farm 🏉 The rise of women’s rugby across the region 👩‍👧 Balancing motherhood, team captaincy, and community A raw, real, and inspiring chat about how sport shapes lives — and why falling in love with the game can change everything. 🎧 Episode 10: “Falling in Love with Sport” out NOW on all platforms You won’t want to miss this one 💚 Listen First: https://linktr.ee/haurakiplains #FromThePlainsToThePitch #FallingInLoveWithSport #WomensRugby #ThamesValleyVixens #GrassrootsSport #NZPodcast #TeamSport #FemaleAthletes #RugbyLife

MATES Matter - Episode 9

This week, we sit down with Craig Bulloch, founder of MATES Matter NZ, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about mental health, resilience, and the power of connection. Craig opens up about his early life, the illusion of success, and the difficult moments that led him to the edge — and how his brother’s actions saved his life. Together, we talk about how sport and physical exercise can be powerful tools for managing mental wellbeing, and why opening up matters more than ever. This episode is part one of our Mental Health Series, running throughout Movember, where we explore the challenges, conversations, and courage that shape the lives of men in sport and beyond. 🎧 Presented by From the Plains to the Pitch.