Caleb Tangitau is one of the most exciting young talents in New Zealand rugby. Known for his incredible speed, footwork and ability to score tries from anywhere, he has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Super Rugby with the Highlanders.

In this episode of What a Lad, Caleb opens up about the journey behind the highlights. He shares the highs, the setbacks and the people who have helped shape him along the way, giving an honest insight into life as a professional rugby player chasing his dream.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- How his dad inspired his dream of playing Sevens

- Making the New Zealand Sevens team as a teenager and the emotional moment he found out

- Struggling with the transition from Sevens to fifteens at the Blues

- Why he initially wanted to stay at the Blues rather than join the Highlanders

- The surprise phone call from Israel Dagg that completely changed his career

- The brutal Highlanders preseason that helped transform him as a player

- His breakout season and feeling closer to his All Blacks dream

- The devastating Achilles injury and the mental challenges that followed

- What the injury has taught him about appreciating every opportunity in rugby

One thing you’ll take from this episode is that Caleb is an absolute lad. His journey is a great reminder of how quickly things can change in professional sport, from the highs of living out your childhood dreams to the setbacks that test you the most. There’s plenty still to come from this man, and I’m backing it won't be long him before he achieves that All Blacks dream.

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