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Sport Nation
Super Smash Finals LIVE from 2pmBrad Thorn: All Blacks culture shock & the relentless pursuit of excellence
Sport Nation • January 30th, 2026 3:18 pm
Israel Dagg, Brad Thorn | Photo: Photosport
From a childhood spent in a caravan park to the privilege of representing his country of birth, Brad Thorn’s rugby journey is forged as much by grit as talent.
The cross-code great joined Sport Nation Afternoons for an all encompassing chat, opening up about a tough upbringing — an alcoholic father, a WWII veteran shaped by state housing - and a work ethic didn’t always come naturally.
That changed when his dad became the enforcer, teaching discipline through hard training, where raw ability finally met relentless effort.
Thorn reflects on turning down an early All Blacks call-up to properly master the transition from league to union, the camaraderie that kept him in the game and the pursuit of excellence at the Broncos under Wayne Bennett.
From lessons learned with Robbie Deans and Steve Hansen, it’s a powerful insight into work ethic, people-first leadership, and what sustained success really looks like.
Listen to the full interview below:
