In this episode of Shed Life, Jason sits down with Dr Amy Marfell, CEO of Waikato Rugby, to talk about leadership, women in sport, junior rugby, sideline behaviour, and the future of the game in the Waikato.

Amy shares her journey from academia and Sport Waikato into becoming the first female CEO of Waikato Rugby, and what it means to lead an organisation that stretches from junior rugby and community clubs right through to NPC and FPC pathways.

They discuss the growth of women’s rugby, the success of Waikato’s FPC team, the importance of creating safe and inclusive sporting environments, and why the jersey means so much to the players who wear it.

Amy also speaks strongly about sideline behaviour in junior sport, why abuse of referees, coaches and young players needs to stop, and how parents, coaches and supporters can help create better experiences for kids.

This is a powerful conversation about rugby, leadership, community, resilience, and the role sport plays in shaping people.