E86 | Grant Fox

Episode summary | Grant Fox

Grant Fox is one of the best to have ever worn the All Blacks no10 jersey and is still regarded as one of the finest goal-kickers of all time.

He scored 645 points across 46 tests, and played nearly 200 games for Auckland in domestic rugby. In fact, he’s been involved in New Zealand rugby for over 40 years as a player, coach, and - for the last 10 years - as an All Blacks selector.

Since retiring from playing in 1993 he’s also been a business owner, a broadcaster, and a dad to Ryan Fox – New Zealand’s top golfer – and daughter Kendall. In the episode Grant shares some really important messages about being present for your kids, as well as advocating for an organisation he supports for young men without dads – Big Buddy.

He enjoyed a 40-year friendship with the late Sir Martin Crowe and opens up on their relationship, as well as thoughts on Sir John Kirwan, touring in the 80s and 90s, the British and Irish Lions, and the inaugural Rugby World Cup.

Show notes | Grant Fox

1.49 Then and now: an All Blacks squad naming in 1984 v 2022

4.14 Six steps back, two steps to the side and Auckland bring the Ranfurly Shield to Taupo in 1992

6.23 On being Ryan Fox’s dad

11.49 The competitive nature between father and son (interrupted by a phone call from Sir John Kirwan)

18.00 Grant Fox the caddy

21.26 A short fuse, a lack of patience, and aversion to technology

28.10 Some thoughts on parenthood

35.53 A 40-year friendship with Sir Martin Crowe that started at Auckland Grammar School

47.09 Grant Fox: This is Your Life

50.16 A Va’aiga Tuigamala interlude

52.30 Personal and professional friendships: a Sir John Kirwan case study

1.00.00 All Blacks tours in the 80s and 90s

1.03.10 The 1987 Rugby World Cup

1.09.37 The try that wasn’t against Ireland

1.13.45 Hard work and goal kicking

1.16.47 A special relationship with The British and Irish Lions

1.21.16 “Coaching wasn’t for me”

1.26.09 The role of an All Blacks selector

1.38.11 Life outside of rugby

1.40.33 Last words from Steven, Seamus and Grant