EP7: Sam Parkes - Rugby, kickboxing, and why the East Coast is so special

On today’s show we chat with Ngati Porou East Coast rugby captain and King in the Ring kickboxing champ, Sam Parkes.

Sam is sired to the coast, in particular Tolaga Bay which he calls home. He plays rugby for Uawa Sports Club and represents Ngati Porou East Coast in the Heartland competition. Sam shares a unique record with team mate Verdon Bartlett as the only two players to have won the Meads Cup, Lochore Cup and Bill Osborne Taonga. In 2022 he received the Ian Kirkpatrick medal for outstanding contribution on behalf of professional players both on and off the field. He also played through the longest first-class losing streak in NZ Rugby losing 54 consecutive matches from 2013-2021

Kickboxing is another area where Sam has excelled, in 2022 he won the super light heavyweight 80kg category at NZ's K1 kickboxing tournament, King in the Ring.

We chat with Sam about growing up on the farm in a small community. How sport was something that kept him focussed and provided enjoyment. He reflects on how a poor decision returned him home to the path he was meant to be on.

We discuss how his brother’s influence got him playing rugby for the Coast, the ups and down of his playing career and also what makes the Coast so special.

Sam shares insights into his kickboxing career, the transition from team sports into individual sports at a late age, winning the King in the Ring title and how his last tournament was a real challenge.

His passion and commitment to the coast is unwavering and his story is a great reflection of an athlete who never gives up.

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Kia ora.