Brad Weber’s rugby journey is not just a tale of talent and triumph but a testament to resilience and hard work. As the third generation of Webers donning the Hawkes Bay No. 9 jersey and achieving All Blacks status, his story is deeply rooted in rugby folklore, particularly within his hometown.
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Growing up surrounded by rugby legacy, Weber found inspiration in a VHS tape of the Magpies’ 1993 victory over the British and Irish Lions—a game where his father played a significant role, even scoring a try. This rich rugby heritage fueled Weber’s aspirations, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
However, Weber’s path to international rugby was far from a straightforward ascent. Leaving his home province to attend Otago University, he earned an opportunity with Otago’s NPC team. Yet, this chance was short-lived, and it was a pivotal moment in 2013 that reshaped Weber’s perspective and ignited a relentless work ethic.
In a candid recount on the All Blacks Podcast, Weber shared the transformative experience under Tony Brown, who was the head coach of Otago at the time. Brown delivered the news that Weber was being dropped from the Otago squad, citing concerns about his commitment to personal skill development outside of prescribed training sessions.
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“At the time, I was devastated,” Weber admitted. “But it was a huge moment for me and the kick up the ass I needed because I’m not the most talented guy. I was never a gun at school, so I actually have to squeeze every bit of talent out of me, actually working for it, and Brownie made me realize that.”
Weber acknowledged that he had been naive, assuming that following prescribed training routines would be sufficient for improvement. Brown’s decision prompted a shift in mindset and a commitment to personal growth.
“From that moment on, I worked my ass off to be a better rugby player and work on my game,” Weber asserted.
This newfound determination paid off as Weber seized an opportunity with Waikato midway through the season, delivering standout performances that caught the attention of Chiefs coach Dave Rennie. Within two weeks, Weber transitioned from playing in the Otago development team to securing a Super Rugby contract with the Chiefs.
“I really tried to turn that disappointment into a positive, and then the rest is history,” Weber reflected.
His journey with Waikato saw him captain the team and secure the Ranfurly Shield. In 2016, Weber honored his family legacy by donning the Magpies kit, reaching a milestone of 50 caps.
Weber’s story serves as an inspiration, reminding aspiring players that setbacks can be catalysts for transformation, and hard work can pave the way for unexpected opportunities.
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