Back In Black With Beaver!

For Stephen "Beaver" Donald, the Waikato River and the Manukau Harbour aren't just scenic backdrops—they are the soul of his story.

While the world knows him as the All Black who kicked the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, his identity is more deeply anchored in the salt of the Waiuku coast than the grass of any rugby Stadium.

Growing up on the shores of the Manukau, Donald’s childhood was defined by the tides and a family that valued the "hands-on" Kiwi lifestyle. Long before he was a professional athlete, he was a local boy at Sandspit Road School, learning the patience and grit required for a successful day’s fishing with his dad.

His love for fishing famously collided with his rugby career in a "lightning strike" of sporting folklore. In 2011, having been omitted from the initial squad, Donald was literally whitebaiting on the Waikato River when he received the emergency SOS to join the All Blacks for the World Cup final.

Today, he has merged these two worlds through his new project, the Aftermatch podcast. Reflecting his authentic "Kiwi everyman" persona, the show is fittingly sponsored by Black Magic Tackle, where he also serves as a key brand ambassador—a partnership that perfectly bridges his life in the limelight with his lifelong passion.

In this exclusive two-part video series, Beaver opens up about his life's passions: the legacy of his rugby career, the importance of family, and why his heart will always belong to the water and the bend of a rod!