Cam Suafoa- What a Lad

What a Lad1h 4mApril 8, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Cameron Selfour, a professional rugby player and inspirational figure in New Zealand rugby, shares his deeply personal journey with the host of the Waterlad podcast. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer—ossifying malignant high-grade sarcoma—Cameron reveals how he continued playing rugby through intense treatment, including multiple surgeries and radiation, while keeping his illness hidden from teammates and even family for months. Despite being told he is now terminally ill, Cameron remains resilient, focusing on small daily goals, cherishing time with loved ones, and embracing life with purpose. He recounts pivotal moments in his career, from switching from rugby league to rugby union, overcoming injuries and setbacks, to earning caps for North Harbour, the Blues, the Māori All Blacks, and the All Blacks 15. His story is one of courage, humility, and unwavering positivity, underscored by his advocacy for sarcoma awareness and his recent marriage and European adventure. The episode is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways
1

Resilience is built through small, daily goals—focus on what you can control, not the unknown.

2

Honesty and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses—sharing your story can inspire and help others.

3

Life’s most meaningful moments are often the simplest: a walk with your dog, a family dinner, a wedding.

4

You don’t need to be ‘okay’ to be strong—admitting fear and sadness is part of healing.

5

Your legacy isn’t defined by your achievements, but by how you show up for others during hardship.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

A Life in Motion: The Unexpected Journey of Cameron Selfour

I'm terminally ill now. That was a bit of a shock and not what I was expecting to hear.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

The Hidden Battle: Playing Through Pain and Fear

I was just too keen to play. I should not have played. What have I done?

Highlight
20:00
10 min

From League to Legend: The Making of a Rugby Warrior

Cameron traces his journey from a young rugby league fan in Auckland to a professional rugby player. He recounts switching to rugby union in high school, overcoming injuries, and building his career through the Auckland Academy, Tasman, and North Harbour. His determination and work ethic laid the foundation for his rise.

30:00
10 min

The Turning Point: Diagnosis and the Weight of Silence

I was embarrassed. I didn’t know how to accept it. I just went into my shell.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

The Fight Within: Surgery, Recovery, and the Mindset of a Warrior

If you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry. I’ve cried a lot, so I can only go up from there.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I'm terminally ill now. That was a bit of a shock and not what I was expecting to hear.
Cameron Selfour4:28
Viral: 92.0
I was just too keen to play. I should not have played. What have I done?
Cameron Selfour81:53
Viral: 88.0
If you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry. I’ve cried a lot, so I can only go up from there.
Cameron Selfour55:51
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Host

Guest

Cameron Selfour
Topics Discussed
cancer diagnosis and treatment95%resilience and mental strength92%rugby career journey88%mental health and emotional processing85%family and relationship support82%legacy and purpose80%small goals and daily progress78%sarcoma awareness and advocacy75%
People & Brands

Cameron Selfour

person

120xPositive

Britt

person

25xPositive

North Harbour

other

18xPositive

sarcoma

other

15xPositive

Blues

other

15xPositive

Māori All Blacks

other

12xPositive

Tasman

other

10xPositive

All Blacks 15

other

8xPositive

Europe

place

8xPositive

Auckland Academy

organization

6xPositive

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