Culture: The All Blacks Sevens Way with Travis McMaster

The High Performance Hockey Podcast

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The history behind the All Blacks Sevens principles and traditions.

Why building a culture of communication and connection is key for any team.

The differences and similarities between Canadian hockey and New Zealand rugby.

Resources + Links:

Check out "Becoming an Athlete" by Travis McMaster

Check out Travis on Google Scholar | Daniel Travis McMaster

Legacy by James Kerr

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

Show Notes:

How do you build a lasting cultural legacy? Today’s guest is the head strength & conditioning coach for the All Blacks Sevens, Travis McMaster! Dr. Daniel Travis McMaster holds a Master’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and PhD in Strength and Conditioning. His journey as a student, athlete, educator, researcher, writer, coach, mentor, consultant, and performance director have provided him with opportunities to travel the world and experience a diversity of cultures. Over the past 15 years, he has had the privilege to work as a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, performance consultant and research fellow for successful Professional, National and Olympic sporting organizations and innovative research institutions. These experiences have allowed him to connect with and learn from inspirational athletes and world leading coaches, scientists, and educators.

Together, we’ll explore the world of high performance rugby from an S&C perspective. We’ll dive into the rich history and traditions behind the All Blacks to uncover how they’ve built a culture that puts communication first. Then, we take a look into comparing & contrasting Canadian hockey with New Zealand rugby. As we go, Travis shares his processes as head S&C coach, as well as his rules for becoming an athlete. Learn how you can curate a sustainable high performance model from here to the other side of the globe!

00:00 Discover how to build a culture the All Blacks way with strength & conditioning coach and author, Travis McMaster!

01:25 What are your responsibilities with the All Blacks?

05:35 What led you to rugby?

08:30 Who were your mentors and what lessons did you learn from them?

13:20 Where do the 15 All Blacks principles come from?

16:15 What are the traditions of the All Blacks?

19:25 Join the High Performance Hockey Masterclass.

20:45 Comparing and contrasting Canadian hockey with New Zealand rugby.

23:45 What does the rugby season look like?

25:15 What is your process of onboarding?

30:35 What is your high performance model for the All Blacks?

32:55 How do you define your rules of thumb?

36:35 What is the importance of communication?

38:55 How do you decide your return to play measures?

41:50 What made you write your book?

43:15 Three rules for becoming an athlete.

45:05 What is next for you?