Human 24: Matt Giteau

Professional rugby player

Matt Giteau is one of the most accomplished Australian rugby players in history. He is one of only two to have debuted for the Wallabies before playing any provincial rugby, and has since earned more than 100 international caps - including three World Cup campaigns. Matt has won the John Eales Medal once, has won two Super Rugby titles with the ACT Brumbies, three European Cup’s and a French Top 14 title with Toulon, has won the Japanese Top League with Suntory Sungoliath, and only this year added a championship with the LA Giltinis in the USA Major League to his tally. 

Matt is a human mammal. Here are his thoughts:

What brings you the most joy in life?

Seeing my family and friends happy and content brings me the most joy.

What does success mean to you?

Well, I’m still playing rugby, so my mind instantly shifts there. Ultimately, in rugby at least, success to me is winning. Although, at this stage of my career, I get a lot of satisfaction helping young players develop their game and hopefully make their national teams. 

What do you see as your greatest achievement?

My family. Seeing how much my kids love each other and their cousins, and seeing them be so respectful. They are my greatest achievement.

What are you most grateful for?

I’m most grateful for the health and happiness of my family. My niece got diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, and I know it sounds very cliché, but it quickly made me realise what’s important in life. For me, it’s just about being happy, healthy and loving life.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your life? 

My parents. They shape who you are as a person and they’ve been a constant source of support for me throughout my rugby career and life in general. They’ve been there through the good and the bad, and have given me the opportunity to live this great life I’m so fortunate to be living.

What do you regret?

I don’t know if I believe in regrets. All of my mistakes and things that I may have done poorly gave me the opportunity to learn, evolve and grow as a person. They ultimately made me better. I’ve certainly done things I’m disappointed in, but off the back of those mistakes I’ve grown and been able to improve myself. 

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a kid I always wanted to play Rugby League for the Canberra Raiders. My dad coached the local League team in Canberra and before that he was playing professionally for the Raiders, so that was something I really wanted to do.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t think too far ahead, just enjoy the moment more. I think that is something I’m still trying to learn.

What is the most important thing we can teach kids in school?

Today, we need to teach kids how to best navigate the world of social media. I think the mess of expectations, opinions and comments online can dramatically affect the metal health of people, especially children. Through platforms like Twitter, kids are getting commentary on their lives that they’d never have had back in my day. It is important to understand that a social media account doesn’t define you as a person. 

If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose and why?

I would love to sit down and have a conversation with Michael Jordan. He has been a sporting hero of mine for such a long time – I’m fascinated by the way he thinks, how he got himself up for competition… and I’m sure he’d have some really good rockstar stories as well!

What do you doubt most?

I doubt the future - I have no idea what it will hold for me. As a professional sportsman, you know we only have a short lifespan. I’m constantly thinking about what I’m going to do when it all ends.

When did you last have a significant change of mind?

Well, I was going to retire when I left Japan 6 months ago… But, all of a sudden, my wife and I decided to take on an adventure to play a season of rugby in America with the LA Giltinis. It was an unbelievable experience and I’m glad I had that change of mind.

What is the role of luck in our lives?

I believe in the old saying, ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get’. I think if you work hard in any facet of life you give yourself a better chance of getting a crack at something. If you work hard, you’re always prepared to take opportunities when they arise.

Do you have a favourite quote? 

No, I don’t.

What would you do with your life if you had unlimited financial resources?

I think material things only bring joy for only a very short time in life. For me, it’s more important to focus on living well and teaching my kids that there is more to life than simply acquiring material possessions. Living in LA did remind me how much happiness and joy the ocean brings me though. If I’d had a bad day, I’d just go to the beach and would immediately feel better – so that’s one lifestyle change I’d make if I had the opportunity. I’d buy a beach house. 

If you could have the definitive answer to a single question, what would you ask?

Who will be the first 4 in the Melbourne Cup this year?... that would give me that beach house!

What concept/fact/idea should every human on the planet understand?

Look Palms, I’m not sure I’m smart enough to answer these questions…

Do you believe in God?

Yeah, I think I’ve always had a belief in something. It makes me feel better knowing that there is an afterlife or something like that… So, I like to believe in something.

Will the continual development of technology have a net positive or negative influence on humanity?

I think if it’s used correctly, it can absolutely have a positive influence on humanity. But on the flipside, I can already see the negative influence of social media on the wellbeing of kids and people in general. But other forms of technology bring scientific advancement, cures for diseases, etc., which is undoubtedly positive. I guess it’s ultimately about education and how well we are able to manage the use of risky technologies.

What does it mean to live a good life?

It means being genuinely content and being proud of the people you’re with. If you can be happy with nothing but your family and those close to you, I think that’s what it means to be living a good life. I get so much joy from simply hanging with my family and friends, just doing the simple things in life like having a drink together in the garage and listening to music. For me, a good life means being able to find joy and contentment in the simple things.

What is a good death?

Pain free. Knowing that your family and everyone around you loves you. Being content with the life that you lived and happy with the position that your family is in. That’s probably the best way to go out.

Thanks for your time, Matt!

Twitter: giteau_rugby

Instagram: matt_giteau

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