'That one part of a conversation effectively saved my life' Former Otago star details harrowing phone call

Former Otago player turned rugby coach, and later renowned analyst Brent Pope was a renowned voice in Irish Rugby throughout the 2000s.

On the back of playing for various provincial and New Zealand underage teams, Pope helped Otago get its first-ever division national title in 1991. The backrow would play nearly 100 first-class games in New Zealand in a career that spanned over a decade with the Dunedin-based side.

Coming close to cracking a place in the All Blacks set-up, Pope had to withdraw from consideration for the 1987 Rugby World Cup due to an elbow injury he sustained in the final trials.

Recovering from his injury, Pope came back 1987 and was nominated as one of New Zealand’s outstanding domestic players of that year, Pope was also named Otago player of the year in 1987/8 and was again shortlisted for the All Blacks tour to Japan at the end of that year only to miss out when the tour party was trimmed due to the cancellation of a tour game.

Pope played in a number of final All Black trials from 1987 to 1992 and represented the South Island Schools, NZ Universities, Leinster, Barbarians, New Zealand selection XV, and International XV in that period.

At the conclusion of his playing career, Pope would enjoy a successful run coaching both St Marys and Clontarf to AIL (All Ireland League) titles, at which point he became the first coach to win the league with Leinster clubs; Pope became a regular analyst on national broadcasters RTE.

Pope became a well-known figure in his adopted homeland when he joined Tom McGurk and George Hook on a panel that covered just about every Ireland match.

Thus, it may come as a surprise to many that someone who has achieved so much in the face of adversity would be battling mental health issues.

Speaking recently on the All Walks podcast, Pope spoke frankly about his battles with mental health in what was an insightful and inspiring conversation.

One clip in particular which will resonate with many people was a moment when Pope was at his lowest ebb, and one kind sentence from a stranger on the other end of a suicide helpline saved his life.

Whilst the clip is a harrowing listen, it is a reminder of the incredible work that suicide helplines continue to do.

If you or someone you know ever finds yourself in a position where you need help, there are several services, such as the Samaritans, who can offer a kind ear to talk to.

Those wanting to watch the full episode can find it below.