People of Asuwere - Tony Marsh
This month we sat down with Asuwere member and all-round legend Tony Marsh. We love our yarns with Tony when he pops into store, which is exactly how this feature came about. With a journey that has seen him spend 12 years in France competing for the national rugby team, to a post-rugby career transition into fitness and strength & conditioning, to now back to his old stomping ground in Pukekohe. Tony is a fitness enthusiast and an advocate for Men's Health, who has graced both amateur and professional rugby pitches with equal passion, fueled by a lifelong curiosity about human physiology and the transformative power of exercise.
You’ve had a successful Rugby career in both New Zealand and France, do you have any specific career highlights or memories from this time?
Looking back now, I feel very grateful to have played in both the amateur era and then transitionin to professionalism. Worlds apart and no comparison. Without a doubt, some of my best days playing rugby was when we worked full time and played footy with mates on the weekend. I was then fortunate enough to be able to live my passion everyday and get paid for it. There are many highlights from the field I could mention but a couple of standouts – a crazy game and victory Counties v Waikato 1997, winning the Grand Slam 2002, my last home club game in France for ASM 2007, my last Game for France V ABs 2004 and playing alongside my twin brother. Some of my best friends today are from all parts of the world and I love being part of what we call the rugby family.
Post rugby you moved into fitness and wellbeing was this a natural progression?
Fitness has always been a passion, I was always intrigued about the different training modalities, physiology and how our bodies adapt to exercise. This lead me into Strength & Conditioning and assisting athletes to be their best. I guess at the time, it was easy to stay with what I knew and the transition post rugby career was a simple one.
As an advocate for Men's wellness, it is still considered somewhat taboo to talk about, yet regular checkups can be lifesaving both physically and mentally. Tell us a bit more about your journey and what men can do to ensure they are looking after themselves.
Over the years my own health challenges – testicular cancer, graves disease, heart scares and a fairshare of injuries. I understand that even though men like to think so, we are not invincible after all. As an Ambassador for Men’s Health I have two recommendations. Make a conscious effort to move every day. It can be anything from walking, surfing, golf, stretching, gym, running… just as long as you do something. Secondly, I encourage men to be brave and have regular health checks - without a doubt prevention is the best cure!
How does fitness and wellness play a role in your life now?
As I’ve got older, I’ve discovered and researched new ways to take care of self – training, cold baths, meditation, breathing, food (medicine), etc. I am what maybe some would say a fitness/wellbeing freak but it’s what I love and keeps me sane. Upon hitting 50 years of age last year, I made a conscious decision that I was not going to use it as an excuse to accept mediocracy. Today I am more than ever focussed on my health and wellbeing –physical, mental and emotional, it’s all just as important and plays a big part in my daily routine.
You had an impressive inning being a professional athlete and in the fitness space - what are you doing for work now?
I now work with Colliers as a commercial agent selling and leasing. It’s very similar to rugby – you have to turn up every day and work to get paid. Colliers is a great company with good people and I love the fact that I am based out south in Pukekohe – the old stomping ground. Being fringe Auckland there is plenty of growth/opportunity and I love the people.
We can’t help but admire a photo in place of a TV - How do you spend your spare time at home?
When I recently moved, I decided to do away with the TV – simplicity. I get more pleasure from reading, chatting, listening to music or silence – there is peace in all of these things.
How does Asuwere suit your lifestyle?
Without a doubt, I am an avid supporter of kiwi businesses and love the Asuwere brand. I love rolling into the store every month, chatting with the staff and choosing one or two new pieces. I like the choice, quality and the versatilely of how you can dress up or down garments depending on the occasion.
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