Host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards welcome Andy Dawling to the studio - a man whose journey from turbulent schoolboy to decorated soldier and elite athlete offers a raw and riveting look at what true resilience means on the front lines, both of conflict and professional sport. In this powerful conversation, Andy lifts the lid on a life forged by adversity, camaraderie, and the unbreakable spirit that defines the “That Mentality” ethos. Andy’s formative years set him on an unconventional trajectory: expelled from school at just 15, he found his way into the army at 17, following in the footsteps of his father, who served with the Queen’s Flight. Frequent childhood moves laid the groundwork for a life of constant adaptation—a skill Andy would soon need in spades. After braving basic training at Woolwich in 1992, he joined the storied 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, a unit that would shape the next 22 years of his life. Cutting his teeth as a gun number on the regiment’s artillery pieces, Andy’s early army days were defined by hard graft and the relentless pursuit of earning his coveted parachute wings—a goal dramatically nearly thwarted when he collapsed just 400 meters from finishing the grueling 10k speed march. But setbacks soon gave way to new opportunities: Andy transitioned to forward observation, diving into specialized roles that demanded razor-sharp fitness and the ability to mark targets for devastating firepower. Yet it was rugby that truly became Andy’s anchor. Recruited by the legendary Captain Martin Lewis, Andy quickly became a centerpiece of a fearsome side that regularly stormed the Army Cup finals. As rugby turned professional in 1995, doors opened outside the regiment: a semi-pro contract with Newbury RFC, and soon after, an invitation from his boyhood team, Gloucester RFC—realizing a dream nurtured growing up in the Forest of Dean. Andy’s operational career was anything but routine. Deployed to Kosovo in 1999, he was confronted with haunting trauma—witnessing mass graves and enduring the loss of brothers in arms. The mental and emotional toll manifested physically when his back gave out later that year, and doctors declared his rugby days over. Refusing to accept defeat, Andy fought through a grueling rehabilitation at Headley Court, defying all expectations to return, fitter than ever, for the Army/Navy match. The soldier-rugby player duality continued to define Andy’s trajectory. He was among the first across the border in Iraq in 2003, and his fighting spirit saw him play for clubs such as Coventry and Harlequins, all while remaining at the army’s beck and call. Afghanistan was his final and perhaps most harrowing posting—providing artillery support and conducting repatriations amidst relentless operational demands. After two decades of service, Andy hung up his boots and uniform in 2013. His post-military chapter saw him devote a decade to teaching at an independent school and joining the Saracens RFC family, where he cultivated a new generation of rugby talent—including future England stars Jamie George and Owen Farrell. But Andy’s battle wasn’t only on the sports field or front line. Grappling with chronic PTSD, his personal struggles became a platform for advocacy. Organizing the remarkable “Wolf Pack Pilgrimage”—a 1,100-mile trek around Wales—Andy raised vital awareness for military mental health, using his own journey as a beacon for others. He continues to honor fallen comrades, notably through the Adi Powell Memorial matches, keeping alive the memory and values of lost brothers from 7 Para RHA. Andy’s story embodies the continual evolution of military service and elite sport—where the disciplines of parachute training, operational grit, and team rugby all converge in a singular drive for excellence. Throughout the interview, Andy shares candid insights into what it means to push through pain, to meld the bonds of brotherhood with the pressures of professional play, and to transform even the darkest moments into a force for good. Today, Andy channels his relentless determination into mentoring, coaching, and helping others find their way through adversity. His legacy is one of unwavering resolve and a deep belief in the power of community, both on the battlefield and on the pitch—a testament to the “That Mentality” philosophy he lives and breathes.
In this insightful debut episode of The RiCE Podcast, host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards sit down with Andy Dawling, a man whose life has spanned the demands of elite military service and professional rugby. Andy shares his powerful story, touching on childhood upheaval, serving in 7th Parachute Regiment RHA, operational tours in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and the deep links between sporting and military mindset. Andy discusses overcoming career-ending injury, PTSD, and the power of community through the “Wolf Pack” initiative - a support movement for veterans. The conversation is a masterclass in resilience, self-awareness, leadership, and how finding meaning after adversity shapes true strength.