The Lessons From The Game Podcast

Contact & collision specialist Richie Gray shares why the best coaches “coach people, not players,” and how to create accurate aggression—the controlled edge that wins tackles and breakdowns. We dig into earning trust in superstar environments, keeping messages simple under fatigue, individualizing coaching inside a team, Fiji’s shared-vision culture, and drill-based training that sharpens technique while lowering injury risk. Hosted by Gurthro “Coach G” Steenkamp & Ben Pegna.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Lessons From The Game  Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Dan Norton – the all-time leading try scorer in World Rugby Sevens and a two-time Olympian – joins Lessons from the Game to share the mindset, habits, and lessons that kept him at the top for over 14 years.📩  Join Lessons From The Game  Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this powerful conversation with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, Dan opens up about:The rivalries that pushed him to new heights 🏉How he stayed consistent, fit, and fast across more than a decade of elite rugbyThe importance of self-analysis and mental resilience in high performanceInsights for young players: scanning, decision-making & becoming a student of the gameThe transition from rugby to life after sport in Dubai and finding a new identityChapters00:00 The Journey of a Rugby Legend06:00 Mental Resilience in High-Pressure Situations11:58 The Evolution of Sevens Rugby18:11 Lessons from the Game: Skills and Strategies24:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Rugby Careers29:51 Transitioning from Player to Coach35:46 Reflections on Identity and Legacy42:13 The Future of Sevens Rugby in the UK48:09 Memorable Moments and Experiences in Rugby54:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring PlayersWhether you’re a player chasing improvement, a coach building teams, or a fan of rugby’s most electric athletes, this episode is packed with lessons on performance, mindset, and resilience.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

You’re only as good as your last game. In this short-form episode, Coach G and Ben unpack why process beats panic, how to crush negative head talk, and the reset tool pros use: Step Back → Step Up → Step Back In.📩  Join Lessons From The Game  Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Brad Barritt unpacks how Saracens built the Wolfpack culture, why resilience is the ultimate competitive edge, and how shared leadership empowered stars like Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje. He also details Brendan Venter’s “17% of your time” philosophy, the stonecutter mindset behind bouncing back from setbacks, and his transition from elite rugby into Tikitonga Coffee, fintech and venture capital.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠Podcast Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecPerfect for players, coaches, and leaders who want practical takeaways on culture, mindset, and performance.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Resilience03:06 Building a Winning Culture at Saracens05:57 The Importance of Leadership and Team Dynamics09:00 The Wolf Pack Mentality11:56 Psychology of Success and Overcoming Setbacks15:01 The Role of Individual Identity in Team Success18:08 Shared Leadership and Genuine Leadership Traits20:48 The Evolution of Saracens' Playing Style24:03 The Stone Cutter Analogy and Its Impact30:11 The Journey to Success32:47 Preparing for Life After Rugby34:47 Building a Coffee Brand38:05 Transitioning from Player to Entrepreneur42:34 Resilience in the Face of Adversity49:30 The Meaning of Representing England54:53 Reflections on Injuries and Team Spirit📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Heading back to school or joining a new team can be challenging—especially for young rugby players. In this episode, Coach G and Ben Pegna break down how to build confidence, make a strong impression, and find your place both on and off the field. Packed with lessons for players, coaches, and parents.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Attack, Attack, Attack.This week on Lessons From The Game, Gurthro Steenkamp & Ben Pegna welcome a special father-son duo: Alan Zondagh, one of rugby’s most respected coaching minds, and AB Zondagh, a progressive attack coach with experience at the Sharks, Toulouse, Scotland, and Lyon.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThey dive into:Why attacking flair is vital in modern rugbyThe Zondaghs’ philosophy of Speed, Space & ConnectionCoaching players to think, adapt, and create under pressureStories from Saracens, Western Province, and the SpringboksTheir new book: Attack, Attack, AttackAn inspiring episode for players and coaches who want to bring back creativity and courage into rugby.📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

The Springboks vs the All Blacks – rugby’s ultimate rivalry.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna explore what it takes to face the All Blacks in their own backyard, leadership lessons from Siya Kolisi and Jesse Kriel, and why controlling the controllables matters more than the hype.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

In this episode of Lessons From The Game, we sit down with JJ van der Mescht, the towering South African lock now making waves at Northampton Saints. From his days as a multi-sport schoolboy in Durban, to a headline move to France with Stade Français, JJ shares how he turned doubts about his size into fuel for success.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecWe unpack his journey of resilience, mental strength, and belief, his transformation from being labelled “overweight” to becoming a dominant force in the scrum, and how he balances professional rugby with coaching and building his real estate business.This is a powerful conversation for young props, locks, and coaches looking to learn what it takes to dominate on and off the field.Chapters00:00 The Journey of JJ van der Meest05:05 Belief and Self-Confidence in Rugby11:34 The Importance of Pre-Season Training17:45 Multi-Sport Background and Its Impact23:26 Navigating the Path to Professional Rugby29:10 Experiences in South African Rugby32:24 Transitioning to Stade Francais36:31 The Move to Northampton Saints41:51 Mental Health and Balancing Life47:19 Setting Goals and Improving Skills52:09 Future Aspirations Beyond RugbyFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

In this short-form episode of Lessons from the Game, former Springbok captain Corné Krige shares the lessons that shaped his journey as a leader.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFrom the importance of discipline to leading South Africa through one of rugby’s toughest transitional eras, Corné reflects on:The life-changing influence of Nelson Mandela.Why discipline is the foundation of success on and off the field.How being “too small” forced him to play with unmatched aggression.The leadership values that carried him through the hardest moments.Corné’s story goes beyond rugby — it’s about resilience, values, and leadership that apply in sport, business, and life.🎧 Listen now and get inspired by one of South Africa’s most courageous leaders.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna#Rugby #Springboks #Leadership #Discipline #NelsonMandela #LessonsFromTheGame

This week on Lessons From The Game, Coach G and Ben Pegna are joined by rugby super-agent Damien Dussault. From his start as a journalist to representing players worldwide, Damien has seen the game from every angle.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩 Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecWe dive into:What players need to know about agentsThe mindset differences between good and great playersThe reality of French rugby and Top 14 lifeStories of resilience, setbacks, and bouncing backChapters00:00 The Journey of a Rugby Agent06:18 Mindset Over Contracts19:59 Navigating the Rugby Landscape25:57 The Role of an Agent36:11 Cultural Adaptation in Rugby49:09 The Allure of Top 14 Rugby56:27 Misconceptions About French Rugby01:03:43 The Human Side of Being an Agent💡 A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone passionate about rugby.Damien On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/damiendussault/📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

The Springboks’ recent defeat sparked headlines, but instead of criticism, we uncover the real lessons from the game 🏉 with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna 📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠In this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna dive into:Why fine margins define elite sportThe importance of reaction speed & tactical awarenessHow to learn from mistakes without panicThe mindset of world-class coaches like Rassie ErasmusWhat young players and coaches can take away from the Springboks’ lossIn this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna dive into:Why fine margins define elite sportThe importance of reaction speed & tactical awarenessHow to learn from mistakes without panicThe mindset of world-class coaches like Rassie ErasmusWhat young players and coaches can take away from the Springboks’ lossChapters00:00 Introduction to the Springbok Defeat03:25 Lessons from the Game: Insights and Analysis06:16 The Evolution of Springbok Rugby09:19 Coaching Mindset and Player Reactions12:24 Defensive Strategies and Reaction Speed15:16 Understanding the Underlying Factors of Performance18:24 The Importance of Humility and Preparation21:17 Analyzing the Wallabies' Performance24:31 Micro Skills and Tactical Awareness27:24 Final Thoughts and Community EngagementIf you’re passionate about rugby, mindset, or leadership under pressure, this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe for more rugby insights and life lessons.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Andrew Trimble – Ulster legend, Ireland international, Six Nations champion, and co-founder of Kairos – joins Lessons from the Game co-hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna 📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠We talk about Ireland’s first-ever win over the All Blacks, the impact of Joe Schmidt on Irish rugby, how Andrew rebuilt himself after setbacks, and the transition from professional rugby to tech entrepreneurship.This is a story of resilience, growth, and redefining success.00:00 – Introduction & Andrew Trimble’s Career Highlights02:00 – Memories of Ulster, South African Teammates & Rugby Brotherhood04:50 – Ireland’s Historic Win vs the All Blacks in Chicago (2016)09:20 – How Irish Rugby Became a Global Benchmark12:00 – Joe Schmidt’s Impact: Raising Standards & Building Belief16:30 – Handling Pressure, Selection Battles & Resilience19:50 – Simon Zebo Story & Learning Consistency Over X-Factor21:40 – Winning the Six Nations & Confidence Under Joe Schmidt24:10 – Coping with Training Camp Pressure & Competitiveness27:40 – Transition After Rugby: Identity, Challenges & Opportunities32:00 – Founding Kairos: Solving Communication in High-Performance Sport34:20 – Scaling Kairos: From Lower Leagues to Premier League & Teamworks Acquisition36:10 – Lessons from Rugby Applied to Business & Startups37:20 – Advice for Current Players Preparing for Life After Rugby40:40 – Building Culture, Leadership & Accountability in Business Teams48:40 – Quickfire: Role Models & Favorite Teammates52:00 – Best Players Faced & Favorite Roommate Stories53:40 – Closing Thoughts & Reflections📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Your title is temporary — your character is permanent.In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna explore the importance of humility and the dangers of letting your position define you.From Springbok captain Corné Krige’s perspective to Simon Sinek’s famous coffee cup story, they unpack how to stay grounded, lead authentically, and transition smoothly when your role changes.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠00:00 Introduction to Identity Beyond Titles05:06 The Impact of Titles on Self-Identity12:10 Lessons in Humility and Leadership18:12 The Importance of Values Over Titles23:08 Redefining Identity Beyond Titles25:03 Core Values vs. Ambition28:05 The Importance of Perspective32:26 Growth Through Experience37:49 Community and Connection in Coaching📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegnaPerfect for athletes, coaches, and leaders looking to build lasting influence beyond the title.

Former Springbok captain Corné Krige joins Lessons from the Game to share powerful lessons on leadership and resilience from his rugby career and beyond.We discuss captaining South Africa during one of its toughest periods, the influence of Nelson Mandela, the pressures of schoolboy rugby, and how to transition successfully into life after sport.If you’re interested in leadership, mental toughness, and real-life lessons from the game, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Leadership in Transition: Captaining South Africa02:59 The Importance of Discipline in Rugby and Life05:56 Navigating Pressure: The Role of Schoolboy Rugby08:58 Aggression and Identity: Finding Strength in Adversity12:02 The Journey to Professional Rugby: Choices and Challenges15:00 The Impact of Boarding School on Character Development18:01 The Evolution of South African Rugby: Tradition and Change20:52 The Role of Humility in Leadership24:14 Reflections on Tough Moments and Personal Growth27:05 Transitioning from Rugby to Business: Lessons Learned30:13 Maintaining Identity Beyond the Game32:59 The Future of Rugby: Insights on Modern Challenges36:03 Final Thoughts: Legacy and Contribution to Rugby📲 Follow us for more rugby content:📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

On this Lessons from the Game short-form episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna unpack why simplicity done brilliantly leads to greatness — a principle echoed by legends like Gary Gold, Victor Matfield, and Richie Gray.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠📩  Join Coach Ben’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/bens-group-3618/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec⁠From the Lions tour to Super Rugby dominance with the Bulls, they share stories, strategies, and coaching lessons you can use to level up your rugby performance, whether you’re a player, coach, or leader.🔥 Topics covered:How simple game plans win big gamesLessons from the Lions, Bulls, and WallabiesAvoiding overcomplication in trainingThe mindset behind doing the boring stuff wellChapters00:00 Simplicity as a Path to Greatness02:56 The Importance of Team Cohesion06:03 Lessons from the Lions Series08:43 The Dangers of Overcomplication11:40 Mastering the Basics14:44 The Role of Enjoyment in Training17:48 Simplifying Skill Acquisition20:40 Building a Strong Foundation23:34 The Power of Consistency26:20 Chasing Greatness with Simplicity29:12 Community and Continuous LearningFollow for more rugby, mindset, and performance episodes.📲 Follow us for more rugby content:Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

In this deeply personal episode with Hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna , Welsh rugby great Dafydd James joins Lessons from the Game to share the untold story of what happens when the stadium lights go off.He talks about his career with Wales and the Lions, the shock of retirement, battling mental health, the loneliness of life post-rugby, and what truly helped him survive.Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, this episode is a must-listen.📕 Offloading, Dafydd’s new book, is out soon.💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.00:00 Introduction to a Welsh Legend03:02 Life After Rugby: The Transition06:14 Lessons from the Game: Resilience and Teamwork09:08 The Shift from Amateur to Professional Rugby12:10 Reflections on a Career: The Loneliness After the Game15:07 Mental Health and the Struggles of Retired Athletes17:53 Finding Purpose: Coping Mechanisms and Support20:55 The Lions Tour: Overcoming Doubts and Criticism37:27 From South Africa to the British Lions39:18 The Journey to Professional Rugby43:10 Mindset of a Professional Player49:53 The Importance of Self-Reflection56:39 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned01:12:04 Living in the Moment and Enjoying Life📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

What happens when belief, hard work, and elite leadership collide?In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Victor Matfield breaks down how the Bulls transformed from bottom feeders to Super Rugby champions. He shares legendary stories about Heineken Meyer’s dream, brutal off-seasons, player-led training blocks, and the iconic “umbrella” story that led to a 72-point Super Rugby victory.This is more than a rugby story—it’s a blueprint for greatness.

This special episode of Lessons from the Game sees hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna reflect on their journey since launching the show. They share behind-the-scenes insights, lessons from their guests, and how the podcast helped them navigate personal and professional challenges.From learning the power of consistency to stories about resilience, ego, and self-reflection – this episode is for every player, coach, and parent looking for honest, human stories from sport and life.💡 Featuring takeaways from Anthony Watson, Owen Franks, Victor Matfield, Ali Williams, and more.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on Our Journey05:14 The Evolution of the Podcast10:19 Personal Growth Through Podcasting15:43 Common Traits of Successful Athletes20:11 The Importance of Self-Reflection25:05 Building Relationships in Rugby30:37 The Role of Coaches and Mentors35:07 Humility and Ego in Sports40:27 The Power of Adaptability46:13 Simplicity and Consistency in Coaching51:15 Courage to Take the Road Less Traveled56:47 Looking Ahead: Growth and Feedback📲 Follow us for more rugby content:📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpi🎧 Listen To Our Podcast on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7BLgaxRl7VnkCvy8ReUUlK?si=66b1afd7e0994236Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/the-lessons-from-the-game-podcast/id1796716989Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna

Richie Gray’s journey is unlike any other. After being made redundant by Scottish Rugby, he committed to changing the game of contact and collision — and did just that. From designing world-class training tools to working with the Springboks, Scotland, and the Miami Dolphins, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and game-changing lessons.Follow for more stories from the world of elite rugby and high performance.🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches!📲 Follow us for more rugby content:📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpiFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegnaPodcast hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna

Hugh Pyle played pro rugby across three continents, won a Top 14 title with Stade Français — and still said no to a Wallabies call-up.Why? Because for him, fun mattered more than fame.In this episode of Lessons from the Game , Hugh breaks down the real drivers of success: consistency, joy, and knowing who you are. He shares his experience striking in France, adapting to new cultures, and how he built a career without ever being “the most talented.”This one’s for every player and coach who wants to build something meaningful — and sustainable.Chapters00:00 Introduction to a Rugby Journey04:01 Lessons from Rugby: Consistency Over Talent07:00 Facing Challenges: The Path to Professional Rugby10:08 Cultural Adaptation: Rugby in France12:59 The Impact of Strikes in Rugby19:08 The Transition from Player to Professional Life23:54 Resilience and Perspective in Life30:09 Networking and Building Relationships35:07 Life After Rugby: Finding New Passions39:46 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches!📲 Follow us for more rugby content:📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpiFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow Ben on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/benpegnaHosted by Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna