Surviving Life After Rugby – Dafydd James Breaks the Silence
Description
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 Legend
03:02 Life After Rugby: The Transition
06:14 Lessons from the Game: Resilience and Teamwork
09:08 The Shift from Amateur to Professional Rugby
12:10 Reflections on a Career: The Loneliness After the Game
15:07 Mental Health and the Struggles of Retired Athletes
17:53 Finding Purpose: Coping Mechanisms and Support
20:55 The Lions Tour: Overcoming Doubts and Criticism
37:27 From South Africa to the British Lions
39:18 The Journey to Professional Rugby
43:10 Mindset of a Professional Player
49:53 The Importance of Self-Reflection
56:39 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned
01:12:04 Living in the Moment and Enjoying Life
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