Inside the Lions: Geoff Parling on Playing for Them—and Now Coaching Against Them
SummaryIn this episode of Lessons from the Game, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna engage with former England international Jeff Parling, exploring his journey from player to coach. They discuss the importance of preparation for opportunities, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of resilience in rugby. Jeff shares insights on team culture, the impact of the Lions Tour, and the necessity of maintaining a balance between work and family life. The conversation emphasises the value of curiosity, humour, and being a good person in the rugby community.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpiSummaryIn this episode of Lessons from the Game, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben P engage with former England international Jeff Parling, exploring his journey from player to coach. They discuss the importance of preparation for opportunities, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of resilience in rugby. Jeff shares insights on team culture, the impact of the Lions Tour, and the necessity of maintaining a balance between work and family life. The conversation emphasizes the value of curiosity, humor, and being a good person in the rugby community.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:08 Lessons from the Game03:11 Transformation of the Wallaby Team05:55 Transitioning from Player to Coach08:25 Challenges of Coaching During COVID10:34 Experiences of the Lions Tour12:15 Creating Team Cohesion14:52 Adventures Abroad: Japan and Australia18:19 Family Support and Adaptation20:35 Resilience in Tough Times21:35 Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks24:45 Support Networks in Recovery29:44 Taking Ownership of Your Career31:33 The Importance of Analysis in Rugby33:49 The Importance of Scanning and Awareness in Rugby35:22 Developing Leadership and Game Understanding37:29 The Role of Coaching in Player Development39:13 Curiosity and Continuous Learning for Coaches42:05 The Balance of Humor and Seriousness in Team Dynamics48:59 Creating a Positive Team Environment52:14 Managing Mental Load as a Coach58:20 Life Lessons from RugbyIf you're a rugby player, coach, or front-rower looking to improve your game and gain insights from one of the best, this episode is a must-watch! 🎙️🔥🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches!📲 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
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59:46
Bulls Culture, Blue Blood, and Belief - Lessons From Victor Matfield
SummaryIn this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna reflect on their conversation with rugby legend Victor Matfield. They discuss key insights from Matfield about leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of resilience in both sports and life. The hosts emphasize the value of small wins in building confidence and the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people. They also touch on the rigorous training methods used by Matfield and his team, known as 'blue blood' training, which fostered mental and physical resilience. The episode concludes with heartfelt feedback from listeners, highlighting the podcast's impact on their lives.TakeawaysVictor Matfield emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership.Building resilience through challenges is crucial for success.Small wins contribute significantly to building confidence.Surrounding yourself with the right people is essential for growth.The concept of 'blue blood' training fosters mental toughness.Leadership is about understanding and empathizing with teammates.Belief in a shared vision drives team performance.Life can change unexpectedly, so appreciate what you have.Navigating ego is important in maintaining relationships.Feedback from listeners shows the podcast's positive impact. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment05:49 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence12:07 The Role of Small Wins17:00 The Blue Blood Training Philosophy29:22 Connecting Through the PodcastIf you're a rugby player, coach, or front-rower looking to improve your game and gain insights from one of the best, this episode is a must-watch! 🎙️🔥🔔 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/benpegna
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31:46
Victor Matfield: How We Built the Greatest Rugby Team in the World
SummaryIn this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben P engage in a deep conversation with rugby legend Victor Matfield. They explore Matfield's journey from a young aspiring player to a key figure in South African rugby, discussing the importance of leadership, belief, and hard work in achieving success. Matfield shares insights on building a winning culture at the Bulls, mastering line-out tactics, and the significance of teamwork. He reflects on his experiences with Heineke Meyer, the challenges of transitioning to life after rugby, and the lessons learned along the way.TakeawaysVictor Matfield emphasizes the importance of belief in achieving success.Hard work and dedication are crucial for any aspiring athlete.Leadership involves understanding and motivating each team member individually.Building a strong team culture is essential for long-term success.Matfield's journey highlights the value of resilience in overcoming setbacks.The evolution of line-out tactics reflects the need for adaptability in rugby.Personal growth often comes from learning to prioritize the team over individual desires.Matfield's experiences illustrate the significance of mentorship in sports.Transitioning to life after rugby requires a willingness to learn and adapt.Family and personal life should be balanced with professional ambitions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rugby Greatness02:09 The Bulls Dynasty and 2007 Super Rugby Victory07:45 Belief and Hard Work in Team Success11:28 Heyneke's Leadership and Storytelling15:31 Dreaming Big and Building a Winning Culture19:16 Lessons from Rugby to Business23:13 Mastering the Line-Out: Victor's Philosophy30:44 The Evolution of Line-Out Strategies35:24 Scrum Battles and Team Dynamics39:16 Injuries and Personal Growth43:43 Leadership Lessons and Team Culture46:51 Transitioning from Player to Coach51:35 Life After Rugby: Business Ventures and Family59:53 The Journey to Becoming a Springbok01:06:26 Key Life Lessons from Rugby🔔 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/benpegna
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1:07:38
The Pain of Non-Selection – And What Champions Do Next
Being dropped from the team hurts. Whether you’re a pro or an aspiring athlete, non-selection can shake your confidence and identity.In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Rugby World Cup winner Gurthro Steenkamp and high-performance coach Ben Pegna open up about the emotional side of not being picked — and what sets champions apart in how they respond.They share powerful personal stories, lessons from coaching at the top level, and mindset tools for bouncing back stronger.✅ In this episode:What to do immediately after not being selectedThe emotional toll of being dropped — and how to deal with itHow to stay ready for your next opportunityWhy coaches don’t always pick “the best” playerBuilding resilience when things don’t go your wayThis isn’t just a rugby story — it’s a conversation about self-awareness, growth, and rising through disappointment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Team Selection and Disappointment02:41 The Emotional Impact of Non-Selection09:24 Dealing with Disappointment: Personal Experiences13:11 Understanding the Coach's Perspective18:54 Staying Ready for Opportunities23:50 The Role of Social Media in Modern Rugby27:19 Reflections on the Podcast Journey🔔 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/benpegna
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34:14
Francois Hougaard on Pressure, Mental Health & Why Discipline Wins Every Time
SummaryIn this episode, Francois Hougaard shares his journey through rugby, emphasising the importance of discipline, hard work, and resilience. He reflects on his experiences at the Bulls, memorable matches, and the transition to playing in the Northern Hemisphere. Hougaard discusses the challenges of mental health in sports, his business ventures, and the significance of maintaining a routine and physical fitness post-rugby. He concludes with insights on career decisions and the impact of investing in oneself.TakeawaysRugby teaches discipline and hard work.Discipline is crucial for success in sports and life.Experiences at the Bulls shaped my career.Memorable matches create lasting memories.Growth mindset is essential for improvement.Transitioning to a new environment can be challenging.Mental health is important for athletes.Investing in oneself leads to better outcomes.Routine and physical fitness are vital post-career.Choosing a position and committing to it is key.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Francois Hougaard02:43 Lessons from Rugby: Discipline and Hard Work05:00 The Bulls Dynasty: Experiences and Memories09:39 2010 Semifinal: A Historic Moment in Soweto12:12 Learning from Legends: The Impact of Fourie Du Preez16:54 Transitioning to the Northern Hemisphere18:26 Deciding to Move: Motivations Behind Career Changes21:34 Mental Health in Rugby: The Importance of Support22:50 Business Ventures: Preparing for Life After Rugby26:21 Experiencing Club Administration: The Wasps Situation31:56 Resilience and Adaptability: Lessons for Young Players34:47 Performance and Preparation: Staying at the Top38:31 Morning Routines and Discipline42:37 Transitioning from Rugby to Business48:20 The Wellness Brand Journey55:02 Reflections on Rugby Career and Life Lessonsf you're a rugby player, coach, or front-rower looking to improve your game and gain insights from one of the best, this episode is a must-watch! 🎙️🔥🔔 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/benpegna
Lessons From The Game Podcast
Hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, this podcast dives into performance, mindset, and resilience. With insights from athletes, coaches, and leaders, we explore the lessons rugby teaches about success—both on and off the field.
🎙 COMING SOON 20 FEBRUARY
Perfect for rugby enthusiasts, coaches, and anyone seeking inspiration to elevate their game and life.
New Zealand