Building the Saracens Wolfpack — Resilience, Leadership & Life After Rugby⎮ Brad Barritt
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
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Back to School Rugby Lessons: Making Your Mark as a Young Player
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
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Attack, Attack, Attack: Alan & AB Zondagh on Unlocking Rugby’s Creative DNA
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
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Springboks vs All Blacks: Inside Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry | Lessons From The Game
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
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From ‘Too Big’ to Rugby’s X-Factor Lock | JJ van der Mescht
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
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.
South Africa