How to Handle the Pressure of Your First Big Game | Lessons from the Game
Facing your first big rugby game? In this short-form episode, World Cup winner Gurthro Steenkamp and performance coach Ben Pegna share practical advice for young players navigating high-pressure moments — from school, club, or national level.Topics include:Handling nerves before a debutThe power of preparation & goal settingWhat to visualize before kickoffHow to bounce back from mistakesGame-day tips from the prosChapters00:00 Introduction to Pressure in Sports06:01 The Importance of Preparation11:02 Building Confidence and Trusting Yourself19:48 Setting Goals and Objectives23:31 Visualization and Mental Preparation28:24 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned32:58 Conclusion and Call to ActionThis episode is packed with real stories, clear tactics, and lessons from years of elite-level 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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33:29
Fueling Champions: Secrets to High-Performance Nutrition with Zeenat Simjee
What does it take to fuel a team to World Cup glory?Zeenat Simjee, the Springboks’ first full-time dietitian, takes us behind the scenes of elite performance.In this powerful episode, she shares:The mindset shift around food and fuelingThe role of collaboration in high-performance teamsWhy carbs are king for athletesHow to manage nutrition through travel, pressure, and cultural dynamicsHer inspiring journey to the top of international rugbyHosted by former Springbok Gurthro Steenkamp, Lessons from the Game gives you tools, stories, and strategies from the heart of rugby — and life.Chapters00:00 Winning the World Cup: A Second Time's Challenge12:32 The Importance of Collaboration in Sports Nutrition24:19 Nutrition's Role in Performance: Beyond Game Day30:39 Fueling for Success: Nutrition Strategies for Athletes46:05 The Intersection of Nutrition and Performance: A Deeper Dive48:22 Culinary Adventures in France56:05 Becoming the First Full-Time Dietitian for the Springboks01:11:32 The Journey of Sacrifice and Growth01:29:26 Lessons from the Game: Adaptability and ReflectionIf 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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1:37:59
The 2% That Changes Everything ⎮ Gary Gold
International rugby coach Gary Gold shares with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, timeless lessons on player development, the mindset needed to thrive, and how coaches can build trust and drive performance. From reflections on his own career to powerful insights for the next generation, this episode is packed with real talk for real growth.Perfect for:🎯 Aspiring rugby players🎯 High-performance coaches🎯 Team leaders in sport & business🔔 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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12:19
Confidence, Crisis & Comebacks – Life Beyond the Game : Ollie Phillips
Ollie Phillips is more than a rugby legend — he’s a master of reinvention.In this raw and inspiring conversation, the former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year opens up about the highs of professional sport, the lows of career-ending injury, and the emotional transformation that followed.We talk:Confidence and playing without fearWhy players must focus on their strengthsLanguage, culture & thriving abroadThe dark side of transition after rugbyTherapy, self-reflection, and building a new identityCreating Optimist Performance — a business rooted in leadership & human developmentWhether you're an athlete, leader, or someone facing life after big change — this episode will hit home.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Oli Phillips04:31 Lessons from the Game08:53 The Importance of Confidence and Environment15:03 Embracing New Cultures and Languages19:59 Transitioning from Rugby to Corporate Life27:56 Dealing with Personal Challenges and Growth37:07 The Role of Feedback in Performance51:09 Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth01:00:09 Oli's Business Ventures and Philosophy01:09:53 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned🔗 Follow Ollie: https://www.instagram.com/olliephillips11/🌍 Follow Optimist Performance: https://www.optimistperformance.com/about-us/🔔 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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1:13:24
Key Lessons : Lions Tour, World Cup Final & The Power of Focus ⎮Anthony Watson
Anthony Watson: From Lions Tour to World Cup Final — And the Comeback That Nearly Didn’t HappenIn this short-form episode, British & Irish Lion and England star Anthony Watson joins us to share his top 3 career highlights—and the hard lessons that came in between.He reflects on:Winning the Grand Slam in 2016Starting all three tests on the 2017 Lions TourComing back from a double Achilles rupture to start in the 2019 Rugby World Cup finalWhat it means to “Keep the main thing the main thing”He also shares hilarious off-field memories from Australia and the friendships that shaped his journey.🎙 Hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp & Ben Pegna🔔 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#AnthonyWatson #RugbyPodcast #BritishAndIrishLions #WorldCupFinal #Mindset #AthleteStories #RugbyMotivation #LessonsFromTheGame
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