Preseason Mindset: The Secret to Breaking Into the Team
Preseason: the most underrated weapon in a rugby player’s career.In this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna dive into why the way you train in preseason can define your entire year. They talk about building your mental and physical engine, being intentional with every session, and learning from the best—like the Springboks and Toulouse.💡 If you want to dominate this season, start here.Subscribe and follow Lessons From The Game for weekly insights on rugby, resilience, 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/benpegna
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23:42
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23:42
The Secret Weapon Behind 2 World Cups: Dr. Sherylle Calder on Vision, Focus & High Performance
Dr. Sherylle Calder — the visual performance coach behind World Cup wins with England (2003) and South Africa (2007) — joins Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna to share the secret science of decision-making, visual awareness, and unlocking elite focus. From All Blacks to F1 and Ernie Els, she’s worked with the best. Discover how eye training with iGym helps players, coaches, and leaders level up their game.00:00 The Secret Weapon Behind World Cup Wins03:10 Training Vision: The Key to Performance06:06 The Journey to England's 2003 World Cup Victory08:55 The Science of Visual Awareness in Sports12:03 Training Skills: Beyond Physical Fitness15:01 The Role of Visual Skills in Decision Making18:08 Unique Approaches to Individual Coaching20:50 Cross-Sport Applications of Visual Training24:07 Winning Strategies: Quality Over Quantity in Training27:00 The Impact of Visual Training on Team Dynamics30:58 The Evolution of Performance Training33:39 Understanding Ghost Mode in Rugby36:23 The Importance of Eye Fitness39:05 Impact of Technology on Focus44:16 The Role of iGym in Enhancing Performance47:19 The Need for Eye Recovery52:01 Work Ethic and Skill Acquisition in Sports56:28 The Value of Individualized Training01:00:06 Applying Sports Training Principles to Business01:01:06 Lessons from Rugby for Life and LeadershipIf 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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1:05:18
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1:05:18
The Truth About Rugby Nutrition: Why Sleep, Carbs & Collaboration Win Games ⎮ Key Lesson - Zeenat Simjee
Zeenat Simjee, the first full-time dietitian for the Springboks, shares key insights on how sleep, recovery, nutrition, and collaboration are essential to elite rugby performance. This short-form episode is packed with lessons for aspiring rugby players and coaches—from understanding the “22 hours outside” training to changing how we view carbs and body composition.Whether you’re trying to fuel your body better, coach smarter, or understand the science behind the Springboks’ success, this episode will shift your mindset.Follow for more lessons from the game.🔔 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#rugby #nutrition #springboks #highperformance #sportscience #coaching #sleep #carbs #recovery #rugbycoach
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16:48
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16:48
Why Coaching the Human First Changes Everything ⎮ Adam Innes
In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Adam Innes opens up about his journey from Aussie rugby league hopeful to coaching champion in France. He reveals hard-earned lessons on coaching philosophy, accountability, and how to connect with athletes from different cultures.Adam shares how injury, depression, and purpose outside the game shaped his coaching identity — and how coaching the person is more powerful than just focusing on the player.Key themes:Belief in your coaching systemManaging modern athletes and social media distractionsThe power of routine and repetitionGetting buy-in and building accountabilityWhy vision beats motivationLessons for young coaches transitioning post-playing career00:00 Intro: From Australia to France02:31 Player to Coach: No Experience, Big Vision04:38 Coaching Philosophy: Believe in Your System09:13 Routine, Repetition and Control10:20 Coaching Gen Z: Social Media, Sensitivity and Standards14:51 Coach the Person Not Just the Player16:51 The Truth About Overweight Athletes20:20 Transitioning from Teammate to Coach23:17 Why Emotional Intelligence Beats Yelling26:41 Vision vs Motivation: The Power of Accountability29:04 Building a Player Accountability System31:21 Lessons from the Game: What Adam Would Tell His 20-Year-Old Self35:21 Realistic Morning Routines for Athletes40:07 The Magic of Consistency44:11 Skill Mastery and Muscle Memory47:19 Advice for Young Coaches50:50 Evolving as a Coach: From Systems to Human Connection53:04 Learning to Listen and Lead Beyond the Data56:29 Nutrition Culture and Educating Players60:04 Mental Health: Adam’s Rock Bottom Story66:22 Final Lessons: Life Beyond the Game68:52 Outro and Where to Find AdamA must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone committed to growth on and off the field.🔔 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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1:09:39
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1:09:39
Ali Williams: The Mindset Shift That Made Me an All Black in 3 Years ⎮ Key Lesson
In this short form episode of Lessons From The Game, former All Black Ali Williams reveals how he went from school rugby to the All Blacks in just three years. He discusses the power of coach relationships, mental resilience, and hard work — plus how these lessons apply beyond rugby in business and life. A must-listen for players, coaches, and professionals!🔔 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.
South Africa