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
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1:04:26
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1:04:26
Discipline, Leadership & Aggression — Corné Krige on Captaining SA in Rugby’s Toughest Era
In this short-form episode of Lessons from the Game, former Springbok captain Corné Krige shares the lessons that shaped his journey as a leader.📩 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=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFrom the importance of discipline to leading South Africa through one of rugby’s toughest transitional eras, Corné reflects on:The life-changing influence of Nelson Mandela.Why discipline is the foundation of success on and off the field.How being “too small” forced him to play with unmatched aggression.The leadership values that carried him through the hardest moments.Corné’s story goes beyond rugby — it’s about resilience, values, and leadership that apply in sport, business, and life.🎧 Listen now and get inspired by one of South Africa’s most courageous leaders.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#Rugby #Springboks #Leadership #Discipline #NelsonMandela #LessonsFromTheGame
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12:44
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12:44
From Journalist to Rugby Super-Agent: Damien Dussault on Mindset, Agents & the Business of Rugby
This week on Lessons From The Game, Coach G and Ben Pegna are joined by rugby super-agent Damien Dussault. From his start as a journalist to representing players worldwide, Damien has seen the game from every angle.📩 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 dive into:What players need to know about agentsThe mindset differences between good and great playersThe reality of French rugby and Top 14 lifeStories of resilience, setbacks, and bouncing backChapters00:00 The Journey of a Rugby Agent06:18 Mindset Over Contracts19:59 Navigating the Rugby Landscape25:57 The Role of an Agent36:11 Cultural Adaptation in Rugby49:09 The Allure of Top 14 Rugby56:27 Misconceptions About French Rugby01:03:43 The Human Side of Being an Agent💡 A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone passionate about rugby.Damien On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/damiendussault/📲 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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1:21:26
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1:21:26
Springbok Defeat: Lessons in Leadership, Mindset & Fine Margins | Rugby Insights
The Springboks’ recent defeat sparked headlines, but instead of criticism, we uncover the real lessons from the game 🏉 with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna 📩 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 dive into:Why fine margins define elite sportThe importance of reaction speed & tactical awarenessHow to learn from mistakes without panicThe mindset of world-class coaches like Rassie ErasmusWhat young players and coaches can take away from the Springboks’ lossIn this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna dive into:Why fine margins define elite sportThe importance of reaction speed & tactical awarenessHow to learn from mistakes without panicThe mindset of world-class coaches like Rassie ErasmusWhat young players and coaches can take away from the Springboks’ lossChapters00:00 Introduction to the Springbok Defeat03:25 Lessons from the Game: Insights and Analysis06:16 The Evolution of Springbok Rugby09:19 Coaching Mindset and Player Reactions12:24 Defensive Strategies and Reaction Speed15:16 Understanding the Underlying Factors of Performance18:24 The Importance of Humility and Preparation21:17 Analyzing the Wallabies' Performance24:31 Micro Skills and Tactical Awareness27:24 Final Thoughts and Community EngagementIf you’re passionate about rugby, mindset, or leadership under pressure, this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe for more rugby insights and life lessons.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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33:56
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33:56
Beating the All Blacks & Building a Global Sports Tech Empire : Andrew Trimble
Andrew Trimble – Ulster legend, Ireland international, Six Nations champion, and co-founder of Kairos – joins Lessons from the Game co-hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna 📩 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 talk about Ireland’s first-ever win over the All Blacks, the impact of Joe Schmidt on Irish rugby, how Andrew rebuilt himself after setbacks, and the transition from professional rugby to tech entrepreneurship.This is a story of resilience, growth, and redefining success.00:00 – Introduction & Andrew Trimble’s Career Highlights02:00 – Memories of Ulster, South African Teammates & Rugby Brotherhood04:50 – Ireland’s Historic Win vs the All Blacks in Chicago (2016)09:20 – How Irish Rugby Became a Global Benchmark12:00 – Joe Schmidt’s Impact: Raising Standards & Building Belief16:30 – Handling Pressure, Selection Battles & Resilience19:50 – Simon Zebo Story & Learning Consistency Over X-Factor21:40 – Winning the Six Nations & Confidence Under Joe Schmidt24:10 – Coping with Training Camp Pressure & Competitiveness27:40 – Transition After Rugby: Identity, Challenges & Opportunities32:00 – Founding Kairos: Solving Communication in High-Performance Sport34:20 – Scaling Kairos: From Lower Leagues to Premier League & Teamworks Acquisition36:10 – Lessons from Rugby Applied to Business & Startups37:20 – Advice for Current Players Preparing for Life After Rugby40:40 – Building Culture, Leadership & Accountability in Business Teams48:40 – Quickfire: Role Models & Favorite Teammates52:00 – Best Players Faced & Favorite Roommate Stories53:40 – Closing Thoughts & Reflections📲 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
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