What happens when a kid from Armagh, told he wasn’t good enough, ends up kicking Exeter Chiefs to Premiership glory, and then has to start all over again after retirement?
Gareth Steenson, better known as Steeno, spent 18 years in professional rugby, from his early days in Ulster to becoming the Chiefs’ reliable No.10 during their rise to the very top of English rugby. In this episode I sit down with him as he opens up about the setbacks, sacrifices, and pivotal moments that shaped his career, and what life looks like now he’s swapped the pitch for coaching and business.
We talk about leaving home young and chasing opportunities in Rotherham and Cornwall, coping with the loss of his father during a critical season, and finding his place at Exeter just as the club was building towards promotion.
Steeno reflects on the highs of lifting trophies, the brutal lows of self-doubt, and the reality of leadership when the game plan falls apart.
Off the field, we dig into what resilience really means, how coaching the Irish Women’s Squad is reshaping his view of the game, and why running The Stand Off bar in Exeter taught him as much about teamwork as rugby ever did.
If you’ve ever faced rejection, had to reinvent yourself, or wondered what’s next after the career you thought would last forever, Steeno’s story will make you think twice about what resilience, risk, and real success look like.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Steeno's Rugby Journey
01:32 From Soccer to Rugby: Early Beginnings
03:10 Schoolboy Rugby and Early Recognition
04:21 Transition to Professional Rugby
05:31 Career Growth at Exeter Chiefs
07:21 The Evolution of Rugby and Player Development
10:44 Women's Rugby: Growth and Professionalism
14:03 The Role of Technology in Modern Rugby
17:11 Adapting to Change: Lessons from Rugby to Life
19:43 The Importance of Team Culture and Community
24:29 Community and Team Spirit in Rugby
25:54 The Journey to Premiership Glory
28:19 Leadership and Team Dynamics
32:39 Transitioning to Coaching and New Opportunities
35:31 Defining Resilience and Leadership
39:11 Advice for Life After Sports
43:27 Close