Contact & collision specialist Richie Gray shares why the best coaches “coach people, not players,” and how to create accurate aggression—the controlled edge that wins tackles and breakdowns. We dig into earning trust in superstar environments, keeping messages simple under fatigue, individualizing coaching inside a team, Fiji’s shared-vision culture, and drill-based training that sharpens technique while lowering injury risk. Hosted by Gurthro “Coach G” Steenkamp & Ben Pegna.
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Dan Norton – the all-time leading try scorer in World Rugby Sevens and a two-time Olympian – joins Lessons from the Game to share the mindset, habits, and lessons that kept him at the top for over 14 years.
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In this powerful conversation with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, Dan opens up about:
The rivalries that pushed him to new heights 🏉
How he stayed consistent, fit, and fast across more than a decade of elite rugby
The importance of self-analysis and mental resilience in high performance
Insights for young players: scanning, decision-making & becoming a student of the game
The transition from rugby to life after sport in Dubai and finding a new identity
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Rugby Legend
06:00 Mental Resilience in High-Pressure Situations
11:58 The Evolution of Sevens Rugby
18:11 Lessons from the Game: Skills and Strategies
24:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Rugby Careers
29:51 Transitioning from Player to Coach
35:46 Reflections on Identity and Legacy
42:13 The Future of Sevens Rugby in the UK
48:09 Memorable Moments and Experiences in Rugby
54:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Players
Whether you’re a player chasing improvement, a coach building teams, or a fan of rugby’s most electric athletes, this episode is packed with lessons on performance, mindset, and resilience.
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You’re only as good as your last game. In this short-form episode, Coach G and Ben unpack why process beats panic, how to crush negative head talk, and the reset tool pros use: Step Back → Step Up → Step Back In.
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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.
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Perfect for players, coaches, and leaders who want practical takeaways on culture, mindset, and performance.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Resilience
03:06 Building a Winning Culture at Saracens
05:57 The Importance of Leadership and Team Dynamics
09:00 The Wolf Pack Mentality
11:56 Psychology of Success and Overcoming Setbacks
15:01 The Role of Individual Identity in Team Success
18:08 Shared Leadership and Genuine Leadership Traits
20:48 The Evolution of Saracens' Playing Style
24:03 The Stone Cutter Analogy and Its Impact
30:11 The Journey to Success
32:47 Preparing for Life After Rugby
34:47 Building a Coffee Brand
38:05 Transitioning from Player to Entrepreneur
42:34 Resilience in the Face of Adversity
49:30 The Meaning of Representing England
54:53 Reflections on Injuries and Team Spirit
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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.
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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.
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They dive into:
Why attacking flair is vital in modern rugby
The Zondaghs’ philosophy of Speed, Space & Connection
Coaching players to think, adapt, and create under pressure
Stories from Saracens, Western Province, and the Springboks
Their new book: Attack, Attack, Attack
An inspiring episode for players and coaches who want to bring back creativity and courage into rugby.
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The Springboks vs the All Blacks – rugby’s ultimate rivalry.
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In 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.
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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.
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We 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.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of JJ van der Meest
05:05 Belief and Self-Confidence in Rugby
11:34 The Importance of Pre-Season Training
17:45 Multi-Sport Background and Its Impact
23:26 Navigating the Path to Professional Rugby
29:10 Experiences in South African Rugby
32:24 Transitioning to Stade Francais
36:31 The Move to Northampton Saints
41:51 Mental Health and Balancing Life
47:19 Setting Goals and Improving Skills
52:09 Future Aspirations Beyond Rugby
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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.
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From the importance of discipline to leading South Africa through one of rugby’s toughest transitional eras, Corné reflects on:
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.
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#Rugby #Springboks #Leadership #Discipline #NelsonMandela #LessonsFromTheGame
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.
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We dive into:
What players need to know about agents
The mindset differences between good and great players
The reality of French rugby and Top 14 life
Stories of resilience, setbacks, and bouncing back
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Rugby Agent
06:18 Mindset Over Contracts
19:59 Navigating the Rugby Landscape
25:57 The Role of an Agent
36:11 Cultural Adaptation in Rugby
49:09 The Allure of Top 14 Rugby
56:27 Misconceptions About French Rugby
01:03:43 The Human Side of Being an Agent
💡 A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone passionate about rugby.
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The Springboks’ recent defeat sparked headlines, but instead of criticism, we uncover the real lessons from the game 🏉 with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna
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In this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna dive into:
Why fine margins define elite sport
The importance of reaction speed & tactical awareness
How to learn from mistakes without panic
The mindset of world-class coaches like Rassie Erasmus
What young players and coaches can take away from the Springboks’ loss
In this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna dive into:
Why fine margins define elite sport
The importance of reaction speed & tactical awareness
How to learn from mistakes without panic
The mindset of world-class coaches like Rassie Erasmus
What young players and coaches can take away from the Springboks’ loss
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Springbok Defeat
03:25 Lessons from the Game: Insights and Analysis
06:16 The Evolution of Springbok Rugby
09:19 Coaching Mindset and Player Reactions
12:24 Defensive Strategies and Reaction Speed
15:16 Understanding the Underlying Factors of Performance
18:24 The Importance of Humility and Preparation
21:17 Analyzing the Wallabies' Performance
24:31 Micro Skills and Tactical Awareness
27:24 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
If you’re passionate about rugby, mindset, or leadership under pressure, this episode is for you.
👉 Subscribe for more rugby insights and life lessons.
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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
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We 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 Highlights
02:00 – Memories of Ulster, South African Teammates & Rugby Brotherhood
04:50 – Ireland’s Historic Win vs the All Blacks in Chicago (2016)
09:20 – How Irish Rugby Became a Global Benchmark
12:00 – Joe Schmidt’s Impact: Raising Standards & Building Belief
16:30 – Handling Pressure, Selection Battles & Resilience
19:50 – Simon Zebo Story & Learning Consistency Over X-Factor
21:40 – Winning the Six Nations & Confidence Under Joe Schmidt
24:10 – Coping with Training Camp Pressure & Competitiveness
27:40 – Transition After Rugby: Identity, Challenges & Opportunities
32:00 – Founding Kairos: Solving Communication in High-Performance Sport
34:20 – Scaling Kairos: From Lower Leagues to Premier League & Teamworks Acquisition
36:10 – Lessons from Rugby Applied to Business & Startups
37:20 – Advice for Current Players Preparing for Life After Rugby
40:40 – Building Culture, Leadership & Accountability in Business Teams
48:40 – Quickfire: Role Models & Favorite Teammates
52:00 – Best Players Faced & Favorite Roommate Stories
53:40 – Closing Thoughts & Reflections
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Your title is temporary — your character is permanent.
In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna explore the importance of humility and the dangers of letting your position define you.
From Springbok captain Corné Krige’s perspective to Simon Sinek’s famous coffee cup story, they unpack how to stay grounded, lead authentically, and transition smoothly when your role changes.
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00:00 Introduction to Identity Beyond Titles
05:06 The Impact of Titles on Self-Identity
12:10 Lessons in Humility and Leadership
18:12 The Importance of Values Over Titles
23:08 Redefining Identity Beyond Titles
25:03 Core Values vs. Ambition
28:05 The Importance of Perspective
32:26 Growth Through Experience
37:49 Community and Connection in Coaching
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Perfect for athletes, coaches, and leaders looking to build lasting influence beyond the title.
Former Springbok captain Corné Krige joins Lessons from the Game to share powerful lessons on leadership and resilience from his rugby career and beyond.
We discuss captaining South Africa during one of its toughest periods, the influence of Nelson Mandela, the pressures of schoolboy rugby, and how to transition successfully into life after sport.
If you’re interested in leadership, mental toughness, and real-life lessons from the game, this episode is for you.
Chapters
00:00 Leadership in Transition: Captaining South Africa
02:59 The Importance of Discipline in Rugby and Life
05:56 Navigating Pressure: The Role of Schoolboy Rugby
08:58 Aggression and Identity: Finding Strength in Adversity
12:02 The Journey to Professional Rugby: Choices and Challenges
15:00 The Impact of Boarding School on Character Development
18:01 The Evolution of South African Rugby: Tradition and Change
20:52 The Role of Humility in Leadership
24:14 Reflections on Tough Moments and Personal Growth
27:05 Transitioning from Rugby to Business: Lessons Learned
30:13 Maintaining Identity Beyond the Game
32:59 The Future of Rugby: Insights on Modern Challenges
36:03 Final Thoughts: Legacy and Contribution to Rugby
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On this Lessons from the Game short-form episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna unpack why simplicity done brilliantly leads to greatness — a principle echoed by legends like Gary Gold, Victor Matfield, and Richie Gray.
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From the Lions tour to Super Rugby dominance with the Bulls, they share stories, strategies, and coaching lessons you can use to level up your rugby performance, whether you’re a player, coach, or leader.
🔥 Topics covered:
How simple game plans win big games
Lessons from the Lions, Bulls, and Wallabies
Avoiding overcomplication in training
The mindset behind doing the boring stuff well
Chapters
00:00 Simplicity as a Path to Greatness
02:56 The Importance of Team Cohesion
06:03 Lessons from the Lions Series
08:43 The Dangers of Overcomplication
11:40 Mastering the Basics
14:44 The Role of Enjoyment in Training
17:48 Simplifying Skill Acquisition
20:40 Building a Strong Foundation
23:34 The Power of Consistency
26:20 Chasing Greatness with Simplicity
29:12 Community and Continuous Learning
Follow for more rugby, mindset, and performance episodes.
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In this deeply personal episode with Hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna , Welsh rugby great Dafydd James joins Lessons from the Game to share the untold story of what happens when the stadium lights go off.He talks about his career with Wales and the Lions, the shock of retirement, battling mental health, the loneliness of life post-rugby, and what truly helped him survive.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, this episode is a must-listen.📕 Offloading, Dafydd’s new book, is out soon.💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
00:00 Introduction to a Welsh Legend
03:02 Life After Rugby: The Transition
06:14 Lessons from the Game: Resilience and Teamwork
09:08 The Shift from Amateur to Professional Rugby
12:10 Reflections on a Career: The Loneliness After the Game
15:07 Mental Health and the Struggles of Retired Athletes
17:53 Finding Purpose: Coping Mechanisms and Support
20:55 The Lions Tour: Overcoming Doubts and Criticism
37:27 From South Africa to the British Lions
39:18 The Journey to Professional Rugby
43:10 Mindset of a Professional Player
49:53 The Importance of Self-Reflection
56:39 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned
01:12:04 Living in the Moment and Enjoying Life
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What happens when belief, hard work, and elite leadership collide?
In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Victor Matfield breaks down how the Bulls transformed from bottom feeders to Super Rugby champions. He shares legendary stories about Heineken Meyer’s dream, brutal off-seasons, player-led training blocks, and the iconic “umbrella” story that led to a 72-point Super Rugby victory.
This is more than a rugby story—it’s a blueprint for greatness.
This special episode of Lessons from the Game sees hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna reflect on their journey since launching the show. They share behind-the-scenes insights, lessons from their guests, and how the podcast helped them navigate personal and professional challenges.
From learning the power of consistency to stories about resilience, ego, and self-reflection – this episode is for every player, coach, and parent looking for honest, human stories from sport and life.
💡 Featuring takeaways from Anthony Watson, Owen Franks, Victor Matfield, Ali Williams, and more.
Chapters
00:00 Reflecting on Our Journey
05:14 The Evolution of the Podcast
10:19 Personal Growth Through Podcasting
15:43 Common Traits of Successful Athletes
20:11 The Importance of Self-Reflection
25:05 Building Relationships in Rugby
30:37 The Role of Coaches and Mentors
35:07 Humility and Ego in Sports
40:27 The Power of Adaptability
46:13 Simplicity and Consistency in Coaching
51:15 Courage to Take the Road Less Traveled
56:47 Looking Ahead: Growth and Feedback
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🎧 Listen To Our Podcast on:
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Richie Gray’s journey is unlike any other. After being made redundant by Scottish Rugby, he committed to changing the game of contact and collision — and did just that. From designing world-class training tools to working with the Springboks, Scotland, and the Miami Dolphins, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and game-changing lessons.
Follow for more stories from the world of elite rugby and high performance.
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Podcast hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna
Hugh Pyle played pro rugby across three continents, won a Top 14 title with Stade Français — and still said no to a Wallabies call-up.
Why? Because for him, fun mattered more than fame.
In this episode of Lessons from the Game , Hugh breaks down the real drivers of success: consistency, joy, and knowing who you are. He shares his experience striking in France, adapting to new cultures, and how he built a career without ever being “the most talented.”
This one’s for every player and coach who wants to build something meaningful — and sustainable.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Rugby Journey
04:01 Lessons from Rugby: Consistency Over Talent
07:00 Facing Challenges: The Path to Professional Rugby
10:08 Cultural Adaptation: Rugby in France
12:59 The Impact of Strikes in Rugby
19:08 The Transition from Player to Professional Life
23:54 Resilience and Perspective in Life
30:09 Networking and Building Relationships
35:07 Life After Rugby: Finding New Passions
39:46 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned
🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches!
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Hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna
