The Coach G Show

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...

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. Su...

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 thei...

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 y...

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 i...

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 &am...

In this episode of Lessons From The Game , we sit down with Richie Gray , the man who changed how rugby and NFL teams approach contact and collision. From coaching the Springboks and Scotland to working with the Miami Dolphins, Richie shares his playbook for coaching success, building trust, and staying resilient. Packed with insights for rugby players, coaches, and sports leaders. 00:00 Simplicit...

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 debut The power of preparation & goal setting What to visualize before kickoff How to bounce back from mistakes...

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 fueling The role of collaboration in high-performance teams Why carbs are king for athletes How to manage nutrition through travel, pressure, and cultural dynamics Her...

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...

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 fear Why players must focus on their strengths Language, culture &...

Anthony Watson: From Lions Tour to World Cup Final — And the Comeback That Nearly Didn’t Happen In 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 2016 Starting all three tests on the 2017 Lions Tour Coming back from a double Achilles...

Ali Williams didn’t touch a rugby ball until 16—three years later, he was wearing the black jersey. In this raw and revealing episode of Lessons from the Game , Ali joins hosts Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna to talk about the moments that shaped him: from locker room lessons to boardroom challenges. 📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpi...

How do you build a world champion team with no egos? In this short, powerful episode of Lessons From The Game , former Springbok team manager Annelee Murray reveals how Rassie Erasmus transformed the Springboks’ culture in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup . From the very first meeting in 2018—where Rassie placed the Webb Ellis Cup at the center of the room—Annelee shares how unity, purpose...

In this episode of Lessons from the Game , former international rugby stars and coaches Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna sit down with Denis Betts , one of the most decorated rugby league forwards of all time, to uncover the truth behind elite performance. From a violent, working-class upbringing to lifting trophies with Wigan and coaching on the world stage, Betts reflects on a career defined not...

What should rugby players really be doing during the offseason? In this short and powerful episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna break down how to use your offseason wisely — whether you’re a young academy player, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between. They cover: The difference between offseason and preseason How to balance rest, recovery, and readiness Common mistakes that derail your comeb...

Summary In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the competitive landscape of rugby coaching, emphasizing the need for players to distinguish themselves in a crowded field. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships between players and coaches, the journey from player to coach, and the significance of facing fears in team-building exercises. The conversation also hi...

Summary In this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna delve into the concept of Rugby IQ, emphasizing its significance in player performance and team dynamics. They discuss how understanding one's role, making informed decisions, and adapting to game situations are crucial for success on the field. The hosts share real-world examples of players demonstra...

Summary In this episode of Lessons from the Game, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna engage with former England international Jeff Parling, exploring his journey from player to coach. They discuss the importance of preparation for opportunities, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of resilience in rugby. Jeff shares insights on team culture, the impact of the Lions...

Summary In this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna reflect on their conversation with rugby legend Victor Matfield. They discuss key insights from Matfield about leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of resilience in both sports and life. The hosts emphasize the value of small wins in building confidence and the significance of surrounding onesel...

Summary In this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben P engage in a deep conversation with rugby legend Victor Matfield. They explore Matfield's journey from a young aspiring player to a key figure in South African rugby, discussing the importance of leadership, belief, and hard work in achieving success. Matfield shares insights on building a winning culture...

Being dropped from the team hurts. Whether you’re a pro or an aspiring athlete, non-selection can shake your confidence and identity. In this episode of Lessons from the Game , Rugby World Cup winner Gurthro Steenkamp and high-performance coach Ben Pegna open up about the emotional side of not being picked — and what sets champions apart in how they respond. They share powerful personal stories, l...

Summary In this episode, Francois Hougaard shares his journey through rugby, emphasising the importance of discipline, hard work, and resilience. He reflects on his experiences at the Bulls, memorable matches, and the transition to playing in the Northern Hemisphere. Hougaard discusses the challenges of mental health in sports, his business ventures, and the significance of maintaining a routine a...

Summary In this episode, Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna discuss the upcoming Lions Tour, reflecting on its significance in rugby history, memorable moments from past tours, and the challenges of team selection. They emphasise the impact of social media on the sport and the intense preparation required by players. The conversation highlights the excitement surrounding the series and the evolving n...

Summary In this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Hanyani Shimange shares his journey from a young rugby player to a professional athlete, discussing the sacrifices and hard work required to succeed in the sport. He reflects on his experiences with the Springboks, the importance of team roles, and the mindset needed to thrive both on and off the field. Shimangi also addresses the chall...