TRAVIS GORDON: "How Coaching Made Me a Better Player and Communicator"

What happens when a loose forward is suddenly asked to play 12, then becomes one of the most dominant centres in the league? Travis Gordon and assistant coach Alex Stajka unpack the messy, fascinating reality of changing positions, adapting to English rugby, and learning how to think like both a player and a coach.Trav explains how a year of wet, heavy conditions in England forced him to rethink everything - from carrying lower in contact to making decisions faster when the game slows down. Alex reveals the coaching decision behind the switch, how little time Trav actually had to prepare, and why his understanding of the system made the transition possible.You'll discover:Why English winter rugby exposes the basics and punishes sloppy techniqueHow Trav learned to play 12 after a decade as a loose forwardThe mental reset needed when your default habits take over under pressureWhy asking better questions can make you a better player and a better coachHow coaching young players sharpened Trav's communication, clarity, and decision-makingAlex also shares what stood out from Trav's season at 12, including how he handled the pressure of a new role in a league where every game mattered. Trav, meanwhile, opens up about the coaching mindset that helps him lift the players around him, and why resilience has become his defining mental skill after multiple injuries and setbacks.If you're a player, coach, or rugby fan who loves the details behind performance, adaptation, and leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insight and honest reflection. Essential listening for anyone trying to get better at the role in front of them - even when the role changes completely.