The Coach G Show

Bob Skinstad. 42 Springbok caps. The first professional rugby player signed in South Africa. Venture capitalist. Club owner. 📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708And one of the most honest people Coach G has ever shared a dressing room with.This is not a highlights reel. This is a real conversation about what happens when the final whistle blows — and no one's prepared you for what comes next.In this episode:The mental crash that follows winning — and why players spiral without the right toolsThe "big hollow": depression, self-doubt, and what Bob wishes someone had told him earlierHow he started building business skills during his playing career while most players stopped being curiousThe brutal reality of owning a French rugby club as a South African outsiderWhy being paid to play rugby can quietly destroy your hunger and work ethicAI in rugby — what it can and can't replace, and why the human element still leadsProtecting your energy as an empath, and what years of giving to others costs youBob doesn't pretend to have it all figured out. That's exactly what makes this episode so valuable.00:00 Intro & Bob's Current World03:24 Managing Multiple Projects & Staying Focused05:22 The Challenge of French Rugby Culture16:56 USN Sponsor Message17:30 Bob's Journey From Player to Businessman21:00 The First Professional Rugby Player in South Africa25:51 The Mental Crash After the Highs of Professional Rugby32:35 Coping Mechanisms Alcohol and the Evolution of Self-Awareness34:30 Challenges Facing Modern Players41:44 AI in Rugby and High Performance Sport47:24 How Coaches Can Use AI to Save Time49:40 Would Bob Come Back as a PropWhether you're a player navigating the transition, a coach building something on the side, or a leader in any high-pressure environment — there is something in here for you.🎧 Listen, follow, and share with someone who needs to hear this.

Drew Mitchell played 71 tests for Australia, scored 14 World Cup tries across three tournaments, and won back-to-back European Champions Cups with Toulon. 📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708He did it all clinically blind in his right eye — a fact he hid from clubs, coaches, and medical teams for his entire career.In this episode of The Coach G Show, Drew sits down with Coach G for a wide-open conversation about the parts of an elite rugby career nobody talks about.What you'll hear:The blind right eye he concealed from French club medicals to protect his contractWhy he retired on Twitter — mid-season, unannounced — and never looked backThe social anxiety, identity loss, and breakdown moment that hit after the jersey came offLearning to fly helicopters to replace the adrenaline rugby gave himHow George Gregan's "Apples" callout turned him into a harder playerHis zero-routine game day that always ended the same way — vomiting before kickoffWhat really held the Toulon Galacticos together when egos could have torn it apartWhy therapy was the most important thing he did before the problems started00:00 – Cold Open: "I'm done with rugby"01:00 – Introduction: Drew Mitchell's career01:37 – Life after Toulon / living in Bondi03:15 – Relationship with training post-rugby06:23 – "Chubb Club" and fat club stories07:30 – Playing international rugby blind in one eye13:04 – How he overcame the obstacle and kept it quiet14:44 – Family, discipline, and what drove him as a kid18:46 – Making the Wallabies and the gym reality check21:13 – Why respect is the only currency that matters22:36 – Rugby union over rugby league — the real reason26:29 – Bond with Gits, Ashley Cooper, and the podcast31:12 – The Twitter retirement nobody saw coming36:13 – Flying helicopters to fill the void41:38 – Selling pubs, finding structure, and commercial real estate45:06 – Mental health, anxiety, therapy, and breaking down in the car51:34 – Starting at 60kg in the Reds Academy54:36 – The "Apples" story with George Gregan57:32 – Pre-game routine: chaos, calm, and vomiting every test1:00:22 – Australian sledging culture on the field1:07:59 – Inside the Toulon Galacticos era1:13:44 – What actually built the culture at Toulon1:14:49 – Johnny Wilkinson's habits up close1:19:43 – The New York Marathon and Busta Rhymes1:27:10 – Final question: reincarnated as which prop?This one covers the full picture — career, character, culture, and the messy reality of life on the other side of elite sport.Listen, follow, and share with anyone who loves rugby, high performance, or honest conversations.

Scott Spedding walked away from South Africa at 22 with almost nothing — because his own attitude had closed nearly every door behind him. 📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708What followed was one of rugby's most unexpected journeys: from scrapping in French junior rugby to earning 23 caps for the French national team.In this episode, Scott and Coach G go deep on the decisions, obsessions, sacrifices, and setbacks that defined a remarkable career — and what the transition out of rugby really looks like when no one has the answer.What you'll take from this episode:Why bad attitude at 19 nearly ended his career before it startedHow obsession — even when it went too far — drove him onto the French teamThe night Serge Blanco knocked on his door and changed everythingHow Joe Rokocoko kept him focused play by play through the most important game of his lifeThe criticism he faced for wearing the French jersey as a South AfricanWhy the rugby network is one of the most underused assets former players haveThe financial advice every professional player needs to hear before it's too late0:00 Intro1:47 Meet Scott Spedding2:10 Life in Southwest France4:31 Why He Left South Africa at 227:18 The Mentors Who Changed Everything9:59 What It Really Takes to Listen13:16 Arrogance, Mistakes & Hard Lessons14:57 The Toughest Years in French Rugby16:54 When Playing for France Became the Obsession20:26 What the Obsession Actually Looked Like25:30 On Balance vs Going All In26:40 Serge Blanco at the Door & the Plane Ticket Moment31:15 Facing Criticism as a Foreigner in the French Team37:46 Greatest Players He Shared a Changing Room With42:44 What Transformed French Rugby50:37 2023 World Cup Quarterfinal France vs South Africa51:48 Life After Rugby Property Meat Business & Safari Lodge59:05 The Real Value of a Rugby Network1:03:48 What He Would Do Differently1:09:45 Final Advice for Players & The Money ConversationA raw, honest, and genuinely inspiring conversation for players, coaches, and anyone chasing something that feels just out of reach.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp🎧 Listen, follow, and share with someone who needs to hear this.

Steve Kitshoff. Springbok legend. Bomb Squad co-founder. A man who was 2mm from never walking again.📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708In this episode of The Coach G Show, Coach G sits down with one of the greatest loosehead props to ever play the game for a conversation that covers the full spectrum — from school rugby fundamentals to building a licensing empire, and from scrum mechanics to the mental shift required when everything you've built your identity around is suddenly gone.What you'll learn in this episode:The career-ending neck injury Steve never saw coming — and the moment everything became clearThe Bomb Squad origin story: how a boardroom conversation with Rassie became a beer, a clothing line, and a national licensing brandThe 3 pillars of scrum dominance every prop needs to develop — conditioning, power transfer, and unit understandingWhat makes the Springbok scrum the most destructive in world rugby right nowRassie's philosophy: "right players, not best players" — and why it changed everythingHow Steve overcame imposter syndrome in the business worldPractical advice for young props, parents of junior players, and anyone navigating a major life transition00:00 Cold Open & The Spicy Plum Nickname01:32 Introducing Steve Kitshoff05:35 School Rugby & The Foundation Years at Paul Roos08:28 Mentors & Players Who Shaped His Career14:17 The State of Scrummaging Today19:22 3 Keys to Scrum Dominance for Props24:00 What Parents of Young Players Need to Know27:48 Quickfire Scrum Questions29:06 Why the Springbok Scrum Is So Destructive34:52 The Bomb Squad Origin Story40:33 Business Lessons from Rugby Leadership45:49 The Career-Ending Neck Injury49:57 Life After Rugby & What Comes Next53:11 Advice for Players Still PlayingThis is a conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.🎧 Listen, follow, and share with anyone who plays, coaches, or loves rugby.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

The Top 14 is the most intense domestic rugby competition in the world — and with five games left, the race for playoffs, Champions Cup qualification, and survival is wide open.📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708Coach G sits down with French rugby agent Damien Dussaut to pull back the curtain on what's really happening inside the Top 14: the staff budgets clubs don't want you to see, the unconventional player journeys that challenge everything we think about recruitment, and why some clubs thrive on half the budget of their rivals.What you'll learn:— Why Toulouse's 60-player depth makes them nearly impossible to derail— The real numbers: staff and player salary breakdowns across Top 14 clubs— Aaron Grandidier's path from self-filmed highlight reels to Olympic gold— How Levani Botia went from walking 30km to training in Fiji to becoming a La Rochelle icon— What Damien means when he says "players are Ferraris — staff are the mechanics"— The recruitment trap most clubs fall into and why the best signing isn't always the best CV— Why mental performance coaching is the most underexplored edge in professional rugby00:00 - The Recruitment Lie Clubs Tell Themselves00:59 - Welcome & Introduction02:29 - Toulouse's Bounce Back & The Benjamin Bertrand Story09:18 - Inside the Toulouse Machine: Depth, Culture & Youth11:32 - Top 14 Standings & The Playoff Race13:44 - Managing Two Competitions: Squad Rotation & Injuries15:33 - Champions Cup Money & The Pau Model18:08 - Stade Français: From Chaos to Contenders23:54 - Why Foreign Coaches Struggle in France26:27 - Aaron Grandidier: Back Yourself & Think Outside the Box30:30 - The Recruitment Trap Most Clubs Fall Into34:41 - Levani Botia: A Living Legend Re-Signs at La Rochelle44:54 - Players Are Ferraris — Staff Are the Mechanics49:38 - The Mental Game: Rugby's Final FrontierWhether you're a player trying to get noticed, a coach building a programme, or a fan who wants to understand what happens behind the scenes — this is essential listening.Listen now. Follow the show. Share it with someone in rugby who needs to hear this.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

The scrum is one of the most contested elements in rugby — and right now, there are serious forces pushing to have it removed from the game entirely.📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708This podcast is Sponsored by USN : https://za.usn.globalIn this solo episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp — former Springbok, World Cup winner, two-time European champion as a coach) goes deep on why the scrum matters, what's going wrong at every level, and what players, coaches, and parents need to do about it.This is one of the most direct, honest conversations about the scrum you'll hear anywhere.What you'll learn:Why removing the scrum would damage rugby's identity and inclusivityThe clear difference between dark arts and cheat codes — and why it's a values issueThe four phases of the scrum and what each one demands from playersPractical steps parents can take to help their child become a better scrummagerWhat the Scrum Dominator Mindset really means — and how it applies beyond rugbyWhy referees struggle to police scrums and what needs to changeThe FAST method for accelerating learning in sport and life00:00 – The Forces Trying to Remove the Scrum00:45 – What Is the Scrum Dominator Mindset?04:20 – Bullet Journaling, Reading & Building Player Habits06:23 – USN Sponsor Message06:49 – How the Scrum Actually Works (Explained Simply)09:00 – The Scrum & Inclusivity: Where Do the Big Players Go?11:20 – Dark Arts vs Cheat Codes: The Real Difference15:55 – The Four Phases of the Scrum18:20 – Player Safety, the Break Foot & Young Players Copying Cheat Codes21:00 – Who Is Responsible for the Scrum?24:00 – Practical Advice for Parents: How to Help Your Child29:45 – Spine in Line, Hip Drive & Home Training Exercises31:00 – Inside the Scrum Dominator Community (Resources & Courses)34:26 – What's Coming to the Community36:45 – The FAST Method: How to Learn & Level Up38:30 – Closing Thoughts & Thank YouCoach G also shares his personal story — from a self-described chubby, friendless kid who found identity and belonging through the scrum, to one of the most respected forwards coaches in European rugby.If you coach props, play in the front row, or want to help a young player improve — this episode is essential listening.🎙️ Follow The Coach G Show on Spotify and leave a review if this added value.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Bordeaux host Toulouse in what could be the most loaded quarter-final in French rugby history. Coach G and agent Damien Dusseau go deep on the game, the politics, and the human stories behind the players.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708What you'll get from this episode:Full breakdown of UBB vs Stade Toulouse — matchups, tactics, and what to watchThe coaching succession race: Hugo Mola or Yannick Bru for France after Galtier?Cameron Woki's comeback — how leaving Bordeaux made him a complete playerTeddy Thomas at 32: why the most criticised player in France is now one of the bestThe burnout crisis hitting Top 14 coaches — and why French rugby is brutal on managersWhy giving players freedom and joy is the secret weapon of both clubsThe importance of blank space, morning routines, and mental resets for coachesTwo friends with deep rugby knowledge, no filter, and genuine insight into what's happening in France right now.🎙️ Listen, follow, and share with anyone in rugby.Chapters:00:00 The clash of titans begins01:11 Intro: Bordeaux vs Toulouse + coach burnout03:40 Why this game is so big in France05:44 Galthié succession talk: Ugo Mola vs Yannick Bru09:37 Key matchups and players to watch16:06 Freedom, expression, and team environment18:00 Sponsor message: USN18:29 Player growth: LBB, Woki, Teddy Thomas, Jelonch27:49 The knockout path after this quarter-final29:20 Coach burnout in Top 14 rugby38:49 How coaches can protect their energy and mind45:45 Damien Dussault + Scrum Dominator MindsetFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Springbok Women star Nadine Roos joins Coach G for a powerful conversation on the real state of women’s rugby in South Africa.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708This episode goes beyond World Cup headlines and social media moments. Nadine opens up about what has changed, what still needs to change, and the personal journey that shaped her into one of the most exciting players in the game.Inside this episode:The reality for Springbok Women after the World CupWhy sponsorship and structure still matterWhat South Africa needs to close the gap on the top nationsWhy girls’ rugby in schools is such a big issueHow her grandmother helped shape her lifelessons on discipline, adversity, and beliefher message to the next generation of female athletesChapters:00:00 Women’s rugby stigma in South Africa01:46 Intro: Nadine Roos joins the show03:34 What changed after the World Cup?07:23 Recognition and role models12:46 How South Africa reached the quarter-final18:05 What South Africa still lacks28:15 Why girls’ rugby in schools still struggles35:13 Nadine’s upbringing and her grandmother43:05 University, bursary, and first rugby income49:04 Missing parents, gratitude, and support56:24 Advice for young female athletes1:00:21 Social media, discipline, and modern pressure1:06:06 Final thanksFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampListen now, follow the show, and share this episode with someone who cares about rugby, growth, and opportunity.

Why do players train well during the week, then fail to transfer it on Saturday?📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708In this episode, Gordon Pretorius joins The Coach G Show to unpack one of the biggest problems in rugby coaching: players getting overloaded with information and not learning well enough under pressure.Gordon is a coach and university educator based in the Netherlands, and this conversation sits right at the intersection of rugby, learning, performance, and coach development.You’ll hear:Why great training does not always lead to great performanceHow coaches overload players without realizing itWhy chaos and unpredictability matter in rugby trainingHow to improve meetings, learning, and retentionWhat working memory means in a rugby contextHow players can better remember roles, calls, and key actionsSmart ways coaches can use AI to improve planning and feedbackThis is a practical episode for rugby coaches, players, and anyone trying to build better performance through better learning.Listen, follow, and share with a coach or player who needs this conversation.

What does success really mean when the rugby career ends?In this episode of The Coach G Show, Schalk Brits shares a brutally honest look at life after rugby, the challenge of transition, the standards inside Saracens and the Springboks, and why purpose has to be bigger than trophies.This conversation is packed with lessons for players, coaches, parents, and high-performance people.Why joy should be the foundation of sportHow coaches can either free a player or box them inThe real reason Rassie Erasmus brought him backWhat made the 2019 Springboks so powerfulWhy winning alone can destroy cultureThe emotional reality of retirement from elite sportHow young players should think about money, mentors, and life after rugbyChapters:00:00 Life after rugby, family and why sport must be enjoyed01:11 Intro to Schalk Brits03:16 Transitioning from rugby into business05:38 Family, fatherhood and winning in life08:14 Playing style, freedom and coaching16:20 The Rassie Erasmus call-up story25:20 Saracens culture and the Springbok environment34:12 Why winning can damage culture44:41 Why Schalk was brought back49:32 The hard truth about retirement57:03 Mentors, balance and family1:04:57 Advice for the next generation1:08:24 Financial planning and investing in your future selfThis is a deep conversation on identity, resilience, leadership, family, and building a life beyond the game.Listen, follow, and share with someone who needs this episode.

Why does France vs England feel bigger than rugby?📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708In this short-form episode of The Coach G Show, Coach G is joined by Damien Dussault to unpack the emotion, history, culture, and pressure behind Le Crunch.This is not just a match preview. It is a conversation about rivalry, national identity, public pressure, and why this fixture still hits differently in French rugby.Inside this episode:Why the term Le Crunch mattersThe deeper history behind France vs EnglandWhy French fans take this fixture so personallyFrance’s reaction after the Scotland defeatWhat the French media meant by “Le Clac”Fabien Galthié’s unusual ballet move before the gameHenry Pollock, pressure, and the edge of modern rivalryChapters:00:00 Intro — Why Le Crunch is different01:02 Damien Dussault joins the show02:04 Why France vs England feels personal05:08 Why French fans treat this match differently07:13 France’s loss to Scotland and lessons from it09:00 “Le Clac” — the French media reaction13:32 Why Galthié took the team to the ballet17:53 Henry Pollock and the mind games21:43 France’s special-edition jersey23:48 French rugby news and players to watch27:09 Final thoughts + Coach G Level UpA sharp rugby conversation for fans, players, coaches, and anyone who loves the psychology behind big games.Listen, follow, and share the episode with another rugby person.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

CJ Stander went from farm life in South Africa to the Bulls, Munster, Ireland and one of the toughest retirement decisions in rugby.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708In this conversation with Coach G, he opens up on work ethic, leadership, identity, family, and what it takes to build a second life after professional sport.The farm mindset that shaped himHow he realised pro rugby was possibleWhy he left South Africa for MunsterThe decision to represent IrelandHow he earned trust and became a leaderWhy he retired at 31What life after rugby really looks likeChapters:00:00 Farm mindset, setbacks and showing up01:33 Welcome to the episode07:09 Growing up on the farm in George12:38 When CJ realised pro rugby was possible24:29 Why he left the Bulls for Munster31:18 How Ireland became a real option37:54 His Ireland debut vs Wales40:40 Leadership, trust and earning respect48:30 Why he retired at 3155:05 Life after rugby: business, property and farming01:06:45 Feeling out of depth after rugby01:12:08 Final lessons and wrap-upListen, follow and share this episode with someone navigating rugby, leadership or life after sport.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

What actually makes a great defensive team in rugby?https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/aboutIn this short-form episode of The Coach G Show, Omar Mouneimne breaks down the core fundamentals of defense and why so many coaches get it wrong by focusing on systems before physicality.This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches, players, and anyone who wants to understand how great defenses are built.You’ll learn:Why you must choose a clear defensive identityThe difference between soft drift, press and check, blitz, and sonic blitzWhy physicality is the base of every strong defenseHow conditioning shapes your ability to defend for 80 minutesWhy technical detail comes before tactical adjustmentsWhy many blitz systems fail in matchesHow to manage fatigue and stay connected defensively00:00 Why most coaches get defense wrong00:29 Choose your defensive style first02:09 Why physicality is the real base04:42 Technical before tactical05:48 Coach G reacts to the physicality point07:37 Soft drift vs press vs blitz vs sonic blitz09:59 Why teams chase fake space11:32 What to do when fatigue hitsFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampListen, follow, and share this episode with a coach or player who wants to understand rugby defense at a deeper level.

Eddie Jones doesn’t sugarcoat coaching.In this episode of The Coach G Show, Eddie Jones breaks down what it really takes to coach under pressure, handle player power, and build winning culture in modern rugby—drawing on 2007 Springboks memories, Japan’s 2015 upset, and decades at the top level.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708You’ll learn:The ABC rule every coach should live byHow to balance long-term vision with short-term resultsWhy “players aren’t your friends” (and what they actually need)How to handle bad habits and “false professionalism”Why identity matters more than ever for the new generationHow to run meetings that players actually rememberWhat Japan did to beat the Springboks in 2015How elite coaches reset after heartbreakChapters00:00 Coaching pressure: survive + win short-term01:41 Intro: Eddie Jones joins Coach G02:42 2007 Springboks World Cup: what really mattered06:20 ABC coaching: confirm learning07:45 How rugby changed: power game + ball-in-play reality11:20 France, Dupont, Ramos + the evolving attack game14:04 “Know your DNA”: prioritising what wins18:48 Building teams under public pressure23:07 Player power: Saracens story + setting parameters26:15 Why players aren’t your friends (and what to be instead)29:57 Fixing bad habits: isolate the ringleader33:14 New generation culture: identity first37:15 Getting players to talk (without fear of “dislikes”)40:36 Better meetings: hooks, 3 points, check understanding42:32 Japan vs Springboks 2015: the preparation & belief48:28 Coping with finals and big disappointments51:30 Championship hangover: leadership and complacency53:44 Coach performance habits: routine + growth planIf this helped you, follow the podcast, share it with a coach or player, and listen again with a notebook.

Top 14 isn’t just “more games” — it’s a system. In this episode, Coach G sits down with Damien Dussault to break down what’s actually happening in French rugby right now: squad rules, salary cap strategy, academy production, and why coaching in France can be mentally brutal.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708You’ll learn:Why 19 France players get “protected” on bye weeksHow clubs use Espoirs to survive the Top 14 grindThe salary cap incentives (and the coming changes)How academy rankings drive funding + developmentWhy tighthead depth is a real issue for FranceWhat Pierre Mignoni’s break tells us about coaching pressureThe key games to watch this weekend in the tableChapters:00:00 Intro + Top 14 weekend preview01:24 The “19 protected players” rule (Six Nations bye week)02:29 Why France produces so many young talents04:56 How Top 14 squads are built (pro/Espoir/convention)12:48 Salary cap credits + academy ranking explained18:14 France vs South Africa depth + development pathways20:06 France lock combos (Flament/Meafou vs Ollivon/Guillard)24:08 French scrum criticism + tighthead depth debate29:20 Pierre Mignoni steps back + coaching pressure40:56 Table overview + key matchups to watch44:46 Bayonne coaching change + staff cohesion reality49:16 USN sponsor shout + subscribe reminderFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampIf this helped, follow the show and share it with a rugby mate.

From Paarl to Loftus to the Springboks — Canan Moodie shares the real story behind the rise.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708Recorded at Loftus Versfeld, this conversation goes beyond highlights. Canan opens up about pressure, identity, preparation, and the people who kept him grounded while life accelerated fast.In this episode, you’ll hear:How 2019 lit the World Cup dream… and 2023 made it realWhat facing the Haka at Twickenham felt likeThe Springbok call-up that changed everythingGrowing up around drugs and gangsterism — and choosing a different pathThe role his brother and coaches played in his disciplineHis approach to criticism (and why he avoids it entirely)The mindset shift after being left behind before the World CupChapters:00:00 Facing the Haka + Twickenham nerves01:16 Welcome at Loftus + what this episode is about03:19 2019 to 2023: “that’s what dreams are made of”05:03 The Springbok call-up moment07:10 Test debut + Fran Steyn’s words09:33 Growing up in Amstelhof, Paarl11:55 Drugs, gangsterism, and choosing a different path14:17 The brother who kept him grounded16:51 The teacher who helped change his life22:54 What it means to play for the Bulls24:51 COVID year, earning the chance, taking it28:02 Centre vs All Blacks: prep, detail, confidence32:26 The foundation: giving kids a platform36:01 Learning habits from Sia, Jesse and the leaders40:17 His pre-match routine (massage, haircut, chicken alfredo)43:42 The setback before the World Cup + the comeback47:45 Pressure management: ignore noise, stay prepared49:15 Bulls stories and culture passed downFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampFollow The Coach G Show on Spotify, share this with a teammate, and keep building your edge.

Springbok Women legend Babalwa Latsha sits down with Coach G after the Rugby World Cup to share the mindset behind the Springbok Women’s breakthrough.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community-https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708Inside the episode:Mental fortitude: how to block out noise and perform under pressureIdentity & self-worth: separating who you are from what you doBecoming a student of the game (simple habits that compound)Front row culture: scrum pride, set-piece dominance, doing it the right wayHandling social media bullying + staying true to your values00:00 Intro01:10 World Cup + what’s next09:01 Student of the game13:22 Handling pressure + noise15:51 Self-worth & identity24:22 Breakthrough moment32:01 Innovation + trust38:20 Scrum identity + set-piece47:02 Coming home1:00:58 Social media bullying & resilience1:09:49 OutroFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

France vs Ireland: a big win — but what are people actually saying in France? https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/aboutCoach G sits down with Damien Dussault to translate the French rugby conversation into English: the Jalibert–Dupont–Ramos combo, France’s offload/unstructured identity, standout performers (Guillard, Nouchi, Serin), and the real pressure behind the scenes: Top 14 load + player recovery during the doublon. Plus… the ultimate debate: French meat vs South African meat.

Former Springbok tighthead and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner BJ Botha joins Coach G for a raw, honest conversation about scrummaging, resilience, and what separates great front rowers from the rest.BJ breaks down how pressure training builds confidence, why “dark arts” exist in modern scrums, and the real reason the Springbok scrum stays dominant (hint: combinations and culture). We also go beyond rugby — injury setbacks, moving abroad (Ulster/Munster), fatherhood, and the mindset needed to keep showing up.

The Top 14 table doesn’t tell the full story — especially when le doublon hits and clubs lose key internationals during the Six Nations window.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708Coach G breaks down the current “giants” of French rugby and what’s really driving performance: squad depth, academy pathways, mindset, and how clubs approach home vs away rugby. Toulouse remain the benchmark, Pau and Stade Français are rising fast, and Bordeaux face the brutal challenge of balancing Top 14 pressure with European ambitions.

Fabien Galthié shocks French rugby by leaving out Gaël Fickou, Grégory Alldritt, and Damien Penaud before the Six Nations. Coach G is joined by agent Damien Dussault to unpack the decision through the lens of selection strategy, squad culture, and long-term World Cup planning—then flips it into the most important piece: how elite players respond when they don’t get picked.Expect a real conversation on standards, leadership, pressure, and turning non-selection into fuel.

Modern attack is faster, looser, and more chaotic than ever — and defenses are paying the price. Omar explains how teams can stop the offload chain, kill speed of ball, and why “trench warfare” has returned in elite rugby.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708

Premiership-winning Harlequins prop Simon Kerrod joins Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) for an honest conversation about the real pathway to becoming an elite prop: injuries, setbacks, late breakthroughs, ego management, and staying mentally strong when pressure never disappears.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThey unpack what modern props must master (scrum, collisions, systems), why young front rowers spiral after one bad scrum, and how to reset fast and perform again. Simon also shares lessons from working with Adam Jones, playing alongside Joe Marler, and how he’s thinking about life after rugby.

Why do elite coaches get fired — even when they’re highly respected and successful?📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this episode, Coach G breaks down the deeper reasons behind coaching dismissals, using the Scott Robertson case as a starting point — not for drama, but for understanding.This is a conversation about:Culture vs resultsAlignment between staff, players, and leadershipUnrealistic standards and KPIsWhat happens when a coach loses the locker roomWhy some dynasties last — and others collapseThis episode isn’t about one coach.It’s about high-performance environments, leadership under pressure, and the mistakes that quietly destroy teams from the inside.Whether you’re a coach, player, leader, or operator in any high-performance field, the lessons here apply far beyond rugby.00:00 Introduction to Scott Robinson's Firing01:44 Understanding Performance Standards03:56 Defining Success for the All Blacks05:51 The Concept of Losing the Locker Room09:40 Cultural Dynamics in Rugby Teams11:39 Addressing Deeper Issues in New Zealand Rugby14:15 The Pressure of Coaching at the Highest Level17:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Coach G Show, Coach G speaks with Sean Erasmus, 1st Team Rugby Coach at Paarl Boys High, about the deeper foundations behind elite schoolboy rugby in South Africa.https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecBuilt on the motto Faith. Family. Team., this conversation explores culture, pressure, belief, leadership, and what it truly takes to develop young men — not just rugby players — in today’s pro-level school rugby environment.A powerful episode for players, parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about performance, values, and long-term development through sport.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Why does France dominate European rugby?📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this short-form episode, Coach G breaks down the brutal reality of the Top 14, the value French clubs place on the Champions Cup, and why squad depth and academy systems give France a massive edge over the rest of Europe.From Bordeaux’s explosive performance to the sacrifices clubs are willing to make domestically, this episode explains what it really takes to win in Europe — from the inside.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Elite coaching is not glamorous — it’s pressure, standards, trust, and the ability to lead humans, not just rugby players.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecCoach G sits down with Neal Hatley (England, Australia, Japan) for a deep conversation on what it takes to survive and thrive as a professional coach. Neal breaks down how top coaches build trust, manage information overload, keep standards high, and why alignment inside a staff can make or break a team — with powerful insights from working alongside Eddie Jones across multiple international environments.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Owen Franks reflects on missing selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the emotional impact it had after a long All Blacks career.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this short episode, Owen shares why the disappointment hit differently, how he coped by immediately moving on, and why — in hindsight — allowing himself to grieve may have been the healthier choice.An honest conversation about identity, resilience, and the unseen side of elite rugby.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

This episode is my 2025 wrap-up. No guest — just 7 core lessons I’ve taken from the biggest conversations of the year, plus 5 personal learnings that shaped my growth.7 Core LessonsResilience is built, not discoveredIdentity comes before performanceElite teams are built on trust + shared ownershipProcess beats outcomeGrowth requires humilityTransition matters as much as careersPressure is a privilegeChapters00:00 Building Resilience Through Adversity08:06 The Importance of Identity in Performance17:19 Trust and Shared Ownership in Elite Teams25:57 The Role of Humility in Growth26:23 The Importance of Humility in Growth27:48 Navigating Career Transitions30:40 Building Relationships and Skills as a Rugby Player32:08 Embracing Pressure as a Privilege35:56 Key Lessons from the Journey46:58 Embracing Your True Self and CommunityI also share why journaling + weekly reviews changed my consistency, why “start in January” is a trap, and how to build simple habits that create momentum going into 2026.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkampIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and send me your feedback.

Motivation doesn’t last.Discipline does.In this episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) explains why relying on motivation is one of the biggest mistakes rugby players and coaches make — and how real discipline is built through identity, systems, and clarity.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIf you’re tired of starting strong and fading, this episode will help you reset your approach to performance, training, and life.00:00 Welcome and Community Engagement01:39 Discipline vs. Motivation: Understanding the Concepts06:21 The Role of Discipline in Achieving Goals16:04 Creating a Personal Operating System25:24 Positive vs. Negative Distractions and Their Impact29:16 Community Support and Closing Thoughts32:14 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Coach G ShowFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

In this episode of The Coach G Show, Coach G is joined again by Zeenat Simjee (RD) — performance dietitian and former Springbok nutritionist — for a deep dive into human performance.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThey unpack the hidden habits that crush energy and focus: inconsistent eating, poor sleep routines, doom-scrolling, and using caffeine to mask fatigue. Zeenat shares practical systems for athletes and professionals: improving sleep quality, managing caffeine timing, building movement into the workday, and using behavior-change principles (habit stacking, tracking, rewards) to make performance sustainable.00:00 — The Real Problem: No Credible Nutrition Guidance01:06 — Intro: Nutrition Systems That Boost Performance Under Pressure03:03 — Schools, Social Media Noise & Making Nutrition Accessible05:19 — Coach Life Audit: Habits, Routines & The “Operating System”07:17 — Poor Performance Habits: Irregular Eating, Screens & “Band-Aid” Fixes09:42 — Recovery Pyramid: Stop Chasing Saunas Before Fixing Sleep & Food14:08 — How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? Consistency vs Catch-Up16:21 — Quality Over Quantity: Wearables, Intuition & the Placebo Trap20:48 — Sleep Inertia, Bedtime Routine & Blue-Light Damage31:34 — Caffeine for Performance: Doses, Timing, Tolerance & Hidden Sources45:38 — Corporate = Sport: Burnout Is a Systems Problem (Food, Movement, Meetings)01:03:11 — Behavior Change Blueprint: Values, Low-Hanging Fruit, Habit Stacking & TrackingIf you want more energy, better focus, and consistency under pressure — this one’s for you.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Everyone talks about goals at the end of the year.Very few people talk about identity.In this episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) explains why waiting for the New Year — or 2026 — is the reason most people stay stuck, frustrated, and inconsistent.This conversation is about:Why New Year’s resolutions don’t lastWhy identity matters more than motivationHow habits are really formed (and broken)What high performers do differentlyWhy clarity, systems, and standards matter more than hype📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecWhether you’re a rugby player, a coach, or someone chasing high performance in life, this episode will challenge the way you think about change.If you want to stop restarting and start becoming, this one is for you.🎙️ Press play and start the reset — now.

Basil Carzis rarely steps into the spotlight — but his work shaped some of the most dominant rugby teams in history.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecAs the strength & conditioning architect behind the Bulls dynasty and the 2007 World Cup Springboks, Basil helped build a culture of belief, brutal standards, and relentless execution.In this episode, Basil and Gurthro Steenkamp go deep into:What truly creates mental toughnessWhy standards must be lived, not spokenHow elite teams build belief through actionLeadership, trust, and accountability under pressureThe real comeback story behind Gurthro’s career revival00:00 – The Journey Behind the Trophy01:07 – Meet Basil Carzis: Standards, Belief & a Plan02:49 – Life in Argentina & What Amateur Rugby Reminds You04:25 – 2007 Final: The Moment Belief Took Over07:24 – The Bulls Dynasty: Vision + Alignment + Standards09:26 – “World-Class + 15%”: How Standards Were Set13:34 – Train the Game: Why Everything Was Built Around Match Reality15:54 – Trust & Competition: Why Players Emptied the Tank23:52 – The George Camp Story: Breaking Physical & Mental Limits32:41 – The 140kg Comeback: No Judgment, Only Execution44:02 – Gym Culture: Standards That Pulled Everyone Up54:26 – Why 2008 Collapsed After Winning It All58:31 – How 2009–2010 Reignited the Machine01:02:44 – Johan van Graan: The “Do Anything” Coach BlueprintThis is not a hype conversation.This is a truthful, raw look at what it really takes to win.

Coach G shares a powerful idea: take out the trash. 📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecNot just from your fridge—but from your mind and environment. This episode tackles the “trash” that destroys performance: doubt, negative self-talk, toxic people, poor habits, fatigue triggers, and living in the past. You’ll get a simple reset framework (reset & reframe, positive distraction, good habits, clear goals) to help you show up stronger, fitter, and more

In this episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) sits down with Brian Liebenberg, former French international and creator of the Catch & Think cognitive training method, to explore the one skill modern rugby has forgotten — attention.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - ⁠https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecBrian breaks down how attention, vision and cognitive load shape decision-making, why players struggle to process information under pressure, and how coaches can simplify learning and improve performance.He also shares stories from the golden era of Stade Français, his transition after injury, rebuilding purpose, and taking cognitive methods into the corporate world.A must-listen for players, coaches, parents, and leaders who want to think faster, play smarter, and perform at a higher level.00:00 – Goldfish Attention Span & Brain Training00:51 – Introducing Brian Liebenberg & Catch and Think03:09 – Did South Africa “Steal” the 2023 World Cup?05:31 – Why Everyone Loves to Hate the Springboks07:54 – Inside the Golden Era at Stade Français12:22 – Culture, Characters & Max Guazzini’s Influence19:20 – Career-Ending Injury & The Reality of Pro Rugby23:53 – The Difficult Transition After Rugby28:38 – The Birth of Catch and Think35:33 – How Catch and Think Trains the Brain56:38 – Cognitive Training in the Corporate World01:03:52 – Productivity vs Busyness: Lessons From Rugby01:06:15 – Leadership, Communication & High-Performance Teams01:10:56 – Turning an Idea Into a Business After Rugby📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec

In this short, punchy episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) unpacks The Athlete Operating System – a simple framework to bring order to your life so you can perform better on the field.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecHe covers:Morning activation: hydration, breathing, journaling and clear daily prioritiesTrain with purpose: choosing focus points for every session so you’re not a “headless chicken”Review system: two wins, one work-on, and learning faster from every trainingDistraction system: managing social media, cognitive load and screen timeEvening shutdown: reviewing your day, setting tomorrow’s targets and protecting your sleepIf your life is chaotic, your rugby will be chaotic too. This episode helps you reset your daily habits so you can become a more consistent, confident and dangerous player.Share this with a teammate or coach who needs to hear it, and if you enjoy the show, please follow and leave a review – it really supports the podcast.Chapters00:00 – Why You Need an Athlete Operating System01:09 – Morning Activation: Hydrate & Prime Your Mind03:32 – Morning Mantras: Win the First 10 Minutes04:45 – Train With Purpose, Not Chaos06:30 – The Review System: Two Wins, One Work-On08:17 – The Distraction System: Beating Mental Clutter13:03 – Evening Shutdown: Review Your Day & Sleep Better15:30 – Recap: The Five Parts of the Athlete OS18:40 – Applying the Athlete OS to Coaches25:08 – Community Updates, Scrum Courses & Final MessageFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

World-class defence strategist Omar Mouneimne returns to The Coach G Show for a masterclass on modern rugby defence, aggression, mindset, and systems.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this episode, Omar breaks down how the game has evolved, why defensive systems are failing or succeeding, and what players and coaches must understand to perform at the highest level.This conversation is packed with practical insights, elite frameworks, and real stories from years inside top performance environments.👉 In this episode, we cover:• Why modern attack creates chaos — and how defence must evolve• The fundamentals every defence coach must master• Blitz vs Super Blitz vs Drift — when each system works• How to stop offloads, momentum and “basketball rugby”• Developing aggression and collision dominance• Helping players who’ve lost confidence or their defensive “mojo”• Situational awareness and reading pictures under pressure• Physicality, mindset, periodisation, and match demands• How elite coaches manage mental load and maintain balance• What truly separates top defenders from average onesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:50 The Evolution of Defense in Rugby06:31 Defending Against Modern Attacks10:05 The Impact of Tackling Techniques12:29 Situational Awareness in Defense17:46 Defensive Systems Explained20:59 Fundamentals of Coaching Defense25:49 Traits of a Successful Defensive Player30:54 Coaching Mental Load and Balance39:43 Building Aggression in Players46:20 Overcoming Loss of Mojo51:07 The Importance of Family and Balance54:59 Misconceptions in Defensive Strategies01:01:44 Conclusion and Future InsightsWhether you’re a player, coach, or someone who loves understanding the deeper layers of rugby, this episode is essential listening.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

This Ireland v Springboks clash in Dublin was more than just a Test match – it was an emotional rematch after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The singing, the criticism, the pain… and a Bok team that arrived with one mission: dominate and destroy.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this short-form episode of The Coach G Show, I break down:How the Springbok defence, collisions and line speed set the toneThe evolution of the Bok attack – from mauls and scrums to skillful, multi-layered attackWhy the scrum became a true weapon and what that means for young propsTactical awareness, red brain vs blue brain, and how emotion and red cards shaped the gameTackle technique, extras after training and reviewing a tough performance when you’ve been dominatedChapters00:00 Emotional Rematch: Springboks vs Ireland03:07 Defensive Strategies: Trusting the System05:04 Evolution of Springbok Attack07:27 Tactical Awareness: Control Your Emotions11:46 Tackle Technique: Skills for Success16:03 Dominance in the Scrum: A Weapon of Mass Destruction21:01 Props: Adding Value Beyond Scrummaging23:12 Physicality and Discipline: Keys to Winning26:33 Continuous Improvement: Learning from Defeat29:03 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Coach G ShowThis episode is for young rugby players and aspiring coaches who want to learn from big games, not just react to the scoreline.If you want to go deeper into analysis, scrums, mindset and resilience, join my private community Coach G Level Up on Skool – a space for players and coaches who are serious about levelling up their game.Please follow the show, leave a rating, and share this with a teammate or coach who needs these lessons from Ireland v Springboks.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

In the first episode of The Coach G Show, I open the curtain on my evolution — from player, to mentor, to coach, and now to building something bigger than ever.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThis episode explores identity, setbacks, growth, and the truth behind how “Coach G” was created.If you’re here to level up in rugby, coaching, leadership or life, this is where the new chapter begins.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

In this short-form episode, Springbok performance dietician Zeenat Simjee breaks down the truth about performance nutrition for rugby players. She explains why carbs are king, how to fuel during the week, the mistakes players make on intense training days, and why gut tolerance, timing, and recovery matter more than any pre-match meal.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThis is essential listening for young players and coaches who want to prepare like professionals.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshowFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Paul Willemse joins me for a deeply personal conversation about identity, sacrifice, belonging and the moment he had to walk away from the game he loved.Coach G's Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecHe opens up about:• Choosing France over the Springboks — and the emotional cost• Living between two nations and two identities• Public criticism and pressure from both sides• The mental battle behind repeated concussions• Being forced into retirement before he was ready• Losing confidence, rebuilding purpose and finding life after rugby• What players really struggle with behind the scenes• Fatherhood, family and redefining himself outside the sportChapter: 00:00 Tunnel Dreams & Early Emotions01:40 Split Between Two Nations04:10 France vs Springboks: Inside the Stadium07:25 Singing Both Anthems: Identity & Pride09:54 The Emotional Return to Stade de France13:02 Growing Up Massive: The Weight Story17:34 South African Size: Culture, Genetics & Mindset22:29 Leaving the Bulls & Choosing France31:09 France as a New Home & Early Struggles39:17 First Test for France & Closing the Bok Dream54:27 Concussions, Retirement & Losing Identity1:10:56 Life After Rugby: Purpose, Mental Health & New ProjectsIf you’re a player, coach, or someone navigating transition, this episode will speak to you.

In this episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) breaks down five powerful lessons the Springboks taught us in their performance against France — lessons that every player and coach can apply immediately.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecDrawing from firsthand conversations with players, coaches, and former teammates at Stade de France, we dive into the mindset, decision-making, and on-field behaviours that separated the Boks on the day.Why emotion alone won’t win you Test matchesThe Red Card Mindset and how elite teams stay calm with 14 menWhat real team sacrifice looks like (inside Siya Kolisi’s 100th test)How the Boks played to their strengths when it mattered mostThe Next Job Mindset that keeps players in the fight after mistakesThis episode was recorded live during a session inside my Coach G Level Up community — where players and coaches join weekly to learn, grow, and sharpen their rugby IQ.If you’d like to be part of those weekly breakdowns, you can find the link in the description or DM me the word “community” on Instagram.00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement01:31 Key Lessons from the Springbok Game03:44 The Role of Emotion in Performance06:06 Understanding the Red Card Mindset08:53 Team Sacrifice and Individual Roles11:45 Playing to Your Strengths15:32 Staying in the Fight18:47 Q&A and Community InteractionFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

In this Lessons from the Game episode, Coach G (Gurthro Steenkamp) talks with Steph du Toit (La Rochelle S&C coach) about how to build player trust, manage different personalities, and develop true high-performance habits.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecSteph opens up about lessons learned from Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, the secrets behind elite conditioning, and how caring, honesty, and participation earn player respect.Perfect for rugby coaches, players, and performance-driven professionals.00:00 – The Blueprint for Success01:09 – Welcome & Episode Setup05:53 – Stormers’ Winning Recipe09:00 – What Hasn’t Changed Since 200711:15 – Season Planning (Pre/In/Off)14:06 – Measuring Progress That Matters16:01 – What “Coachable” Really Means20:36 – Advice to Coaches: Prep & Ethics32:18 – Training Without a Gym36:02 – Scrum-Strong: Key Lifts & Mobility42:30 – How Much Scrum Time Is Enough?57:04 – Setbacks & Mindset ResetFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Short-form preview of France vs South Africa with Coach G and French agent Damien Dussault. 📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecWe explore whether this is truly a “revenge” match, how France metabolised the RWC 2023 exit, and why controlled emotion + clear systems will decide it. Key focus areas: aerial contest, ruck speed, discipline, and set piece—plus players to watch (Ramos, Ntamack, Fickou, Bok back three, Marx & co.).If you enjoy this pod, follow, rate, and share with a teammate.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

Veteran sports writer Simnikiwe Xabanisa joins Gurthro Steenkamp to reflect on 25 years of South African rugby, the lessons he’s learned from covering the Springboks, and why he believes that “life is a team game.”📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecThis episode dives deep into the evolution of the Boks, the media’s changing role, and the mindset that defines great teams and great people. It’s a conversation about truth, resilience and connection — on and off the field.ChaptersTotally—here’s a tighter set (12 chapters) you can paste straight into YouTube/Spotify:00:00 – Cold open: “Life is a team game”01:36 – Intro & why Sim’s here07:17 – SA Rugby’s evolution: 2000s to Rassie22:16 – How player access & media changed27:57 – What a rugby journalist really does (context > clicks)35:26 – Coaching, performance & integrity (scrum “cheat codes”)44:40 – Why the Boks keep winning: continuity, depth, transformation56:09 – The rise of Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu58:14 – France vs Springboks: rivalry, emotion, stakes01:06:51 – Habits behind a 25-year journalism career01:14:22 – Setback to comeback: Sim’s toughest years01:28:06 – Closing thoughts & what’s nextFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

In this episode, Andrew Trimble shares what it took for Ireland to finally beat the All Blacks in Chicago 2016.📩  Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFrom the belief built under Joe Schmidt to the leadership of Sexton & Rory Best, Trimble opens up about the preparation, pressure, and defining moments that changed Irish rugby forever.A must-listen for rugby fans and players ahead of another epic Ireland-All Blacks clash.Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

All Blacks legend Conrad Smith breaks down the habits behind sustained success: shared leadership, role clarity, reading the game, and handling World Cup pressure. He also opens up about life after rugby and his work supporting player welfare and purpose. Essential listening for players, coaches, and anyone who leads teams.📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecFollow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcastFollow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp

South African rugby trailblazer Babalwa Latsha reveals how she approaches the scrum as a mind game, not just a battle of strength.📩  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=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Lessons From The Game  Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecShe dives into:• The mindset and technique behind women’s rugby• How role models like Beast Mtawarira and Serena Williams shaped her• The mental toughness it takes to recover from injury and stay grounded in purpose.Hosted by Coach Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna on Lessons From The Game.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

Charlie Hodgson, one of England’s most respected fly-halves, joins Lessons from the Game to share the mindset that shaped his rugby journey — from moments of pressure and injury to personal growth and success beyond the field.📲 Follow us for more rugby content:📩  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=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Lessons From The Game  Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecIn this honest and insightful conversation with Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna, Charlie opens up about:The power of reflection and reframing setbacks into growthManaging performance anxiety and pressure in elite rugbyThe “Effort Error vs Skill Error” philosophy that built accountability and trust at SaracensFinding identity and purpose after professional rugbyHow mindset and self-awareness can redefine success in sport and lifeA masterclass in resilience, perspective, and personal evolution from one of rugby’s most thoughtful playmakers.🎙️ Hosted by Gurthro Steenkamp & Ben Pegna — Lessons from the Game

It’s not about systems — it’s about players.Alan Zondagh shares the mindset behind decades of coaching success: turning “Dopeys” into internationals. With AB Zondagh, he unpacks the Ball Man concept, the Rugby Speedometer, and the balance between structure and creativity in modern attack.📩  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=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaec📩  Join Lessons From The Game  Community - https://www.skool.com/lessons-from-the-game-7496/about?ref=2aa34cec096e4503a6e179cc75caaaecA must-listen for coaches who want to build smarter, braver, more skillful players — not just patterns.🎯 Key TakeawaysGreat coaching = developing better decision-makersThe Ball Man model for faster, instinctive attackWhy bravery and patience matter in skill acquisitionThe Speed-Space-Connection framework explainedFollow 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