About this episode
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 This episode dives deep into: The mental side of elite performance Why he was told he shouldn’t have been an All Black Handling injuries and life after rugby Building a business after the game Fatherhood, mistakes, and finding your purpose Chapters: 00:00 Intro: From Late Start to All Black Legend 04:30 One Lesson from the Game: Vulnerability & Mindset 07:00 Talent, Timing & Building Coaching Relationships 10:50 Mindset Hacks: Training on Christmas & Mental Edges 14:10 Life After Rugby: From Locker Room to Boardroom 20:10 Family, Fatherhood & Redefining Purpose 25:00 The Moment He Knew He Could Be an All Black 28:30 Injuries, Depression & Rebuilding After Setbacks 35:00 Dropped for the Final: Facing the Truth 40:20 Leadership Inside the All Blacks: Richie, Dan & Culture 44:30 Purpose in Rugby and Life: Lessons from Wayne Smith 48:30 Is Rugby Losing Connection? Social Media & Modern Players 52:00 Toulon Days: Buc-ee’s, Habana & Multinational Brotherhood 57:10 Final Reflections: Keep It Simple, Live Fully 🎧 Listen to hear the truth behind the jersey—and the life beyond it. 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches! 📲 Follow us for more rugby content: Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcast Follow Coach G on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp Follow Ben on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna