May 5, 2025
Francois Hougaard on Pressure, Mental Health & Why Discipline Wins Every Time
The Coach G ShowAbout this episode
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 and physical fitness post-rugby. He concludes with insights on career decisions and the impact of investing in oneself. Takeaways Rugby teaches discipline and hard work. Discipline is crucial for success in sports and life. Experiences at the Bulls shaped my career. Memorable matches create lasting memories. Growth mindset is essential for improvement. Transitioning to a new environment can be challenging. Mental health is important for athletes. Investing in oneself leads to better outcomes. Routine and physical fitness are vital post-career. Choosing a position and committing to it is key. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Francois Hougaard 02:43 Lessons from Rugby: Discipline and Hard Work 05:00 The Bulls Dynasty: Experiences and Memories 09:39 2010 Semifinal: A Historic Moment in Soweto 12:12 Learning from Legends: The Impact of Fourie Du Preez 16:54 Transitioning to the Northern Hemisphere 18:26 Deciding to Move: Motivations Behind Career Changes 21:34 Mental Health in Rugby: The Importance of Support 22:50 Business Ventures: Preparing for Life After Rugby 26:21 Experiencing Club Administration: The Wasps Situation 31:56 Resilience and Adaptability: Lessons for Young Players 34:47 Performance and Preparation: Staying at the Top 38:31 Morning Routines and Discipline 42:37 Transitioning from Rugby to Business 48:20 The Wellness Brand Journey 55:02 Reflections on Rugby Career and Life Lessons f you're a rugby player, coach, or front-rower looking to improve your game and gain insights from one of the best, this episode is a must-watch! šļøš„ š Donāt forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches! š² Follow us for more rugby content: š© Join Coach Gās Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpi Follow us on ā ā Instagramā ā - https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromthegamepodcast Follow Coach G onā ā Instagramā ā - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp Follow Ben on ā ā Instagramā ā - https://www.instagram.com/benpegna