About this episode
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, lessons from coaching at the top level, and mindset tools for bouncing back stronger. ✅ In this episode: What to do immediately after not being selected The emotional toll of being dropped — and how to deal with it How to stay ready for your next opportunity Why coaches don’t always pick “the best” player Building resilience when things don’t go your way This isn’t just a rugby story — it’s a conversation about self-awareness, growth, and rising through disappointment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Team Selection and Disappointment 02:41 The Emotional Impact of Non-Selection 09:24 Dealing with Disappointment: Personal Experiences 13:11 Understanding the Coach's Perspective 18:54 Staying Ready for Opportunities 23:50 The Role of Social Media in Modern Rugby 27:19 Reflections on the Podcast Journey 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more rugby insights from top players & coaches! 📲 Follow us for more rugby content: 📩 Join Coach G’s Free Community - https://thescrumdominatormindset.mykajabi.com/offers/JNLUYzpi 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