About this episode
Summary In this episode of the Lessons from the Game podcast, Gurthro Steenkamp interviews rugby legend Owen Franks, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks stalwart. They discuss Owen's journey through rugby, including the disappointment of missing the 2019 World Cup, the importance of resilience, and the influence of family and mentors. Owen shares insights on training, the mental aspects of the game, and the culture within the All Blacks that contributed to their success. He also reflects on his transition to coaching and the lessons learned from his playing career that he now imparts to young athletes. Takeaways Owen Franks reflects on the disappointment of missing the 2019 Rugby World Cup, feeling relief after giving his all. He emphasizes the importance of staying level-headed through the highs and lows of a sports career. Owen's aggression on the field was fostered from a young age, encouraged by his father. The support of family is crucial in developing a young athlete's mindset and work ethic. Owen believes in the importance of resilience and problem-solving in both rugby and life. He highlights the significance of mentorship and seeking outside perspectives during challenging times. Owen discusses the evolution of training and the importance of adapting to the demands of the game. He stresses the need for intentional practice and mental preparation in scrummaging. The All Blacks' success was driven by a strong culture of discipline and self-belief. Owen finds fulfillment in coaching and helping young players develop their skills. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to High Performance Mindset 03:26 Dealing with Disappointment: Missing the 2019 World Cup 07:43 Lessons from the Game: Staying Level-Headed 10:40 The Origin of Aggression and Work Ethic 13:47 Influences and Support: The Role of Family 16:44 Creating the Right Environment for Young Athletes 20:10 The Path to Professional Rugby: Self-Belief and Hard Work 24:10 Training Evolution: Adapting to the Game 27:55 Intentional Practice: The Key to Improvement 30:32 Dominating the Scrum: Personal Responsibility and Mindset 32:48 The Intensity of the Scrum Battle 36:48 Maturing as a Prop: Early Debuts and Learning on the Job 39:18 Harnessing Aggression: The Fire Within 42:53 The Perfect Storm: Building a Winning Culture 45:12 Mental Resilience: Thriving Under Pressure 49:53 Navigating Setbacks: Lessons from Disappointments 54:52 The Modern Day Scrum Battle 57:25 Life After Rugby: Transitioning to Coaching 01:01:32 The Legacy of the Crusaders: A Culture of Excellence 01:06:49 Lessons from Rugby: Resilience in Life If 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