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
