The Pain of Non-Selection – And What Champions Do Next

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

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