Overview:

On Speaking to Stacy this week, I interviewed Michael Poppmeier, a former rugby player who played for Western Province and Eastern Province and captained the German national side. Michael shared valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the sport.

Michael emphasized that developing hand-eye coordination through other sports was key to his success. This demonstrates the importance of a well-rounded approach to athleticism. However, becoming a professional rugby player requires more than just raw talent.

3 Key Takeaways:

1) Even if you get a late start in sports you can achieve great things:

Michael, who started playing rugby at the age of 19, is a true testament to the power of hard work and dedication.

2) Why a great team culture matters:

Michael highlighted that having a great team culture is essential for getting everyone involved and committed. When everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal, maintaining the required level of commitment becomes much easier. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of older players guiding newcomers to the team. Such mentorship and support systems can make all the difference, especially for younger players who may not yet comprehend the compounding effect of training hard every day.

3) Have a plan for your life after sport, and plan early:

Not only was Michael focused on the present, but he also had a plan for what comes after his career. Michael stressed the importance of starting to plan early since one never knows if their career will end early due to unforeseen circumstances. This lesson applies to any field, not just sports. Having a backup plan and thinking about one’s next steps is always a good idea.

Conclusion:

All in all, Michael’s story is an inspiring one. It just goes to show that with enough hard work, dedication, and support, anything is possible. Whether you’re an athlete or not, there are valuable lessons to be learned from his experience. So keep pushing yourself, stay focused on your goals, and never give up on your dreams. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

If you enjoyed this episode I recommend you listen to the conversations I had with several other rugby players. Two that come to mind are Nic Groom and Kyle Brown.

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