From Loftus ball boy to Springbok, Dan Van Zyl’s story is about resilience, transition, and mentorship. He opens up about juggling cricket and rugby, the shift to professionalism, and how he’s now shaping young players through Rugby Academy Ireland. A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone chasing growth in rugby and life.

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Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Multi-Sport Athlete

04:42 Lessons from the Game: Sharing Knowledge

06:51 Roots in Rugby and Cricket

12:30 Mindset and Individual Performance

16:31 Transitioning to Professional Rugby

24:26 The Shift to Professionalism in Rugby

28:37 Learning from Experience: The Springbok Journey

36:23 Building Resilience in Young Players

42:30 The Role of the Dirt Tracker

47:25 Attributes for Success in Rugby

52:22 Coaching and Mentorship in Ireland

01:05:31 Giving Back: The Mission of Rugby Academy Ireland

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