I’m 14 seasons deep, a qualified nutritionist, mid-way through my gym instructor exams, and feeling the strongest and fittest I’ve ever felt. But it wasn’t always like this. In this episode, I’m fessing up on some of the genuinely daft things I used to do in the name of “health” from 5am HIIT sessions on an empty stomach to kebab-shop pre-game meals and full-blown meltdowns when my pre-match routine went sideways. If you’ve ever obsessed over the scales, winged it nutritionally, burnt the candle at both ends, or told yourself you’ve “ruined everything” because one thing didn’t go to plan, this one’s for you. Five points. Five hard lessons. One older teammate who made all the mistakes so you don’t have to.

I went to county trials for the first time ever. I didn’t get picked. And honestly? It was one of the best things I’ve done in a long time.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it actually meant to put myself in that room surrounded by some of the best women’s rugby players in Sussex and what I took away from the experience beyond the result. Because if you only measure success by whether you got selected, you’re missing the point.

I’m talking through five things that county trials reminded me about performance, mindset, and showing up as yourself: why the only person you really need to prove anything to is you, how positive feedback can genuinely change the trajectory of your game, why having fun is a legitimate performance strategy, what being authentic actually looks like when the pressure is on, and how to reframe a disappointment into your next move.

There’s also a bit about my nickname (it’s Minge, and yes, there’s an explanation), why I went to trials with my hair down, and what I did the moment I found out I hadn’t made the squad.

If you’ve ever been knocked back, missed out on selection, or just found yourself questioning whether you’re good enough this one’s for you.

I went to County trials at 43 and absolutely showed up and this episode is all about that energy. Whether you’ve got two games left or you’re playing into June, this one’s for you.

I break down her Tight5 Method — the five non-negotiables that underpin everything she does with her clients and maps out exactly how to layer up from there, from strength training structure to the supplements actually worth your money. No fluff, no fancy stuff. Just the bread and butter that keeps you stepping over that white line feeling strong, fuelled, and ready.

If you’ve ever thought “I know what I should be doing, I just don’t do it” Laura’s got something to say about that too.

I’m writing this one with a hot water bottle strapped to my waist and a lot of feelings about cookie cutter fitness advice. This week I’m talking periods — specifically why the cycle-syncing trend sweeping social media right now doesn’t translate to rugby players who have games, training sessions, and real life getting in the way. I cover what’s actually happening hormonally across your cycle, why your symptoms are completely different to the woman next to you in the changing room, and five genuinely practical tips for managing training and nutrition around your period without following a plan that wasn’t built for you. Honest, straight talking, and a little bit sweary. Just like rugby.

In this episode of The Five Points Podcast, I take a trip down memory lane after redisiting a photo from my first (and only) half marathon—10 years on.

What started as a goal to “just get round” turned into a sub-2-hour finish… but more importantly, it became a turning point in how I viewed myself, my training, and what my body was actually capable of.

I share the messy reality behind that race—from injury setbacks and under-fuelling, to learning how to train with purpose, fuel properly, and commit to a process (not perfection). It was the moment I stopped dabbling and started taking my performance—and rugby—seriously.

This episode is about more than running. It’s about identity, confidence, and the shift from “I’m not really that person” to fully owning what you do.

If you’ve ever felt like a fraud in your training, struggled with consistency, or felt stuck in that cycle of doing just enough but never quite progressing—this one’s for you.

I also share why this experience shaped the coach I am today, and how it led to creating the support I wish I had back then.

Join Laura and Kany as they dive into the raw, honest, and often humorous reality of hitting 40 and hitting the "reset" button on their careers. After leaving high-pressure roles in banking and cyber security, both women have embraced self-employment and the grit of contact sports.

In this episode, they discuss:

The Identity Shift: Navigating the "identity crisis" that comes with leaving a corporate routine and finding a new sense of purpose.

Controlled Aggression: Why rugby and boxing provide more than just fitness—proving you can "do hard things" and finding mental strength through broken noses and sparring sessions.

Authentic Coaching: Moving away from elitist fitness standards and scale-weight obsessions to focus on inclusivity, sustainable health, and the "Tight Five Method".

Being a "Badass" Role Model: Challenging the "second-class citizen" status of women in male-dominated sports and the power of being unapologetically present.

Life at 40: From managing hangovers and "beer fear" to prioritizing rest, active recovery, and the occasional celebratory glass of champagne.

Whether you're facing a career transition or looking for the motivation to start a new sport at any age, this conversation offers a "real-life," relatable look at thriving—not just surviving—after 40.

I recently completed a 4-week fat loss experiment not extreme dieting, just being intentional with my food while still showing up to rugby, gym, and life. In this episode, I share the lessons I learned about myself: the importance of planning, old habits creeping back, my love for food, why meal structure matters, and why even someone like me still struggles.

If you’re a rugby player wanting to lose fat without sacrificing performance or enjoyment, this episode is for you. Real talk, real mistakes, and real tips all from someone who’s been there.

This week on The Five Points Podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my current fat loss phase.

I’m in the middle of building up to a big game, carb loading strategically, expecting the scale to spike (because glycogen, not body fat 🙃)… and focusing on performance first.

But this episode isn’t about calories, macros or training plans.

It’s about the five non-negotiable systems I use to stay consistent — especially when motivation dips, hormones are doing their thing, and procrastination is calling my name.

Inside this episode:

• Why I get my clients to weigh in daily (and why it’s NOT about the number)

• How a simple morning routine changes how you show up

• The power of doing one hard thing a day

• Habit stacking & “deal making” (yes, coffee is involved)

• Movement snacks and why what you do outside the gym matters most

If you’re a rugby player who wants to feel stronger, leaner, more confident and more in control — without obsessing over food — this one’s for you.

Because fat loss isn’t about perfection.

It’s about systems.

Want some help or know more follow me @laurapeerlesscoaching or [email protected]

In this episode I’m joined by Georgia Donati Clark “The Female Parkour Coach” to discuss training specifically for the sport you love. What’s useful, what’s overrated, and how to build a body that’s strong, fast, and resilient without overthinking every session.

This is a grounded, coach-led chat for rugby lovers who care about long-term performance, not viral workouts.

Do you actually want a snack… or is something else going on?

In this episode, I break down evening snacking for rugby players — when it’s absolutely fine, when it might be a sign that something’s off, and how to tell the difference. I talk you through the five questions I ask myself (and my clients) when the inner fridge rummager appears, including whether you’re fuelling enough during the day, how balanced your meals really are, and how stress, boredom, and emotions can drive snacking.

I also cover how your menstrual cycle can impact hunger and cravings, and why sometimes eating more is actually the right call. This is practical, realistic nutrition advice with zero judgement — just better awareness, better fuelling, and better performance on and off the pitch.