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The Inner Game of Rugby with Harry Williams.

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🎙️ Episode Title: The Inner Game of Rugby with Harry Williams 🏉

Episode 39 features a compelling conversation with Harry Williams, a celebrated English rugby union player and a key figure in international and club-level rugby. Harry, who currently plays for Pau Rugby in the French Top 14 league, shares his journey from his early days at Whitgift School in South London to playing with the Exeter Chiefs, where he achieved Premiership and European Championship glory, and his time representing England.

Throughout the episode, Harry discusses the mindset, physical discipline, and spiritual practices that have shaped his career.

 

🌟 Timestamps


  • 1:00 - 1:33: Harry shares the whirlwind experience of moving clubs—from Exeter Chiefs to Montpellier- and settling at Pau Rugby in less than a year.
  • 2:36 - 3:51: 🏉 Harry’s early career journey: from studying English and Sports Science to playing for Jersey in the Championship before signing with Exeter.
  • 4:14 - 5:31: 💪 On mental resilience: Harry always believed he could succeed in rugby despite the odds.
  • 7:05 - 7:56: 🌬️ Breathwork and Rituals: Harry discusses the importance of breathwork and adopting the Wim Hof Method.
  • 9:42 - 10:11: 😴 Unconventional Sleep Hacks:
  • 12:31 - 14:15: 🏆 Dealing with disappointment: Missing out on the 2019 World Cup squad and turning it into his best season yet.
  • 16:28 - 17:57: 📱 Drowning out the noise: Why ignoring external opinions and social media chatter helped Harry focus on what is important.
  • 19:34 - 20:32: 🥩 Diet and Lifestyle: Harry shares his Paleo-inspired approach to nutrition and why simplicity is key.
  • 23:59 - 24:31: 🔄 Recovering from an ACL injury: The power of a structured post-op plan and holistic recovery strategies.
  • 32:12 - 33:09: 🎨 Creativity on the field: Balancing a structured game plan with the spontaneity required in real-time play.
  • 43:42 - 46:18: 🏆 Standout moments: Winning the Premiership and European Cup with the Exeter Chiefs in a year of unforgettable success.
  • 48:28 - 49:13: 🛤️ Plans: Harry's thoughts on life beyond rugby and exploring new paths.

    • ✨Key Takeaways & Insights 

    1. Resilience is More Than Physical: Harry emphasises the importance of mental strength and adaptability in professional sports. From missing out on significant tournaments to navigating multiple club moves, his ability to stay focused and motivated was rooted in a deep sense of belief and structure.
    2. Cultivating Daily Practices: Small, consistent habits like breathwork, cold exposure, and meditative rituals helped Harry stay grounded and perform at his peak—proof that mental health practices are just as crucial as physical training.
    3. Handling Setbacks Gracefully: Missing the 2019 World Cup selection was a significant disappointment. But instead of dwelling on it, Harry channelled his frustration into one of his best seasons, highlighting the value of resilience and perspective.
    4. Unplugging from the Noise: In a world dominated by social media and external opinions, Harry’s decision to tune out and focus on what truly matters—his performance and self-belief—was a game-changer.
    5. Adaptability & Innovation: Playing rugby at the highest level demands creativity and quick thinking on the field. Harry explg open to adapting and embracing unexpected challenges often leads to the best outcomes.

      6. 📌Notable Quotes 

      • 🗣️ "I always believed deep down in my heart that I could do it." - Harry on the power of belief.
      • 🗣️ “Motivation will always be trumped by discipline.” - On why sticking to routines is the key to longevity in sports.
      • 🗣️ “You’re more than just a rugby player; you’re a person first.” - A reminder that success in sports is only part of the bigger picture.

        • Episode Links & Resources

        • 💪Ape Nutrition https://open.spotify.com/episode/15wwUYPxHY4HAjYdPh8zAX?si=756d8c6616dd409b
        • 📘Wim Hof Method
        • 🏉 Exeter Chiefs
        • 🏉 Pau Rugby

          • Connect with Harry Williams

          • Twitter: @HarryWilliams 🐦
          • Instagram: @HarryRugby 📸


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            The RebChat: Conversations about the creative process for art and for business.By RebCat Creations