Joe Van Niekerk was one of the best players in the world. But had a lot of inner challenges throughout his career. We talk through the spiritual journey he went on to find answers, and there’s some incredible insights for young players from a man who’s seen and done it all.We also chat about;Why he left Toulon to live in Costa RicaThe hit his ego took towards the end of his career and the journey he went on to find answers.Doing inner workHow he chose to respond when he was dropped.Dealing with adversity How to be a leader when its not going your wayTrauma’s that he had in his life, how he didnt understand how much it affected him and the way he behavedEscapism, heavy drinking and being close to losing everything at 27.Advice for younger players today.Spirituality & The Ego - what’s right for rugby playersIf you can be a high level player without being tied up in your EgoHow to realize your potentialWhy achievement often doesn’t live up to your expectations How to deal with negative thoughts The instinctual flow state on the fieldWhy we sufferThe importance of having space to be vulnerableWhat can help players be the best version of themselvesLink to join The 1st XV Patreon & get extra podcastshttps://www.patreon.com/offfieldrugbyLink to Support the Podhttps://www.patreon.com/offfieldrugbyEmail - offfieldrugby@gmail.comMy instagram is https://www.instagram.com/offfieldrugby/, any feedback you have or thoughts for the pod, please DM me there, would love to hear them.Please share the podcast with some friends,please subscribe/follow the podcast wherever you’re listening, & Please leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts, letting me know what you like about the pod. Thank you Really appreciate you clicking in, cheers! Get the bonus Podcasts on Patreon Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.