Scott Spedding: From SA Outcast to France International

Scott Spedding walked away from South Africa at 22 with almost nothing — because his own attitude had closed nearly every door behind him. 📩 Join Coach G’s Scrum Dominator Community -https://www.skool.com/coach-g-1708 What followed was one of rugby's most unexpected journeys: from scrapping in French junior rugby to earning 23 caps for the French national team. In this episode, Scott and Coach G go deep on the decisions, obsessions, sacrifices, and setbacks that defined a remarkable career — and what the transition out of rugby really looks like when no one has the answer. What you'll take from this episode: Why bad attitude at 19 nearly ended his career before it started How obsession — even when it went too far — drove him onto the French team The night Serge Blanco knocked on his door and changed everything How Joe Rokocoko kept him focused play by play through the most important game of his life The criticism he faced for wearing the French jersey as a South African Why the rugby network is one of the most underused assets former players have The financial advice every professional player needs to hear before it's too late 0:00 Intro 1:47 Meet Scott Spedding 2:10 Life in Southwest France 4:31 Why He Left South Africa at 22 7:18 The Mentors Who Changed Everything 9:59 What It Really Takes to Listen 13:16 Arrogance, Mistakes & Hard Lessons 14:57 The Toughest Years in French Rugby 16:54 When Playing for France Became the Obsession 20:26 What the Obsession Actually Looked Like 25:30 On Balance vs Going All In 26:40 Serge Blanco at the Door & the Plane Ticket Moment 31:15 Facing Criticism as a Foreigner in the French Team 37:46 Greatest Players He Shared a Changing Room With 42:44 What Transformed French Rugby 50:37 2023 World Cup Quarterfinal France vs South Africa 51:48 Life After Rugby Property Meat Business & Safari Lodge 59:05 The Real Value of a Rugby Network 1:03:48 What He Would Do Differently 1:09:45 Final Advice for Players & The Money Conversation A raw, honest, and genuinely inspiring conversation for players, coaches, and anyone chasing something that feels just out of reach. Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/thecoachgshow Follow Coach G on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/ggsteenkamp 🎧 Listen, follow, and share with someone who needs to hear this.