From working on Hull’s fish docks to standing on the touchline at Wembley, Steve reflects on the evolution of the sport and the people and principles that shaped him. Whether you’re a performance coach, team manager, or aspiring leader in sport, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of early coaching influences and how Brian Smith shaped Steve's entire coaching outlook
• What it was really like transitioning from part-time pro in the mud to full-time athlete in the Super League era
• How to build identity and unity in a national team without a home base – and why Steve moved England’s programme to Loughborough
• Leading England to a heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat — and how to handle pressure and process loss
• Turning around Catalans Dragons: the brutal honesty, cultural differences, and a French barbecue that changed everything
• Why great coaches need great support teams – and Steve’s advice to anyone aspiring to coach at the highest level

From tactical insights to leadership philosophies, Steve shares stories that are honest, humorous, and hugely insightful.
**
About Steve McNamara**
Steve McNamara is a former professional Rugby League player and top-level coach with over 35 years in the game. He’s coached England at a home World Cup, worked in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, and led Catalans Dragons to their first major trophy and multiple Grand Final appearances. Known for his leadership, culture-building, and tactical insight, Steve is one of the sport’s most respected figures.

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This week, host Richard Graves is joined by the brilliant Dr. James Morehen,lead performance nutritionist for England Rugby and founder of the Performance Nutrition Network. With a career that’s taken him from snowboarding in Canada to backstage of international test matches, James brings a fascinating, no-nonsense look at the art (and science) of elite-level nutrition.

If you’re a coach, athlete, nutritionist or just curious about what fuels champions, this episode is packed with practical insights, powerful stories, and a few grassroots tips that could change your game.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to fuel for optimal performance and recovery during high-stakes tournaments like the Six Nations
• The importance of preparation, trust, and consistency in elite sports nutrition
• Why carbohydrates aren’t the enemy, and how they’re periodised to match training loads
• How halftime nutrition strategies can make or break a second-half performance
• The real-world challenges of fuelling players during international travel and changing environments
• Simple, effective advice for grassroots players and coaches to improve fuelling and recovery on a budget
• Why Jaffa Cakes and chocolate milk still have a place in post-match recovery
• What inspired James to go from aspiring S&C coach to becoming one of the top performance nutritionists in UK sport
• The importance of building trust with athletes and the subtle art of sideline communication
• James’ thoughts on balancing consistency with cultural curiosity when travelling with elite teams

Whether you're working at the elite level or coaching an U16s team on Sundays, this episode offers something for everyone. As James puts it, "We’re all failed athletes trying to help others be their best."

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SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

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