3 Big Lessons I Learned at 13 That Helped Me as a Pro

At The RT Academy, we work with players at all stages of their rugby journey. But no matter how far they go, one truth remains: It’s often the lessons you learn early on, the small mindset shifts or habits, that carry you furthest. Head Coach Ben John, aka The Rugby Trainer, shares an insight into key advice that he believes contributed to his success as a player.

When I was 13, I received three pieces of advice that stayed with me throughout my career. At the time, they felt simple. But they shaped the way I trained, the way I played and the way I approached being a professional.

Be elite at the basics
This was drilled into me by my dad. Not just the idea of working hard but working hard on the right things - the fundamentals. He taught me to chase everything, get back on my feet fast, support my teammates, and even clean up the pitch after the game.

These weren’t glamorous parts of the game, but they were the foundation. And doing them better than anyone else gave me the edge.

It wasn’t just about rugby either. This attitude transferred to the rest of my life and into the professional environment. I showed up whether I felt like it or not. I trained when I was tired, and I put in the extra work when no one was watching. I see it all the time now working with pro players, those who go furthest aren’t the flashiest, they’re the ones who do the basics, consistently, to a high standard.

Just a bit of magic
This came from my childhood coach, Gareth Banfield, when I played for Lougher Rugby. When we needed something big in a match, he wouldn’t overcomplicate things. He’d just say: “Just a bit of magic.”

It gave us permission to try something, to trust our instincts. It might be a risky pass, an unexpected offload, a kick in behind. Sometimes it worked, and wow what a moment and sometimes it didn’t. But we learned not to play in fear, to embrace risk and explore what was possible.

That freedom helped me develop creativity and calm under pressure. As a pro, it meant I was already used to playing with risk. I’d developed the decision-making and confidence to try and sometimes create match-changing moments. It is true, great players don’t wait for permission, they develop the courage to act, and the skill to make it work.

Always be in the score-trier’s photo
This one came from my old teacher, Mr Alan Tinnuche. He used to say: “Always be in the score-trier’s photo.” What he really meant was - always support play by anticipating the break, being on their shoulder and ready for the offload. If they score, you’re there. If they’re tackled, you’re ready to clean up.

That one habit earned me plenty of tries over the years in my pro career. But more than that, it made me the kind of player teammates trusted. I was seen as reliable, present and ready to work.

Why we teach these habits at the RTA
These three lessons had a huge impact on my professional playing career, but importantly now, they have shaped how I coach.

My mission at The RT Academy, is that it’s not just about skills and drills, it’s about building smart, grounded players who can execute the basics under pressure, have the confidence to try when it matters and always support their team.

That’s what creates long-term success in rugby. Not just flashy moments, but solid, repeatable habits.

If your child is serious about their junior rugby development, we provide the same training principles used by the pros, adapted for young players. Step by step, we help them build the habits that lead to real progress. Because confident, game-changing players are built on strong foundations.
Check out our membership at The RTA Squad.