---
title: Do We Want to Develop Self-Control in Rugby Players?
description: Round two of fixtures in the Rugby Union domestic leagues season has finished. There were some exhilarating matches across the leagues, as the teams begin…
---

[Skip to content](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players#main-content)

[![RocheMartin Operations (UK) Limited Logo](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/RocheMartin.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/) ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav.svg)

ASSESSMENTS

[Emotional Intelligence Assessments Overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-assessments)

[ECR Self](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-capital-report)

[ECR 360](https://www.rochemartin.com/ecr-360-report)

[ECR Teams](https://www.rochemartin.com/ecr-teams)

[ECR Youth ](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-young-people)

[ESi](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-sports-inventory)

TRAINING

[Emotional Intelligence Training Overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-training)

[Mastering EQ Programme](https://www.rochemartin.com/mastering-eq-programme)

[OpenEQ](https://www.rochemartin.com/openeq)

[Keynotes](https://www.rochemartin.com/keynotes)

COACHING

[Executive Coaching Programme](https://www.rochemartin.com/executive-coaching-services)

[Dr Martyn AI](https://www.rochemartin.com/drmartynaicoach)

CERTIFICATIONS

[Emotional Intelligence Certification Overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-certification)

[ECR and ECR 360 Certification](https://www.rochemartin.com/webinar-emotional-intelligence-certification)

[Mastering EQ Level 1 and Level 2](https://www.rochemartin.com/webinar-emotional-intelligence-mastering-eq-level-1-and-2)

[ECR, ECR 360 & Mastering EQ Level 1 & Level 2](https://www.rochemartin.com/webinar-ecr-and-ecr-360-and-mastering-eq-level-1-and-2-certification)

USE CASES

Emotional Intelligence Use Cases

[Business and HR Leaders](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-organisations)

[Coaches and Consultants](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-coaches-consultants)

[Education](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-education)

[Sport](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-sports)

[Individuals](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-individuals)

ABOUT US

[About RocheMartin](https://www.rochemartin.com/about)

[What is Emotional Capital?](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-capital)

[Why Partner With Us?](https://www.rochemartin.com/partnerships)

[Partner Directory](https://www.rochemartin.com/cp-directory)

RESOURCES

[Resources Overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources)

[Emotional Intelligence Blog](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog)

[Emotional Intelligence Case Studies](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources/case-studies)

[Emotional Intelligence Videos](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources/videos)

[Emotional Intelligence Podcasts](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources/podcasts)

[Emotional Intelligence Books](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-books)

[CONTACT US](https://www.rochemartin.com/contact-us) [LOG IN](https://www.rochemartingroup.com/welcome)

[![arrow-overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Assessments Overview

Learn about our range of Emotional Capital Reports (ECR) - the world's most advanced assessments for measuring Emotional Intelligence.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-assessments)

[![assess01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess01.svg)

ECR Self

Measure EQ skills against the world's top performing leaders with the ECR Self.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-capital-report)

[![assess02](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess02.svg)

ECR 360

Run comprehensive 360° Emotional Intelligence assessments with the ECR 360.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/ecr-360-report)

[![assess06](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess06.svg)

ECR Teams

Equip your team with the skills needed to boost business performance with the ECR Teams. 

](https://www.rochemartin.com/ecr-teams)

[![assess05](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess05.svg)

ECR Youth

Enhance the Emotional Intelligence of young people with the ECR Youth.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-young-people)

[![assess04](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess04.svg)

ESi

Build a winning mindset with the Emotional Intelligence Sport Inventory.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-sports-inventory)

[![the-ECR_image](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/the-ECR_image.jpg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/DL%20-%20Sales%20Collateral/Sales%20Brochures/ECR%20Sales%20Brochure%202024.pdf) [Ready to learn about our Emotional Capital Reports? Download our brochure today. ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/DL%20-%20Sales%20Collateral/Sales%20Brochures/ECR%20Sales%20Brochure%202024.pdf)

[![arrow-overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Training Overview

Learn about our world-class Emotional Intelligence training programmes and courses.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-training)

[![training01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/training01.svg)

Mastering EQ Programme

Learn how to use Emotional Intelligence to lead with confidence with the Emotional Capital Reports (ECRs). 

](https://www.rochemartin.com/mastering-eq-programme)

[![training05](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/training05.svg)

OpenEQ

AI-assisted coaching to improve manager EQ and behaviour at scale

](https://www.rochemartin.com/openeq)

[![assess01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess01.svg)

Keynotes

Dr Martyn Newman Keynotes

](https://www.rochemartin.com/keynotes)

[![leadership-programme](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/leadership-programme.jpg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-leadership-development-programme-guide) [Is your organisation ready to take its leadership development to new heights? Get your copy of our guide to find out how. ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-leadership-development-programme-guide)

[![training03](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/training03.svg)

Executive Coaching Programme

Discover our tailored executive coaching solutions for developing and enhancing leadership skills.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/executive-coaching-services)

[![assess01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/assess01.svg)

Dr Martyn AI

The worlds leading on authority on Emotional Intelligence 24/7

](https://www.rochemartin.com/drmartynaicoach)

[![RM Quote post 1 ](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/RM%20Quote%20post%201%20.png)](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players#) [Have an overview of all our Emotional Intelligence assessments ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players#)

[![arrow-overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Certification Overview

Learn about the different ways you can become a certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner with RocheMartin's training courses.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-certification)

[![certif01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/certif01.svg)

ECR and ECR 360 Certification

Discover our 4 session webinar-based Emotional Intelligence certification training.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/webinar-emotional-intelligence-certification)

[![certif03](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/certif03.svg)

Mastering EQ Level 1 and Level 2

Equip yourself with the skills you need to deliver structured Emotional Intelligence workshops with the ECR.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/webinar-emotional-intelligence-mastering-eq-level-1-and-2)

[![certif02](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/certif02.svg)

ECR, ECR 360 & Mastering EQ Level 1 & Level 2

Learn about our 8 session fully comprehensive webinar-based Emotional Intelligence certification.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/webinar-ecr-and-ecr-360-and-mastering-eq-level-1-and-2-certification)

[![Grow_yourbusiness](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/Grow_yourbusiness.jpg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-coaching-guide) [Looking for ways to grow your coaching business? Learn how Emotional Intelligence coaching can be the differentiator in a crowded market. ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-coaching-guide)

Emotional Intelligence Use Cases

Discover the many different ways Emotional Intelligence can be used to improve performance and well-being.

[![usecase01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/usecase01.svg)

Business and HR Leaders

Build an emotionally intelligent organisation with RocheMartin's EQ training solutions.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-organisations)

[![usecase02](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/usecase02.svg)

Coaches and Consultants

Help clients achieve long-term success with Emotional Intelligence coaching.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-coaches-consultants)

[![usecase05](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/usecase05.svg)

Education

Cultivate Emotional Intelligence throughout the educational journey.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-education)

[![usecase04](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/usecase04.svg)

Sport

Harness the pressure of elite sports with Emotional Intelligence.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-sports)

[![usecase06](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/usecase06.svg)

Individuals

Learn how to boost your own Emotional Intelligence skills and perform at your peak.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-individuals)

[![RM Quote post 1 ](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/RM%20Quote%20post%201%20.png)](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-coaches-consultants) [Discover the different ways coaches and consultants can use Emotional Intelligence with clients. ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-coaches-consultants)

[![about01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/about01.svg)

About RocheMartin

Meet our team and discover how we became global pioneers in the field of Emotional Intelligence.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/about)

[![emotional capital icon](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/about02.svg)

What is Emotional Capital?

Learn about our proprietary Emotional Capital framework, how it relates to EQ and why it's a critical skillset for leaders.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-capital)

[![about03](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/about03.svg)

Why Partner With Us?

Find out why RocheMartin continues to set the standard in Emotional Intelligence assessment and training.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/partnerships)

[![Directory](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/directory-new.svg)

Partner Directory

Discover our partner training organisations and Certified Practitioners who use RocheMartin products in their businesses.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/cp-directory)

[![leadership-challenge](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/leadership-challenge.jpg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/leadership-challenges-guide) [In our latest guide, EQ and Leadership Development experts Dr Martyn Newman and Jim Kouzes discuss today's biggest leadership challenges. Get your copy. ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/leadership-challenges-guide)

[![arrow-overview](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)

Resources Overview

Browse our library of blogs, videos and case studies covering Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Development.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources)

[![resources01](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/resources01.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Blog

Read our latest insights and thoughts from the world of Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Development.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog)

[![training02](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/training02.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Case Studies

Learn how our EQ solutions are being used successfully by organisations and coaches around the world.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources/case-studies)

[![resources03](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/resources03.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Videos

Watch our latest videos and blogs featuring some of the world's most influential EQ experts.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources/videos)

[![resources04](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/resources04.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Podcasts

Dr Martyn Newman discusses the importance of Emotional Intelligence in personal and professional life in our podcasts.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/resources/podcasts)

[![training07](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/training07.svg)

Emotional Intelligence Books

Discover our world-class educational books.

](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-books)

[![case-study2](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/case-study2.jpg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/sky-better-business-emotional-capital) [Read our case study to find out how Sky's culture changed for the better due to our Emotional Intelligence training. ![](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2022/nav-icons/arrow-overview.svg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/sky-better-business-emotional-capital)

Sep 26 2018 | Tags: [Mindfulness](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/tag/mindfulness), [Emotional Intelligence](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/tag/emotional-intelligence)

# Do We Want to Develop Self-Control in Rugby Players?

Round two of fixtures in the Rugby Union domestic leagues season has finished. There were some exhilarating matches across the leagues, as the teams begin to break into their stride for the season ahead. None more so than in France, where Toulon took on Castres in a pulsating clash.

The game was incredibly close throughout and Toulon ended up edging it, even although they were trailing 27-20 with 12 minutes remaining. But it was during the 68th minute of the game when the real talking point occurred. The France international and Toulon captain – Mathieu Bastareaud – saw red for a moment of madness. The Sky Sports footage showed Bastareaud dropping to his knees during a passage of play and striking his opponent’s head with his forearm. It appeared that his actions were induced by a hit on his teammate that he took exception to. Not what you would expect from a seasoned international captain though, is it?

From a psychological perspective, Rugby is very different to just about every other sport. The aggressive, adrenaline-filled nature of the sport is unlike any other. The levels of arousal associated with competing at the top level are huge. Therefore, we can just about fathom when we hear of moments like these occurring, especially under the heightened pressure of elite competition. However, this does not mean we condone them. In fact – far from it. But what, if anything, can be done to prevent moments like this happening again in Mathieu Bastareaud’s career, or any other Rugby player’s career who may experience what psychologists call an emotional hijacking?

An emotional hijacking, or as the popular American psychologist – Daniel Goleman – refers to it – an amygdala hijacking – occurs during the fight, flight, or freeze response. It is essentially an immediate and powerful emotional response that is out of proportion to the stimulus and impairs an individual’s ability to think clearly and act rationally. Goleman referred to it as an amygdala hijack, as it is within this almond-shaped brain structure where the process occurs.

Clearly, Bastareaud experienced an amygdala hijack on Saturday and lost control of his emotions in the heat of the moment. But why? How could a top-class international player who has been involved in pressurised matches for many years, completely lose his head and commit this violent action?

It can, at least in part, be attributed to low levels of self-awareness and self-control, which are key skills within the framework of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) essentially involves two parts: first, becoming aware of how emotions in ourselves and others drive behaviours and second, developing the skills to manage these emotions intelligently, to leverage our personal strengths. Self-control is a key emotional intelligence skill, and the good news is that it can be systematically trained and developed. Within sport, self-control can be defined as the ability to manage emotions and restrain actions to stay calm when under pressure. It involves the capacity to manage shifting moods to maintain composure and an optimal level of arousal, to think clearly and act appropriately. In order to develop self-control, first, we need to gain insight into how it works, and then we can implement specific tactics and strategies to build it over time.

Now within Rugby, I’m aware that there are situations where too much self-control might hinder the performance of players, as there is a need for aggression and steely levels of competitiveness. However, in the case of Mathieu Bastareaud – and many others before him – building their levels of self-awareness and self-control, would result in them being better equipped to intelligently manage their emotional responses during the heat of competition. Developing these emotional skills enables athletes to understand and reflect on their emotions and use this information to arrive at accurate judgements and take positive, constructive action.

At [RocheMartin](https://www.rochemartin.com/), we work with athletes and coaches to systematically build their emotional and social skills, to enhance performance and overall wellbeing. Feel free to drop me a message at joe@rochemartin.com if you’d like to hear more about what we do.

Share on: [![Share on facebook](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/socials/facebook.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players) [![Share on linkedin](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/socials/linkedin.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players) [![Share on twitter](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/socials/twitter.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players&url=https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players&source=tweetbutton&text=Do+We+Want+to+Develop+Self-Control+in+Rugby+Players%3F)

## Related Articles

[![Reflecting On Andy Robertson’s Rise To The Top](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Andy-Robertson-resilience-1-2.jpeg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/reflecting-andy-robertsons-rise-top)

##### ![arrow](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/arrow-g.svg)[Reflecting On Andy Robertson’s Rise To The Top](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/reflecting-andy-robertsons-rise-top)

[![Ryder Cup 2018 – 2 Critical Emotional Intelligence Skills Driving Success](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ryder-cup-2018.jpg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/ryder-cup-2018-2-critical-emotional-intelligence-skills-driving-success)

##### ![arrow](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/arrow-g.svg)[Ryder Cup 2018 – 2 Critical Emotional Intelligence Skills Driving Success](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/ryder-cup-2018-2-critical-emotional-intelligence-skills-driving-success)

[![“Who Am I?” Addressing a Global Issue – Transitioning Athletes’ Loss of Identity](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Athletes-loss-of-identity-1-1-1.jpeg)](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/who-am-i-addressing-a-global-issue-transitioning-athletes-loss-of-identity)

##### ![arrow](https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/_2021/May_2021/arrow-g.svg)[“Who Am I?” Addressing a Global Issue – Transitioning Athletes’ Loss of Identity](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/who-am-i-addressing-a-global-issue-transitioning-athletes-loss-of-identity)

### Sign up to our newsletter

- Solutions 
    - [Emotional Intelligence Training](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-training)
    - [Emotional Intelligence Assessments](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-assessments)
    - [Leadership Development](https://www.rochemartin.com/leadership-development-programme)
    - [Emotional Intelligence Workshops](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-workshops)

- Certification 
    - [Emotional Intelligence Certification](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-certification)

- Company 
    - [About us](https://www.rochemartin.com/about)
    - [Partner Directory](https://www.rochemartin.com/cp-directory)
    - [Contact us](https://www.rochemartin.com/contact-us)

- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog)
    - [Emotional Intelligence Training Guide](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/emotional-intelligence-training)
    - [Emotional Intelligence Certification Guide](https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/emotional-intelligence-certification-guide)
    - [EQ and Leadership Development Guide](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-leadership-development-programme-guide)
    - [Emotional Capitalists Book](https://www.rochemartin.com/emotional-intelligence-books)
    - [Knowledge Base](https://www.rochemartin.com/knowledge)

© 2026 RocheMartin Operations (UK) Limited | [Privacy Policy](https://www.rochemartin.com/privacy-policy)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "RM Editor",
    "url" : "https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/author/rm-editor"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-12-16T17:13:36.301Z",
  "datePublished" : "2018-09-26T00:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Do We Want to Develop Self-Control in Rugby Players?",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.rochemartin.com/blog/do-we-want-to-develop-self-control-in-rugby-players",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.rochemartin.com/hubfs/rochemartin-logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "RocheMartin Operations (UK) Limited"
  }
}
```