I am a British expat who came to Australia with England as my team. Somewhere along the way, I became an unexpected Wallabies fan. Fifteen or so tests a year later, I find myself caring deeply about a side that can look world-class one week and lost the next. The usual story is that Australian…
Siya Kolisi’s Rise is more than a rugby autobiography. It’s a powerful story of resilience and service-driven leadership, told through the life of a man who rose from township poverty to lift the World Cup twice, and who now uses his platform to lift others. Rugby fan or not, this is a book about courage, opportunity, and what it really means to lead.
Rugby has always been my sport. Growing up cheering for England, there’s no doubt where my heart lies on game day. But as someone fortunate enough to claim Australia as my second home, I’ve found myself rooting for the Wallabies with increasing passion—especially during their recent autumn internationals. It’s been a tough few years for…
As a lifelong rugby fan married into an Afrikaans family, I approached Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby with both curiosity and personal interest. Johan “Rassie” Erasmus is a figure who transcends the sport. His journey from a small town in Despatch to becoming one of the most influential leaders in world rugby offers valuable…
Imagine a young Australian athlete, full of potential and dreams of representing their country on the world stage. However, as they look for opportunities to develop their skills, they find fewer training programs, shrinking leagues, and a lack of financial support. This is the reality for many aspiring athletes as Australia’s sports federations grapple with…
In my last blog post, I emphasised the importance of continuous development in the business world. This relentless pursuit of improvement led me back to James Kerr’s “Legacy,” a book that provides profound insights into building a culture of excellence, highly relevant not just in sports but across the business and technology sectors. Understanding the…
England rugby captain Owen Farrell’s recent decision to step back from the 2024 Six Nations Championship to focus on his and his family’s mental well-being marks a pivotal moment in sports and mental health awareness. This high-profile decision emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and burnout, a topic I delved into in “Navigating…
Sales and Sports
(Alternative title: Looking for silver linings in the clouds). Introduction: As a devoted England fan, I couldn’t help but feel the rollercoaster of emotions during the recent Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa. A day later, I’m still coming to terms with the result, but I find solace in the valuable lessons…
This weekend’s Quarter Final clashes in the Rugby World Cup, featuring the formidable rugby powerhouses Ireland and New Zealand, alongside the gripping duel between France and South Africa, went beyond delivering mere thrills for fervent fans. It was a spectacle that unravelled a profound lesson, one extending far beyond the confines of the rugby field…