From the Rugby Field to the Office: The Power of Sport in Shaping Life Skills and Supporting a Greater Cause

This weekend, my husband stepped back into a world that has shaped so much of who he is—rugby. While I’m not the biggest fan of watching (it’s tough seeing them risk injury!), I couldn’t help but feel proud. But this time, it wasn’t just about the game itself. The match he played was part of a special event to raise money and awareness for a cause that has hit close to home in the rugby world: Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

One of my husband’s former teammates, Ed Slater, was diagnosed with this devastating illness, and we’re seeing far too many people affected by it, often with no chance of recovery. The game served as a powerful reminder of how the rugby community rallies together—not just for victory on the field but for those who need support beyond it. It was inspiring to see old teammates and fans come together to make a difference, playing not for a trophy, but for a cause that truly matters.

Beyond this one game, the lessons of sport are so much more than just physical competition. Most sports revolve around a simple concept: play, win, and grow. These principles, learned early in life, often set the foundation for how we approach the “real world.” Over the past decade, I’ve watched my husband transition from playing on the pitch to managing operations behind the scenes, and then applying that skill set in the corporate world. It’s not just about winning games but about developing teamwork, resilience, and the drive to achieve a shared goal.

But beyond the pitch, these skills are more important now than ever—especially for women. In a world pushing for change and progress, women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles and breaking through barriers. Sport is a powerful tool for this, building confidence, mental strength, and the ability to thrive under pressure.

For women, sport can be a true game-changer. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about self-belief, resilience, and creating strong connections with others. It fosters the kind of empowerment that challenges societal norms, giving us the courage to step into spaces that once felt out of reach. Whether it’s a team victory, a personal best, or coming together for a cause like raising awareness for MND, sports teach us that our value isn’t defined by external validation but by the goals we set and achieve. I think we need to carry this mindset for women from a young age, teach sport to achieve a goal at any level and to enjoy the task as a team. 

So, why do we play sports? It’s not just for fitness but for life skills, community, and empowerment. And sometimes, it’s for something even bigger—like standing up for a cause that desperately needs our attention. That’s what makes sport so powerful: it brings us together, teaches us resilience, and reminds us that, on or off the field, we can make a difference.