Today marks the exciting kick-off of the Rugby World Cup, a global event that captivates fans and catapults athletes into legends. 🏉🏆

As someone who's been to two finals featuring England vs. South Africa—and witnessed England fall short both times—I'm wholeheartedly rooting for England (despite our current form) this time around. After all the last time England clinched the title was in 2003, and now that it's 2023, let's hope that '3' proves to be our lucky number!

In the spirit of international camaraderie, I'm sharing a cherished snapshot: myself arm-in-arm with a South African fan. He's donning his national colours, while I'm sporting a Japan Rugby top—a jersey I swapped with a local fan ahead of the 2019 final in Tokyo, where England fell short to South Africa. The photo encapsulates what makes rugby extraordinary: the mutual respect and friendship that transcend rivalries and scores.

This sentiment is beautifully echoed in a previous thought-provoking episode of our Legally Speaking Podcast ™️ powered by Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology where I hosted Daniel Leo & Ben Cisneros.

Daniel's journey in rugby is extraordinary, rising from a small Pacific Island to the grand stages of the Rugby World Cup. His story resonates with the undeniable truth that understanding and mastering the basics in any field sets the stage for lifelong impact. Daniel's career has seen both highs, like winning the Heineken Cup with Wasps, and lows that include the systemic inequalities faced by Pacific Island rugby players.

But the game's core principles? 

They've remained the same. Just as in rugby, where speed and strength are great, but it's strategy, teamwork, and discipline that often win matches, the business world is not much different. With advancements in Tech and AI propelling us into an age of unimaginable speed and efficiency, Daniel's post-retirement focus on supporting the next generation of athletes reminds us that technological progress should never replace human fundamentals.

If you're in legal tech, start-up culture, or any sphere of business, the basics—like good strategy and fair play—are timeless. These are not just issues for the rugby pitch but are reflective of broader systemic issues that Daniel is actively working to address through partnerships with organisations like Morgan Sports Law.

So, as you cheer for your teams this Rugby World Cup season, take a moment to think about the foundational principles that guide you, both in sport and in your professional life. And if you're looking for some in-depth understanding of these principles, do check out the episode with Ben & Daniel (available wherever you get your podcasts). It’s not just about the game; it’s about how the game equips us for life. 

May the best team win, and here's hoping that third time's the charm for England! 🏉🏆🎙️

#RugbyWorldCup2023 #LegallySpeakingPodcast #MasterTheBasics #EnglandRugby #ThirdTimeLucky