“We understand what unions are going through. What the game's going through. What spectators are missing out on. What players are going through. So it's one of empathy & solidarity, in particular, which are great values of rugby. But our promise is that rugby will be back and it will be back stronger and more fit for purpose than ever. And that's our goal. And we're working very hard to ensure that the game comes back as soon as possible, in the fittest state as possible, in every aspect of it. And that's what we're working to do; that's part of our mission. It's our modified mission in the current environment”.

Hello & welcome back. 

Hosted & edited by Tracey Duke, produced by Felix Northover and recorded via Zoom during these incredibly challenging times, of Covid-19, we ask the question; what does it take to thrive in a world of both challenge and opportunity and most importantly, how do we build the resilience and leadership skills to get us there?

Professional sport is, without doubt, facing a period of unprecedented challenge; with solutions and answers as to how we move forward, frustratingly out of reach for all. Whilst they may all be sat in different boats, governing bodies, clubs, athletes, sponsors and broadcasters are all facing the same storm and asking; what next? How does sport get going again? How can this time be put to use and can previously long term changes be brought forward? What about sponsorships; we know all too well of the importance of this revenue source for both club and sponsor. And, of course, what about the athletes themselves; how are they holding up and what mindsets will be getting them through this time?

Inspired by a recent webinar hosted by Alex Payne of the Influencer Room, my guest today is Brett Gosper; the CEO of World Rugby & arguably a man with an enormous challenge on his hands. 

Brett’s career spans over 30 years; starting out in Melbourne Australia as a young Wallaby trialist, representing his country at under 21 level, through to a professional playing career at Racing in France, through to senior positions within global advertising agencies, and now to his role as CEO of the world’s governing and law making body for rugby union. 

Today’s conversation will give you the thoughts, from the heart of world rugby, as to how the game’s governing body may move through this unprecedented situation and considers too, how sport, in general, may recover from a global crisis. 

As always, thanks so much for listening and don’t forget to join us on Sunday evenings at 8pm BST for our Instagram Live Feed; we’d love to see you there. 

Exeter Real 

Instagram - @exeterreal

Web - www.exeterreal.co.uk

Email: tracey@exeterreal.co.uk

Felix Northover 

Web - https://www.felixnorthoverphotography.com

World Rugby

Web - www.worldrugby.org

Instagram - @worldrugby

Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please drop an email to tracey@exeterreal.co.uk