Rugby’s Lesson for Leadership

©️Motivus Coaching

Rugby’s Lesson for Leadership: Giving Back to Those Who Give So Much

In rugby, the Pacific Island nations - Fiji, Samoa and Tonga - are giants. Not because of money or resources, but because of the extraordinary talent they bring to the global stage.

Consider this:

• Over 800 professional Pacific Island players play worldwide.

• 40% of New Zealand’s All Blacks have Pacific heritage.

• Across Tier 1 nations, more than 20% of squads are filled with Pacific-born or heritage players.

In other words, the game we love depends on the Pacific Islands. Their players bring power, flair, and spirit to every level; from grassroots to Rugby World Cups. And yet, their home unions often struggle to stay afloat financially.

Here’s the question: if the rugby world takes so much from these nations, shouldn’t it also give something back? Imagine if the wealthier unions toured the Pacific every four years, bringing fans and revenue into those economies. It wouldn’t generate as much revenue compared to a Lions Tour, but sufficient to have a profound impact in those nation’s unions.

For me, this goes beyond rugby. It’s a lesson in leadership:

• Recognise your dependencies. Who are the people or teams that quietly sustain your success?

• Give back intentionally. Don’t just extract value; invest in those who make you stronger.

• Lead with reciprocity. True leadership isn’t about what you can get; it’s about what you’re willing to contribute.

At Motivus Coaching, we believe the same is true in business. The best leaders don’t just celebrate outcomes; they nurture the ecosystems that make those outcomes possible. Because when you invest in others, everyone grows.

👉 Where in your leadership journey could you give back to those who have helped you succeed?