Powerful links between the challenges faced by international rugby and the business world were explored at a high powered business breakfast hosted by the Welsh Rugby Union and Barclays Corporate.
More than 100 guests from Welsh companies and Welsh rugby gathered at the Cardiff Arms Café Bar outside the Millennium Stadium in Westgate Street for the event.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland, the WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis and Kevin Gardiner the Managing Director and Head of Investment Strategy for Barclays Wealth were keynote speakers.
Wales squad members Ryan Jones, Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams also attended.
Kevin Gardiner gave the guests an insight into the state of the global economy and the prospects for recovery.
He said that the general economic mood within Wales appeared to be positive and praised the adjustment South Wales had made from its heavy industrial and manufacturing base of 30 years ago.
Mr Gardener said there were still signs of economic risk but one positive point in personal terms was that during the recession many individuals had rebuilt their savings base.
While counselling caution he added: “There is no reason why global business can’t pick up and recover.”
Roger Lewis quizzed Warren Gatland about the parallels between the business world and international rugby.
Gatland told the gathering how he insisted on honesty, encouraged an environment in which decisions were challenged and tested and allowed enterprise on the field of play.
He explained: “We encourage our players to attack even in our own 22 if there appears to be the option of a three man overlap and we have the length of the field to run.
“Fear of failure is a powerful motivating factor which we need to be aware of but we also have to encourage players to take opportunities.
“We must never be afraid to talk about winning and we must realise that when we put everything right we are good enough to beat any team.”
