I may be entirely biased since I played rugby (union) for more than 15 years, but I have established a personal credo that says that when I encounter another rugby player I am very probably going to be able to get along with that person under virtually any conditions.

Despite the vast pressure, the demonstrations of team spirit and good sportsmanship post-match thus far at the Rugby World Cup have been stirling examples for how sport should be played. Yes, there have been altercations and some nasty boots and tackles. That's part of the war-like environment in the heat of the match. But the vivid emotions after the matches are testament to the intensity of the game.

The upset favourites (All Blacks and Wallabies) totally in dismay. The underdog victors (France and England) in ecstasy. And yet the teams shook hands with solid displays of good sportsmanship. No gloating by the winners. No sour grapes from the losers. Good-natured winning and dignified (if still incredulous) losing.

'The teams shook hands with solid displays of good sportsmanship. No gloating by the winners. No sour grapes from the losers'


Among the strong values in rugby is the lack of glorification around the person doing the scoring. There is no madman running around lifting up his shirt and kissing the sky to the adulation of the fans. Typically, there will be a pat on the back from the teammates and a "let's get on with it" attitude. A score is normally the result of a team effort. The kicker, for his part, has an assignment.

Another favourite (for amateur rugby at least) is, of course, the famous third half, down at the local pub, once we hit the legal drinking age, ahem, where both sides meet for a drink 'em up/patch 'em up get-together.

In the face of the multiple sporting scandals around doping, gambling, rigging of results, is society losing touch with the purpose of sport? In my life,sport has always served as the three E's: entertainment, exercise and education. For most sports these days, there is just too much money circulating.

Rugby sportsmanship isn't always perfect, nor does it have a monopoly on appropriate behaviour. It exists everywhere. Among other team sports that show genuine good spirit after hard combat I would cite ice hockey and lacrosse. And I pay particular attention to these sports where, for the most part, there is not the same kind of money as in other professional sports.

To allow a child to play a rough sport at school is often a challenge for the parent. That's not essential, but the three sports of ice-hockey, lacrosse and rugby have my vote for perpetuating authentic values. Whatever the team sport, learning the camaraderie (as well as the leadership skills) is an invaluable lesson for life and business.

An interesting example comes from football when Leicester City allowed the opposing team to score a 'free' goal at the start of the second leg of a recent Carling Cup match in order to compensate for the abandonment of the first leg game.  Leicester went on to win the match nonetheless, proof, if you need it, that  good sports don't have to lose!

How important is the sportsmanship factor in sport? Post a comment below or submit an article to Sportingo.