If you are unaware of England’s recent victory over France in the fifth round of the Six Nations, securing themselves their first Grand Slam in thirteen years, I am forced to ask where you have been in the last month. The Winning of the Grand Slam is testament to Eddie Jones’ effective introduction of new players and approach to how England train and play.

Two introductions to the team that have attracted particular attention are the second row pairing that only recently stormed onto the international scene; George Kruis and Maro Itoje. The pair are already favourites at Saracens (boo hiss from the Tigers contingents I am sure), and are fast becoming the same in the England line up, following the part they played in England’s success.

Eddie Jones does not have magical qualities in turning forlorn and sorry looking World cup failures to potentially the most exciting squad to emerge in over a decade. But what he has done is instil an enjoyable environment where a good work ethic, teamwork, commitment, ownership and personal development in the individuals that make up the English squad are evident. At a playing level that has translated into their ability to work well together that creates fast-paced play and line outs that are ‘fluid and instantaneous’, giving England the edge over the opposing team immediately. Notably Messrs Kruis and Itoje have achieved these levels of compatibility through the hours they have dedicated both on and off the pitch. As Kruis stated in a recent interview with the Telegraph, “What underpins both [their] games is hard work”. Not a revolutionary concept, it’s true, but one which rarely fails to prove successful, and not just in rugby.

Similarly, your careers need to be considered in a similar vein concerning the inputs you receive from the coaches to your career (Manager, tutor, etc.) and how you are developing your career brand.

At ABPM, we work to create partnerships with our candidates that enable us to understand their strengths and utilise these as they pursue their own goals in their careers. Like Kuris and Itoje, are you candidates waiting to burst onto the scene and create a stir; here at ABPM, my team and I are dedicated to helping you to achieve this.

Rej Abraham Managing Director