I must apologise for the delay in sending out this month’s newsletter, but those of you who know my affection for the oval shaped ball game will appreciate I needed the Six Nations to come to its end, allowing all the events to unfold before reporting back. Indeed, what a tournament of exciting rugby and no guaranteed outcomes (see Ireland v England!). With exciting victories like that of England over Wales, and marvellous demonstrations of talent from the likes of Owen Farrell and Joe Launchbury, the re-emergence of Sam Warburton and George North and the sublime talent of Jonny Sexton and Stuart Hogg the Six Nations once again proved why it is one of the most popular global sporting tournaments.

If, however, you were watching, as I did at Murrayfield, and supporting the Italian side, you may be feeling a little less gleeful, given their slightly less than impressive results. Having not won any of their games, and not scoring even a single point against Scotland in their final game, Italy could be forgiven for feeling a bit blue about their performance as they return home. However, their recently appointed coach Conor O’Shea remains undeterred and optimistic.

O’Shea excelled as a player winning 35 caps for Ireland as a strong fullback. When his playing career was cut short by a knee injury, he did not step back from rugby. Instead, he took on the role of Director of rugby for the exciting and high profile Harlequins, coaching them successfully. So it was a surprise last year, when he made the decision to up and move to Italy, taking on the national side’s head coaching role, despite their underwhelming performance in the Six Nations over the previous few years. Career suicide?

When asked why he chose to make a move that could be considered a step down, O’Shea stated that the Italian team had great potential, and that he saw it as an achievable challenge to build the Italians a team that could challenge for the Six nations championship. “I know the scale of the task. I know people will write me off as a lunatic, but so be it.”

O’Shea’s confidence in his ability may be closer to brilliance than lunacy. Nobody was expecting that within the year he could completely transform the team into a world beating side that would trounce all the opposition at this year’s Six Nations, yet what about next year? Or the year after that? Or in five years’ time? What is clear he has a plan that involves a root and branch review not only of the national side’s infrastructure but that of the club rugby and player development. Impossible? We only need to look at the emergence of Argentina to see evidence that the impossible can become reality.

Similarly, the effects of a change in career path aren’t always immediate. A successful career does take time to achieve, developing your potential, drawing on knowledge and strengths, developing skills and training in the areas of need and gradually seeing the change, so that further down the line, you have reached your full potential. Whilst, we shall have to wait and see if O’Shea’s optimism proves to be well founded, we here at ABPM have full trust in the fact that a wise career move will, if not immediately, lead to successes further down your career path with our wise counsel and support. My team and I are on hand to help you take the first step towards your fulfilling your potential.

Rej Abraham Managing Director