This edition cannot pass without reference to RWC 2019 and the highs and lows of the England team’s ultimate defeat to South Africa. Needless to say Japan hosted the most enjoyable of tournaments tinged with the sadness and tragedy of those that suffered at the hands of typhoon Hagibis.

The Abraham household awoke early and headed down to the clubhouse of the mighty Loughborough RFC. We gathered, as numerous millions must have done, around TVs in clubs, pubs and homes filled with a sense of hope and anticipation of an impending victory repeating 2003.

By full time, it was all over; 32-12 South Africa – England. It was disheartening to be faced with the disappointment of watching our boys – one of the youngest teams ever to play in a World Cup – drop to their knees exhausted with pained expressions of defeat as the final whistle blew.

Watching The Springboks leaping in the air, cheering and celebrating with each other and their children, our disappointment couldn’t help but be lifted. South Africa’s victory deserved celebration, whatever your allegiances may be. We watched Siya Kolisi, the first black captain of the South African team to raise the Webb Ellis Cup, we were reminded of what this meant for the country, that is still gripped by political turmoil. Kolisi’s words regarding the unity he hoped this would bring to South Africa, 24 years after their first World Cup, where the late Nelson Mandela celebrated with them a year after he had been made President, were powerful and emotional, and their victory well-deserved.

As for our own team, disappointed though we may have been about our defeat, they still deserve immense praise for their efforts, for their defeats of Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, which arguably may have been their best game ever. Their play was admirable, their determination honourable, and I have no doubt that the next time we see them they will be even stronger.

Better still to see Tom Curry, Ben Youngs, Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marler bouncing back on the Jonathan Ross show, not that I believe Joe Marler should give up the day job just yet for a career in singing!

Overcoming disappointment is a lesson that we can take; how to see our mistakes and failures and build upon them. Yes, we may regret them for a while, but instead learn from them. In our own career paths, though we may frequently be met by obstacles and pitfalls, we must battle on. Here at ABPM, our team of experts are on hand to help you in your next step and see where you can build your career path.

Rej Abraham,

Managing Director