Lessons in teamwork, straight from the pitch to the office

Elite athletes know all about being on high-performance teams and they have much to teach business about building a winning team culture, writes former Ireland star Gordon D’Arcy

Gordon D’Arcy in his Leinster days: ‘There is still a gap between sports culture and business culture . . . I believe elite athletes are uniquely placed to help businesses embrace new values’ INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The average career in professional rugby lasts eight years. I was particularly lucky that mine spanned close to 18. Team sport is fantastic for creating and nurturing life skills. Supported in a positive fashion, these skills are eminently transferable to the corporate world. Elite athletes want a challenge; they are driven, competitive and usually humble.

These are the standout characteristics you tend to find among ex-athletes, but I believe the softer people skills ...