There will not be a single article to do justice to this theme, which is debated and pondered over in both the theory and practice. Writing from a country which produced arguably the most potent leader of any era, Nelson Mandela, two of his guiding principles make a good starting point.

He believed among many other things that a leader must build unity and work tirelessly to release the potential of others. Considering that he united a nation through rugby and achieved a transformation many thought impossible, there are many lessons to learn from his actions and words.

As the rugby season continues towards the business end, we see many examples. In the Prem, I am increasingly impressed by Exeter Chiefs. Interesting that their revival coincided with a return to frontline coaching duties of their talismanic Rob Baxter who along with Tony Rowe is the architect of the Exeter story. Sometimes best to keep the tracksuit on if that this is the skillset. On field, I love their developing style with the best forward athletes and ball-handlers in English rugby. As for Feyi-Waboso, there is no better wing in world rugby right now. I can see them winning the Prem if they contest the playoffs, even from 4th place if they can get there. The drama will be at Sandy Park as a rejuvenated Saracens seeks to give Mark McCall the send off he deserves. I was chair of EPCR for all 3 of their European wins and saw at firsthand the impressive way in which he managed that dynasty. He will go down in history alongside Baxter as one of the leading coaches of any era – both on England’s doorstep!

Winning playoffs from 4th place has already happened in the Champ, as Worcester Warriors triumphed from 40 points behind Ealing Trailfinders in the regular season to lift the trophy at the home of Bedford Blues who must surely have fancied their chances. The Warriors have a healthy sprinkling of Prem experience which could have made the difference. However, for the Champ itself this was a season which has heralded much promise on and off the field. Operational leadership has been exemplary and club owners and senior management have generated a unity which can build something special. As the Prem clubs move away towards a world of franchises, it is the appointed management, both volunteer and professional , within the Union itself which must develop it’s leadership for the wider game. Those further considerations are pending following the recent SGM rejecting the ill-considered RFU proposals.

Elsewhere, the URC playoffs have been super exciting – 30,000 people flooded into the Cape Town stadium to see the Stormers home against Cardiff, who have had a remarkable season given their tribulations. The player and coaching leadership have been a real success story in adversity. The unlucky injury to Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, described by Jeremy Guscott as the world’s best player, in scoring one of his trademark tries is not just a setback for the Stormers. It sharpens the mind ahead of the upcoming England v South Africa contest for which a multiple of Boks are unfit and I say again that England will increasingly fancy their chances on a one off basis.

Meantime, one of the world’s best coaches (and English) Shaun Edwards appears to be back on the market, his French sojourn seemingly over and with another host of trophies in his ‘cabinet’. If only RFU had known this before the coaching ‘review’. Mind you, the other leading defence guru in world rugby, Felix Jones, could not integrate into the current set up so perhaps the same applies to Edwards. His time is yet to come or he will be the one that got away.

Talking of inspirational leaders, I was very sad to read of the sudden passing of Roger Spurrell, my first Bath Captain and the man who with Gareth Chilcott led the club to it’s first trophies but more importantly inspired the coming together of a special group of players. Jack Rowell built the Bath dynasty, and Roger prosecuted it on the pitch in his unique piratical style of leadership. Probably the best uncapped player of any era. I plan to reflect more on his impact on Bath Rugby, which can be seen in today’s heritage and culture so ably rebuilt by Johann Van Graan and his team. But for now I simply pay tribute to the man and offer condolences to his family. RIP.

Hallers