I’ve recently started a new hobby that goes well in line with shaping my life all new again. Last spring I decided I have to start working out on a continuous basis to guarantee myself being in better shape when I’m 60, if I’d happen to live that long. Might be slightly contradictory, being a full contact sport and all, but I’ve taken up practicing rugby. I’ve watched about 10-15 games during the summer as Noora plays it as well and I’ve learned a lot about the game. The more I learned of it, the more I wanted to participate in it.

With the transition of jobs one month ago, I decided to join the Helsinki Warriors course for beginners. Yesterday was the last day of the course and it was all worth it. Great game with a lot of need for physical strength. A great way to get in shape and build up endurance.

The more I understand of the sport, the more it reminds me of entrepreneurship as well. Both need a great team to succeed as well as in both no team will get far if team doesn’t work together. Furthermore, to succeed in entrepreneurship and rugby you need a great idea (tactics) and the best possible way (game plan) to execute it. Last, but not least you need quite a bit of courage, luck as well as determination in both to be running against insurmountable odds; everyone on the field is trying to bring you down.

Little along the lines of Al Pacino’s speech in Any Given Sunday is this Heineken ad that describes rugby as a sport. Couldn’t agree more. Despite the slight injuries I’ve already received, I’m loving every bit of it.

(Turn it up, it’s a bit quiet.)