I have two younger brothers and a father who are very passionate about sport, particularly Rugby. My father was a keen rugby player and his passion has ‘rubbed off’ on my brothers who both play for the Bank of England Sports Club, and play extremely well. It appears that rugby is an ‘effortless’ sport for them.

The eldest, Nathan, plays number 8 or inside centre. He plays with great strength and determination and with one thing on his mind, playing a good game. On the rugby pitch he is a different person; a confident, single-minded boy with complete belief in himself. He shines every Sunday on that rugby pitch, and every year his club goes on tour where he shows their opposition exactly what he’s made of.

This year the tour was to Biarritz. The third tour for both brothers but the first that the younger, Rowan was a playing tourist. They won two games, drew another and lost one. Nathan’s coach is one of the most passionate rugby men I have ever met; he is fully committed to his ‘boys’ and I wonder whether the boys’ commitment reflects the hard work and effort their coach, Kevin Howell, invests in them.

I think that anybody can be a wonder at anything it just depends on how committed they are and how much effort is invested in them by others. Like parents, coaches can be more influential and encouraging than they realise and they should be encouraged to act on this.