Sport gives a practical edge in business – and the data proves it

Running a business can often feel like a rugby scrum: the whole team pulling together to move forward, little by little. 

After four seasons of PREM Rugby sponsorship, we’ve seen that elite sport and running a small business have a lot in common. Our new research into how sporting lessons drive business success confirms what we regularly hear from business owners. 

Here we explore the research in more detail and ask rugby legend and small business owner Ben Youngs how the skills he learned in competitive sport have helped him find success in business off the pitch.

Link between elite sport and business

The mindset needed to win in elite sport closely mirrors the qualities required to thrive in business. Our new research shows a near-consensus on this, with almost all (91.5%) of those surveyed saying they think sport and business are similar. 

Youngs, who recently retired from playing rugby union for England and Leicester Tigers, says: “I’ve been lucky enough to spend my career in rugby, but one thing I’ve learned is that many of the lessons from sport apply just as much in business.”

And it’s not just Youngs who feels this way. More than half (55%) of the respondents to our survey said they have personally applied lessons learned through sport – such as resilience, discipline and leadership – to their professional lives.

Younger generation more likely to value skills from sport 

Interestingly, there appears to be a generational divide in how people use sports as a career asset. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of 18-24 year olds have applied sporting lessons to their careers, while only 36% of over-55s say the same. 

To get ahead in their careers, younger people are recognising that the skills learned in sport can be just as valuable as traditional education and training. The established businesses that this generation are joining have not yet caught up.

Failure on the pitch builds resilience

We know that resilience is one of the key determiners in business success. It’s what helps our customers continue to grow their businesses, even through a difficult macroeconomic climate. 

Resilience is also a key factor in the success of sports players. Sport normalises losing, adapting and trying again – a skill that’s also essential in business. It’s this determination to win, no matter what, that leads to success both on and off the pitch. 

Read more: 10 tips to make your business more resilient

Nearly 85% of those surveyed believe that experiencing failure in sport or in life helps prepare people to handle setbacks and keep going in business.

Throughout a hugely successful career in rugby, including winning a record 127 England caps, Youngs has also had his fair share of losses. He believes it’s this ability to pick himself up and try again that has helped him succeed as a small business owner.

As well as co-founding For The Love of Rugby, Youngs recently launched a new business venture, Scrum and Bun, a food truck in Aylsham, Norfolk. He credits his business success to his experience on the pitch:

“Whether you’re on the rugby pitch or running small businesses, like I do, success requires the same mindset of resilience, teamwork, and having the right support system around you.”

Handling pressure

Any small business owner will tell you that being able to work under pressure is a critical skill, albeit not an easy one to master. 

This is where experience in elite sports can help. Nearly half (48%) of Brits say competitive sport is the best preparation for performing under pressure, compared to only 19% who think traditional education best prepares people.  

Youngs says, “Resilience, backing yourself when things get tough and having good people around you can make all the difference.”

We see the grit, resilience and determination small business owners put in day in and day out to drive their business forward. We know that, just like in rugby, small businesses need a great team supporting them. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor PREM Rugby – so we can keep backing business from behind the scenes. 

We’ve got your back

Fast, fair, hassle-free finance – from the team that’s always got your back. Because in sport and business, you should never have to go it alone. To find out how Funding Circle can back your business to win, check your eligibility in just 30 seconds.

19/06/26: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.