The Rugby World Cup is almost upon us and what a difference 12 years makes. In 2003 when England were playing for the Webb Ellis Cup there was no live blogging of the event, no Twitter-sphere to debate the game, and certainly no immediate photos being posted on Facebook of those lucky enough to be at the match in Sydney.
Now, of course, not only has the game itself moved on but our consumption of major sporting events has changed incredibly, especially given our ability to feel part of an online community all immersed in the same sporting fiesta.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be a far different affair and it was therefore interesting to hear from Sir Clive Woodward, architect of that triumph a dozen years ago, talking about what he felt would be the ‘real enemy’ for the England team in trying to emulate their predecessors.
It was, Woodward said, social media and the potential negative impact it could have on squad morale. Indeed, the RFU are so concerned about the ability for the player’s Twitter activity to have that effect, that they have issued the players with a Code of Conduct which, perhaps quite rightly, implores them not to tweet prior to a game, or immediately after a disappointing loss, and to not get involved in arguments on social media which ultimately will do them no good and will only result in the other party gaining followers. In essence, watch what you Tweet.
The whole focus is on staying away from controversy, not posting anything which could be construed the wrong way or is derogatory to the many people who view the England team as role models.
It may seem a little bit overkill, however, it’s probably good advice for a group of players who, given the fact the tournament is at home, will perhaps be under greater scrutiny than ever before. Indeed, advisers and firms who might be concerned themselves about their, and their employees’, use of social media would do well to look at those RFU guidelines and perhaps employ them within their own businesses.
Much of it is common sense but as always, with social media, there is always a danger that the mouth (or the keyboard) could run away before the brain is engaged. Once out there it is very difficult to undo the damage that can result.
Perhaps advisers would also like to quiz Sir Clive himself this week as he will be giving the key-note address on Thursday at the FSE London show at Old Billingsgate. Blacks Connect will be there on stand M11 and we are looking forward to engaging with the advisory community and hearing how Woodward rates England’s chances in the forthcoming World Cup jamboree.
