The reason came in the hard to miss shape of former England rugby captain and current Saracens star Steve Borthwick who took time out of the scrum to enter the risky world of insurance.

Kin a link with Lloyd’s, Steve was set the challenge of  tackling a different kind of work placement  scheme designed to show him how leadership works in business and allow him to observe the workings of the world’s most unique insurance market.

 

Normally known for insuring sportspeople, Lloyd’s had offered Steve a variety of placements from underwriting and risk management to regulation of the industry. Naturally he spent time in Lloyd’s Room on an underwriter’s box watching the transaction between brokers and underwriters but also headed for the top floors to meet with Lloyd’s CEO Richard ward to get some tips on how to manage the market.

 

This is all part of his Saracens Personal Development Programme – a unique scheme developed by Saracens to prepare players for life after rugby, and this was a work placement with a difference given that time with Mr Ward is at a premium.

 

The transition at the end of a professional sports career can be difficult, but the scheme, the first of its kind for rugby clubs, is proving successful. Nine in ten Saracens players are currently involved in work placements or formal education alongside their professional rugby career.

 

Edward Griffiths, Saracens CEO, said:  “Saracens devotes as much time in assisting people off the field as it does on developing players on the field. We are delighted Lloyd’s has provided Steve with this opportunity, and we are confident our outstanding captain will contribute as much he gets from the relationship.”

 

Steve added: “It’s so important for professional sportsmen to experience activities outside of their sport and be part of a business. For me, there’s no better place to have experienced that than at Lloyd’s. Hopefully I’ll still be playing for a few years yet, but it’s been a privilege to have this opportunity and I’m grateful to everyone at Saracens and Lloyd’s for making this happen; I’ve learnt a huge amount.”

 

Richard Ward, Lloyd’s Chief Executive and keen rugby fan, said of the visit and the scheme: “Steve is a role model for leadership, drive and determination and I’m pleased that Lloyd’s has been able to give him an insight into the business world. Lloyd’s is always looking to bring in people of a high calibre, through a variety of schemes, and I hope we can offer more opportunities in the future.”