EKAITZ SAIES

Some years ago, I was flicking through books in a well-known bookstore in the old part of San Sebastian when one caught my attention. By then, we had just returned from our most successful Olympic Games ever—Rio 2016—where we won three gold medals and a bronze. The book was Legacy by James Kerr. Its cover featured an All Blacks player, hands on hips, standing under the rain.

The title struck me. It was exactly what I aspired to create for our team: a legacy—something others could build upon and take forward.

As I turned the pages, I realized that Legacy wasn’t just about rugby; it was about leadership, culture, and sustained excellence. The lessons within it are universal, applicable to any team, business, or individual striving for greatness.

Here are 15 powerful lessons from Legacy that can help us build a winning culture—one that lasts beyond individual success.

1. Sweep the Sheds – Humility First

Even the best players on the All Blacks clean their own locker rooms. Why? Because no one is too important for the small things. Great teams are built on humility and shared responsibility.

2. Go for the Gap – Constant Improvement

The best never settle. Like a player breaking through a defensive gap, top performers continuously seek ways to improve. Growth is a mindset, and adaptation is key to long-term success.

3. Play with Purpose – Find Your “Why”

The All Blacks don’t just play to win; they play for something bigger—their country, their legacy, their pride. Purpose fuels performance. When you know why you do something, you push through challenges with greater resilience.

4. Pass the Ball – Leadership at Every Level

Great teams don’t rely on one leader; they develop leaders everywhere. Everyone is responsible for the culture, and everyone has a role in driving success. Empowering others creates long-term strength.

5. Create a Learning Environment – Always Be a Student

The best teams cultivate a culture of learning. Mistakes are opportunities, and progress comes from constant reflection and adaptation. Be humble enough to learn, even when you’re at the top.

6. No Dickheads – Character Over Talent

No matter how talented someone is, if they disrupt the team culture, they don’t belong. Ego, selfishness, and entitlement destroy cohesion. Protect the culture at all costs.

7. Embrace Expectations – Pressure is a Privilege

Elite performers don’t fear pressure—they embrace it. High expectations push us to be better. Instead of avoiding stress, use it as motivation to rise to the challenge.

8. Train to Win – Preparation Defines Performance

The All Blacks don’t just train to participate; they train to dominate. Winning is a result of intense preparation, discipline, and effort long before game day. Champions are made in the unseen hours.

9. Keep a Blue Head – Stay Calm Under Pressure

Under stress, emotions can take over and cloud judgment. The All Blacks practice maintaining a “blue head” (calm, composed) instead of a “red head” (emotional, reactive). Staying in control leads to better decisions.

10. Know Thyself – Self-Awareness is Key

Great leaders and players understand their strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. Self-awareness allows you to maximize your potential and operate at your best.

11. Sacrifice – Success Requires Commitment

Excellence comes at a cost. The best are willing to make sacrifices—time, comfort, ego—to achieve greatness. If you want something extraordinary, you must put in extraordinary effort.

12. Invent Your Own Language – Build a Strong Identity

The All Blacks have their own words, rituals, and traditions that reinforce their culture. Shared language strengthens identity and commitment. Teams and organizations should create their own unifying values and symbols.

13. Ritualize to Actualize – Build Winning Habits

Success isn’t an accident; it’s the result of intentional habits and rituals. From pre-game routines to mindset shifts, consistency builds excellence over time.

14. Be a Good Ancestor – Leave a Legacy

The All Blacks say, “Leave the jersey in a better place.” The best teams and leaders think beyond themselves, focusing on the long-term impact of their actions. What will you leave behind?

15. Write Your Own Legacy – Take Ownership of Your Future

Your story isn’t written for you—you write it. Take control of your path, define your goals, and work relentlessly toward them.

Final Thoughts

Success in high-performance sport isn’t just about talent—it’s about mindset, culture, and leadership.

Now, as I embark on a new journey with a new team, these principles feel more relevant than ever. My goal is to help cultivate a culture of excellence, leadership, and accountability—one that extends beyond individual achievements to create a lasting legacy. But as Legacy teaches, this isn’t a solo mission; it’s a collective effort. Success will come only if everyone is aligned, paddling in the same direction, and moving forward together.