Humanball: A leadership journey in South African rugby

At the heart of Humanball lies the story of a team that is more than just the sum of its parts. It's a story about getting the best out of those around you. It's a story about defying expectations-those imposed by others and the ones we set for ourselves.

Performance coach Tom Dawson-Squibb tells the entertaining and inspiring story of his five years as the head coach of the University of Cape Town Ikey Tigers rugby team. Tom reveals how the most potent teams connect and inspire individuals to give effort far beyond what's expected. He shows us how to find joy, meaning, and connection in our work.

Humanball will move and inspire you to write your own story and transform your sports team, workplace, or home into a cohesive, motivated, and purposeful environment.

"I could not put it down. It is a story to inspire beyond its own discipline. While reading, I was constantly reminded what made our Karavan team special, and what I could still learn from Tom and his amazing experience with the Ikey Tigers rugby team. I feel empowered to continue building and strengthening the Karavan Press team, and inspired to continue dreaming our dreams."

- Karina Szczurek, Author and Publisher, Karavan Press, Cape Town

"For leaders of teams or businesses, the experience of leadership can often be lonely and overwhelming. Most new leaders feel entirely unprepared and are filled with self-doubt. Sometimes the stories told by other leaders can help you find your way and make you realise that most great leaders grew into the role over time. The new book Humanball by Tom Dawson-Squibb and Nic Rosslee offers many great stories that might help you to improve your leadership style. It certainly made me realise that I have a few things to consider!"

- Warren Ingram, Author and CEO of Galileo Capital, Stellenbosch

"The book is not only an insight into the nitty-gritty of the Varsity Cup (which I enjoyed) but a understanding of how many different role players contribute to team success on and off the field from a technical, emotional, financial, human resource and physical resource point of view. The book highlights the importance of a common shared goal in making sure that the small things matter in making the big picture take shape. The book allows you to relate to your own experiences on the sports field and while coaching. It affirms the things you are doing well, adds perception to areas that need work and highlights areas that you have not thought of."

- Craig Hoyer, Director of Sport Waterkloof House Preparatory School, Pretoria

"Tom's approach to coaching is absolutely refreshing and the book is full of valuable life lessons that not only apply to coaching but in my opinion should also be applied to managing your personal life, your relationships with loved ones and in your family set up as well as your career or business life. I could not put the book down once I started reading it and can recommend it not only to sports lovers, but also to a wide audience - really riveting stuff."

- Dr Mike Nicholas, General Practitioner, Cape Town