Beyond Back-to-Back: How Symbols, Unity, and Belief Drive Winning Teams

HJ Kriek

Success is not always measured in trophies - it’s measured in the energy you create, the unity you build, and the belief you leave behind.

📸 Damian Rawstorne

At the end of 2023, Hamilton SP RFC’s senior group struck a rich vein of form that would define the next twelve months.

  • We lifted the inaugural Amateur World Cup in France.
  • We secured the Western Province Super League A title in 2024.

 

That success set the stage for 2025: the chance to defend our Western Province SLA title and chase a third consecutive trophy.

No open club in the modern era have achieved back-to-back championships in the Western Province SLA.

But in the end, it wasn’t to be.

We fell just short in the final against a spirited opponent.

 

So, was 2025 a success or a failure?
I believe it was a success.

Here’s why.

 

The Power of a Shared Symbol

At the start of the season, the group designed its own B2B (Back-to-Back) logo.

A simple visual that carried deep meaning.

  • The first “B” featured an infinity sign in yellow (∞). It represented boundless energy, unlimited possibility, and the belief that we could achieve anything together.
  • The second “B” was designed as a red “3”. It symbolized the pursuit of a third trophy and the unity of our three senior teams.
  • Inside the “3” were two arrows pointing in the same direction, reminding us that success required alignment. 45+ players across multiple teams working together towards a single purpose.

The Hardships Along the Way

Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. Injuries, setbacks, and moments of doubt tested both our resilience and our commitment to the bigger picture. There were weeks where momentum slipped, where the energy seemed drained, and where the goal felt just out of reach.

But those moments of hardship proved to be just as valuable as the victories. They reminded us that success is forged in adversity - that the strength of a team is not measured only in how it celebrates, but in how it responds when tested.

 

The Results

  • The 2nd and 3rd teams both went on to win their leagues.
  • The 1st team reached the final but fell short of the ultimate prize.


On paper, we didn’t complete the “triple” and go “Back-to-Back,” but in truth, the season was extraordinary.

The flow of energy, the unity, and the boundless opportunities created were undeniable.

Everyone moved in the same direction, and that is no small achievement.

As someone mentioned: “We may not have the cup in the middle, but we have the success that truly matters.”

 

Leadership Lessons

  1. Create a shared vision. A simple, powerful symbol can keep a group aligned and motivated through the highs and lows of a season.
  2. Focus beyond the outcome. Success is not always defined by silverware but by the growth, unity, and resilience built along the way.
  3. Harness collective energy. When everyone, players, management, and teams, moves in the same direction, the results are remarkable.
  4. Embrace adversity. The tough moments sharpen resilience and give victories their true meaning.
  5. Connect to deeper meaning. When goals are tied to something bigger than the scoreboard, teams unlock belief, resilience, and lasting bonds.

 

As the season winds down, players and management will go in different directions.

But we will always remain connected by the deeper meaning of B2B, a reminder that success isn’t always about what you lift, but about what you build together.

The Final Pass

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