Cardiff Business Club’s 2025/26 season continued in powerful form with its second event, hosted this time at the conference facilities at Sophia Gardens, the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
A packed room of members and guests gathered for an afternoon of compelling personal insight, open discussion, and candid commentary on the future of Welsh rugby.
The event's keynote was delivered by Paul Thorburn, former Welsh international and Club Secretary of Cardiff Business Club, who shared his remarkable journey through sport and business.
From his early days in elite rugby to high-profile leadership roles in major sporting events and business ventures, Paul spoke with honesty about the resilience and determination that fuelled his career, both on and off the field.
Guests were treated to an inspiring talk that went beyond the usual anecdotes of sporting glory. Paul touched on the importance of discipline, adaptability and leadership under pressure, themes that resonated strongly with the business audience in attendance.
He also didn’t shy away from controversy, offering his forthright views on the current state of Welsh rugby and the structural and commercial challenges it faces.
Following the keynote and lunch, the afternoon transitioned into a high-energy panel discussion on the future of Welsh rugby, featuring a line-up of sporting greats and business leaders including Robert Jones, Brynmor Williams, Adrian Davies, Andrew Lewis, and Paul Thorburn.
Chaired informally by Cardiff Business Club board member Cat Griffiths Williams, the panel took questions from the audience, covering a wide range of topics, from grassroots development and the professional game, to the WRU’s role, broadcasting deals, and the commercial sustainability of regional teams.
The discussion was robust, at times provocative, and always passionate, reflecting the deeply held views and strong emotions that rugby evokes across Wales.
Cardiff Business Club Chair Phil Jardine said:
“This event was another great example of Cardiff Business Club doing what it does best, bringing together big personalities, serious insights, and real conversation. Paul’s story is a testament to resilience, leadership and transformation, and the panel discussion gave everyone plenty to think about. There’s clearly huge interest in the future of Welsh rugby, not just as a sport, but as an economic and cultural force. Our thanks to Paul and the panel for sharing their experience so generously.”
Paul Thorburn said:
“It was a real pleasure to speak at Cardiff Business Club and to share my personal journey with such an engaged and thoughtful audience. I’ve always believed there are many lessons from sport that can be applied to business, especially around resilience and mindset. I’m also passionate about the future of Welsh rugby and while there are big challenges ahead, there’s still a lot to fight for. I’m grateful to the Club for the opportunity to be part of such an important conversation.”
Cardiff Business Club continues its season with an insightful talk by Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales on Wednesday 5 November at the Classroom, Cardiff and Vale College. For more information visit the Club's website.
