Every player will experience some form of adjustment period after leaving rugby. We seek to empower rugby players, who contributed to the success of the game, to achieve their full potential Beyond The Game.
We are dedicated to helping rugby players who have contributed to our sport to achieve their full potential Beyond the Game.
Every player will experience some form of adjustment period after leaving the game. In collaboration with World Rugby and International Rugby Players, GRPF plans to make this adjustment period easier for former players by reframing it as a new adventure.
Leaving rugby can be a daunting prospect for those who have spent their lives dedicated to it, but life beyond the game can be an exciting next step with the help of GRPF.
We seek to reframe the concept of life beyond the game by looking at it as a new positive challenge and an opportunity for people to forge new careers, build new connections and expand their identity.
the need
Professional rugby players have dedicated most of their life to the sport of rugby to pursue their dreams of personal glory, national pride or pure love of the game.
Because the sport has consumed the majority of their young lives in training, playing and living their dream, there are consequences from the choices they made:
They may have given up the opportunity to pursue a lifelong career
Relationships may have been compromised
Some will have suffered physical and mental challenges
Their bodies will have been built-up to meet the challenges of their sport
They will have been rewarded for toughness, perfectionism, and competitiveness but discouraged from "taking it easy" or asking for help
They will have led a life of strict routine where their day to day activities are set by others
The realities of professional rugby
The transition away from rugby can be a challenging and transformative time in players' lives, as they move from the structured routines and intense competition of their athletic careers to a new phase that often involves finding new roles, interests, and identities.
Of players who become professionals, research shows that 5 out of 6 are not playing professional rugby at age 24
45% of players reported financial difficulties in the five years after stopping playing.
About us
By THE Players, For THE Players
The Global Rugby Players Foundation was created by the players, for the players. Our 10 founders are legends of the game who want to support fellow players Beyond The Game.
The Global Rugby Players Foundation is supported by World Rugby and backed by International Rugby Players. The game acknowledges it has a duty of care not just to its current players but to those who have hung up the boots; the men and women who have helped bring the game to where it is today.
Learn more
The Need
As players move away from the game there needs to be a programme of support to ensure a smooth transition into their new career.
The Realities of Professional Rugby
Professional rugby is all consuming during a players career. The GRPF will work with players after they leave the game to ensure they are supported during their transition.
how to help
There are many ways to support the work of the Foundation, for more information please see below and reach out to the team at partnerships@rugbyplayersfoundation.com
