How the Global Rugby Players Foundation was founded

The Global Rugby Players Foundation was founded by 10 former players, all of whom had played at the top level of the game. 

During lockdown, several of the founders identified a niche – while player associations focused on the needs of current players, something else was required that focused on the development of those who had hung up the boots. 

They approached International Rugby Players with a request to develop something and the global players association approached World Rugby to help finance what is now know as the GRPF. 

“Having experienced the transition from being a professional rugby player into life’s next chapter, I have seen the various challenges that you get presented with,” said two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain, Richie McCaw.

“When Dan (Carter), Jonny (Wilkinson), Thierry (Dusuatoir), Conrad (Smith) and I got together and shared our own personal stories and challenges with each other, we realised that no matter the length of or level you played the game, the end will come and it won’t be easy. We wanted to find a way to help ensure that rugby players who have finished their playing days have the support and networks available to access when the time comes.”

The lack of purpose and direction that players face when they stop playing the game was one of the standout issues identified. 

“Players are far more than just players, and transitioning from the game can be a lonely and scary place, so they shouldn’t have to do this alone, said English World Cup winner, Rachael Burford. 

“I want to see players thrive in life, post playing. I am proud to be founder of Global Rugby Players Foundation…and it will be a huge support for all players as they move into a new chapter in life,” she added. 

Conrad Smith, who played on that famous All Black side with McCaw went on to become Head of Player Welfare and Performance at International Rugby Players. He told us why he got involved. 

“I wanted to be part of a Foundation that lets players know they still have team-mates even when they are finished playing; ⁠I wanted to be part of a Foundation that allows players to reimagine the end of their playing career; ⁠I wanted to be part of Foundation where players can support each other off the field, the same way we do on the field and I wanted to help create a Foundation that is the envy of the sporting world in how we care and look after our players post-career.

His former colleague, Dan Carter who also sits on the board of the GRPF said “I recently learned the challenges that come with finishing a professional rugby career and navigating change into life post playing. I became aware we could be doing better on a global scale to support the players who have given so much to our game.”

Former Samoan prop, Census Johnston believes the Foundation is a crucial resource for players from the Pacific region. “Being a part of the GRPF allows me to share my experience of transitioning out of the game but also be a representation of our pacific people,” he said. 

As plans for the Foundation, gathered McCaw, Carter and Smith encouraged a former on-field adversary, the Rugby World Cup 2011 captain, Theirry Dusuatior to come on board. He jumped at the opportunity.

“We are so much more than (just) rugby players,” he said.

“Our future is full of opportunities. The GRPF has the ambition to be a key which opens the gates to a healthy and fulfilling future for any rugby player. I am proud to be part of this project and to show our solidarity goes beyond the game,” he added.

This is something that former English out-half, Jonny Wilkinson, agrees with.

“The GRPF, for me, is a fabulous opportunity to support people to continue to uncover their incredible power and potential, and to look after each other, as part of one huge and amazing team.

The Foundation will pilot four programs in the Pacific, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand before extending its reach across the world. It will work for men and women who played the elite game. Former USA player Kristine Sommer is excited about the idea of bringing players together through different networking opportunities. 

"Walking away from the game is tough,” said Sommer. “I saw a need for a sustainable support system for players, something that provides a strong community and helps them navigate life after rugby. That's why I became a founder – to create meaningful change for their next chapter."

This is something that current Australian star, Sharni Williams, agrees with. “As a current player it is important to focus on playing but being mindful of the future. That is why working with the GRPF will show the importance of managing your future while still playing.”

One of the goals of the Foundation is to remind current players that this resource will be available for them when they finally finish with the game. Even though Siya Kolisi is still fresh from raising the William Webb Ellis trophy for the second time, he’s conscious that he won’t play the game forever. 

“It's important for me, as a current player, to be planning ahead - not just for me - but my fellow players across the men's and women's game,” he said.