our services
In line with the Foundation's objectives, we aim to provide local solutions to the global challenges faced by players after leaving the game.
We recognise that the post-rugby transition is unique to each person, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. With the right guidance and support, players can achieve their full potential Beyond the Game.
Our evidence-informed approach to supporting players will help to provide players with services based on their own particular needs and priorities. As support services develop and grow across the world, players can access local services that provide appropriate care, builds communities, help them to cope with change and promote connection.
On the Ground funding
The GRPF is committed to delivering support programmes on the ground with the players. These programmes will be created in partnership with trusted delivery partners including RPAs or those who have extensive experience in working with players or athletes in career transition.
These programmes are awarded funding through a robust tendering process to ensure participating players will receive meaningful and lasting support.
The programmes will be funded for a minimum of one year and where Foundation funds are available, the awards will be made for longer periods to ensure sustainable programmes for longer term development of players transitioning out of the game.
Each programme will be continually measured, and partners will be expected to share best practice and lessons to enable continual development of GRPF world-leading transition programmes.
Access pilot programme
Central programmes
The GRPF ambition is to be the world leading experts in the creation and delivery of a holistic support framework to enable players to transition successfully from rugby into the next phase of their lives. We want them to thrive, not just survive.
The central delivery will include:
Health & Wellbeing Programmes.
Health Research (including women’s health).
Education Programmes.
Mental Health Programmes.
Financial Good Health Workshops.
Education Portal.
These centrally delivered programmes will be run through our digital platforms to enable in-person and individual led learning.The digital learning will be conducted through GRPF’s education portal and it will deliver directed learning, workshops & webinars alongside programmes created for specific groups.
Our learning platform is currently under development and will be available to use in the summer. When it is launched, the learning platform will be available to everyone in our former player network. So if you would like access to our learning platform, please complete the sign up form that can be found at the bottom of the page and we will be in touch when the platform is ready. We are very excited about its potential and look forward to the launch later in the year.
The GRPF is aware that as a global organisation we need to ensure all former players have access to support, especially where on the ground programmes are not currently delivered. In the long term, our ambition is that all key rugby playing nations that do not currently have grant funded programmes, will have on-the-ground programmes run by the Foundation.
Creating and developing relationships with research partners will be crucial to this success. Each year we will allocate funds to work in partnership with experts across the globe to ensure all aspects of a player’s transition are supported by evidence-based theory.
coaching
As they reach the end of their rugby journey, many players are unsure what their next career will be. Our third pillar will give players access to expert career coaches which will allow them to harness the skills they have already developed through their playing career and provide them with opportunities to define their next steps.
This includes:
Career coaching to help players define their future.
Business coaching.
A coaching framework to ensure minimum level of service.
A combination of individual and group coaching.
The career coaching will be delivered in a mixed model approach of group and individual coaching. A coaching framework will be created with leading experts in athlete career transition and executive coaching to ensure that all players, regardless of location, are able to access the same level of coaching.
The GRPF is also aware that many former players wish to start or grow their own businesses, so we will support them on the journey of business development, feasibility and financing. Where location permits, business coaching will be available to ensure that our players, and their new businesses, are set up for success.
community
Community has always been a key principle of rugby from the first day our players picked up a ball at their local club to the last day as a professional.
GRPF want to use the power of the Foundation to bring together and connect players not just in their own countries but across the globe.
The loss of identity, community and team environment are some of the many hurdles that players face as they transition. GRPF will aim to address this through in person connection and through digital platforms.
GRPF will create a mentoring scheme whereby former players will be matched with those who are starting out on their journey of transition. This will enable those who are mentoring to provide insight and real-life experience to those who are stepping away from the game.
All mentors within our network will be provided with training ahead of becoming a mentor. This is to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge of how best to support their mentee and where to refer them should there be any welfare concerns.
There will also be a community app which will enable players to be connected across different groups, whether that be connection to their playing days, their new careers or simply for networking opportunities. The hope is that this app will embody the team environment that players become accustomed to while playing.
The GRPF will work with partners in a range of different ways to ensure our players have access to world leading organisations who will support their growth and development.
We will work with sponsor partners to provide funding for the GRPF and for specific programmes across the globe. This will ensure the GRPF can deliver and fund programmes where there is most need.
There will also be a desire for our partners to provide opportunities for our players to understand more about the businesses we work with, including potential shadowing and mentoring opportunities. There will be a breadth of business types to ensure there is opportunity for former players to be exposed to a range of industries.
We will also work with organisations who will partner with us to deliver on the ground programmes. There are many global organisations who already deliver development programmes to transitioning athletes and we want to ensure our players have access to these.
