In line with the Foundation's objectives, we aim to provide local solutions to the global challenges faced by players on retirement.
We recognise that the post-retirement transition is unique to each person, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. With the right guidance and support, players can find fulfillment and success in their lives 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
Grant funding through Rugby Player Associations [RPAs] or trusted partners.
1 year + programmes of support.
Specific programmes created for regional differences.
The GRPF is committed to delivering programmes of support on the ground with 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
Central programmes
The GRPF’s 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 their second careers. We want them to thrive, not just survive. The central delivery will include:
Health & Wellbeing programmes to support all players.
Health research - Including women’s health.
Education programme on key areas affecting all players.
Mental health programmes.
Financial good health.
Education Portal.
The GRPF is aware that as a global organisation we need to enable all former players have access to support, especially where on the ground programmes are not currently delivered. The centrally delivered programmes will be crucial to the success of the Foundation and ensure we have a positive impact on the lives of transitioning players.
These centrally delivered programmes will be run through our digital platforms to enable in-person and individual led learning. Over the longer term, our ambition is for all key rugby playing nations to have on-the-ground delivered programmes run by the Foundation teams where there is not currently a grant funded programme.
The digital learning will be conducted through GRPF’s education portal. The education portal will deliver directed learning, workshops & webinars alongside programmes created for specific groups. 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 is supported by evidenced-based theory.
coaching
Career coaching to support players define their future.
Business coaching.
Delivered individually and in groups.
Coaching framework to ensure minimum level of service.
Many players as they reach the end of their playing career are unsure what their next career will be and how to harness the skills they have learnt and developed during their professional career. Our third pillar will provide these players the opportunities to define their next steps with expert career coaches.
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 very aware that many of our former players wish to start or grow their own businesses, therefore there is a need to support them on the journey of business development and feasibility and financing. Where location permits, business coaching will be available to ensure that our players new business and themselves are set up for success.
community
Bring together players to support as mentors.
Provide mentors with a brief programme to enable them to best support their mentees.
Community app.
The loss of identity, community and a team environment is one of the many hurdles that players face as they transition. GRPF will aim to address this through both in person connection but also through digital platforms.
GRPF will match former players 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 on how best to support and where to refer them should there be concerns of the welfare of their mentee.
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, but this does not have to be the end, and the GRPF want to use the power of the Foundation to bring together and connect players not just in their own countries but also across the globe.
There will 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.
Work with organisations to deliver programmes.
Sponsors and funders to provide opportunities for former players.
Fund/deliver specific programmes.
