Every player will experience some form of adjustment period after retiring from rugby. There is often a gap post-retirement, a loss of identity and changes to a person’s sense of purpose and direction. There is also a change in relationships, roles and routines. Players must find new careers, re-skill and build new social connections. Players can feel lost… and with that comes various challenges.
The Global Rugby Players Foundation seeks to empower rugby players, who contributed to the success of the game, to have a healthy and fulfilling life after they leave it. It seeks to reframe the concept of retirement by looking at it as a positive challenge and an opportunity for people to forge new careers, build new connections and expand their identity.
The Global Rugby Players Foundation seeks to empower rugby players, who contributed to the success of the game, to have a healthy and fulfilling life after they leave it.
It seeks to reframe the concept of retirement by looking at it as a 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 or national pride or just because they loved 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
Every player will experience some form of adjustment period after retiring from rugby. This transition can be a challenging and transformative time in their 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.
5 out of 6
45%
of players reported financial difficulties in the five years after stopping playing
57%
of former players have had concerns about their mental or emotional wellbeing since retiring
60%
of players retirement was out of their control (injury, deselection, out of contract)
Our Objectives
The Global Rugby Player Foundation seeks to empower rugby players, who contributed to the success of the game, to have a healthy and fulfilling life after they leave it. It also seeks to reframe the concept of retirement by looking at it as a positive challenge.
Support players in navigating their transition from rugby while empowering them to face the challenges associated with the 'loss of identity' that accompanies retirement.
Promote the physical, financial, mental, and social well-being of players after rugby, by offering comprehensive support services, including brain health clinics and mental health support programmes.
To prevent the social exclusion of the most vulnerable individuals, including those facing challenges such as unemployment, financial difficulties, physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or dependencies, by providing necessary support and resources.
Encourage players to use their capacity as role models to create positive change in their communities.
Advocate the importance of supporting players throughout their entire life, and not just their playing careers.
