Aug 11, 2025
The final whistle may signal the end of a match, but for many rugby players, it also marks the beginning of a new and uncertain chapter. That’s why the Global Rugby Players Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a free online learning platform; a powerful new tool to support players as they start to think about life beyond the game.
This exciting development reflects GRPF’s unwavering mission: to help players achieve their full potential beyond the game. Available to all current and former rugby players, men and women, who have held a professional contract or have played internationally since 1 September 1995, the platform offers a rich array of on-demand courses from business and career development to emotional wellbeing and communication fundamentals. The platform is tailored to meet players wherever they are in their journey.
“Our aim has always been to ensure that no player faces transition alone,” says GRPF CEO Sara Heath. “This platform is the next step in that journey. It is a central space where players can access high-quality, relevant learning opportunities completely free of charge.”
Courses have been thoughtfully selected and created to reflect the real-world challenges players face. And this is just the beginning. GRPF will continue to expand the platform, guided by player feedback, to ensure fresh, relevant content is always available to support growth and development.
We plan to release new content to the platform every quarter, making sure players always have new content to learn. We’re also working to offer courses in a range of languages so we can connect with as many players as possible. Player feedback will be key as it helps shape the future of the platform, so we’d love to hear from all of our users.
The platform is fully accessible across phones, tablets, and computers, making it easy for players to log in anytime, anywhere. With no deadlines or time restrictions, players can progress at their own pace and revisit the courses they find most valuable.
At its core, this platform empowers players to invest in their personal and professional development beyond the game. At GRPF, we believe this kind of growth is essential and we've built this platform to ensure more players have the tools and opportunity to pursue it. The platform is not just about finding a new career, it’s about identity, confidence, and rediscovering potential.
For many players, this moment is deeply personal. “You spend years building your life around training, games, and the team. When it ends, there can be a real sense of disconnection,” says one former player. “Having access to something like this, something designed with us in mind, feels like someone still has your back.”
The launch of this online learning platform is yet another milestone in GRPF’s growing support system. Since its launch in Summer 2024, the Foundation has been redefining what transition support can look like by partnering with delivery organisations across Ireland, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and South Africa to provide on the ground support in the form of funded programmes. This new digital offering ensures that even more players, no matter where they are in the world, can begin building toward a new chapter on their own terms.
The GRPF invites all interested players, if they haven’t already done so, to register their interest via the sign-up form on the GRPF website. Once submitted, players will receive login credentials within five working days. You can keep up to date with the progress of the learning platform, and the broader work of the Foundation, on our social media or by subscribing to our newsletter.
Whether a player is seeking to sharpen professional skills or simply take a first step toward a new direction, the GRPF’s learning platform stands ready to empower them. It’s not just about moving on, it’s about moving forward with clarity and confidence. Because at GRPF, we believe the end of a playing career is the start of a powerful new story.
