We caught up with Jordan Lay to talk about rugby, life, and what matters most…
“No one really cares what you do on the field, you know. Whether you've scored a try or dropped the ball here or there, no one actually cares. What they do remember and will always remember is whether you're a good person and have good character.”
Those are the raw reflections of Jordan Lay, the former Bay of Plenty, Edinburgh, Bristol Bears, Ospreys and Blues prop, who proudly represented Samoa at two Rugby World Cups.
After years in the front row at the highest level of the game, pushing his body to its limits, Jordan was forced to bring his professional rugby career to an end earlier this year. It marked the close of the most demanding – and most rewarding – chapter of his life.
For many athletes, the transition away from professional sport can be just as challenging as the game itself. As Jordan knows all too well, while you don't always get to choose when your playing career ends, you do get to choose how you prepare for what comes next.
We caught up with Jordan in Auckland to reflect on the career that shaped him, the lessons he's learned, and the next chapter of his journey Beyond the Game.
GRPF:
When you look back on your career, what tools do you think rugby has given you that will help you in the next chapter of your life?
Jordan:
“I’ve been a bit of a battler all my career: footy has taught me a lot. And yeah, it's shaped how I view the world. As a footy player, there are so many skills that cross over into the real world. Any professional footy player who spends time in that environment picks up core values like hunger, drive, a good work ethic, resilience, and being a good team player. There are so many things rugby gives you that stick with you for life.”
“As athletes, we've got a lot of potential and so much to offer, not only within the sport but also in life after rugby in the ‘real world’.”
GRPF:
You recently decided to retire on medical grounds. How has the process of stepping away from rugby been so far?
Jordan:
“My feelings towards retirement so far have been bittersweet. My body's never felt any better, but being medically retired has been challenging. I must admit, not being able to control those things can be pretty frustrating.”
“But I think with footy, it teaches you to be resilient and just crack on, find the next opportunity, and work out a way to keep moving forward, despite what happens to you.”
“As a 33-year-old, I'm proud of what I've achieved in the game, and there’s definitely a lot of learning and experience along the way. But there comes a stage in everyone's career when they have to knock it on the head and move on to the next chapter. We can't all play to 50, unless you're Ma’a Nonu!”
GRPF:
Have you given much thought to what comes next?
Jordan:
“Because I retired pretty early in the season, I had quite a bit of time to explore, and the support the Blues and NZRU gave me was fantastic. They allowed me to first look after myself and get myself right. And then, as part of the professional development programme, they encouraged me to get out and network and talk to people.”
“Most players want to finish on their own terms; unfortunately, I wasn't able to do that. But I've been given an opportunity to enter the insurance industry. I'm currently doing a financial advisory course, specialising in personal risk and life and health insurance. I'm loving it so far and learning a lot from my team at Legacy Ltd. They’re a great outfit and just really good people.”
“I'm looking forward to that new challenge and to putting the same energy and effort into a new career that helps people protect what matters most to them.”
GRPF:
As someone who has just retired, how important do you think it is to prepare for life Beyond the Game?
Jordan:
“It’s so important to prepare for life after rugby. Obviously, when you play footy, your main priority is to turn up and do your job first and foremost. But rugby has such a short lifespan, and injuries happen, unfortunately. You just never know when your last day of playing will be.”
“So it's good to be proactive, get out there, network, and leverage as much as you can. I think the professional development space is growing across the globe. If you’re a pro athlete, you need to really maximise it and get as much as you can out of your current set-up.”
“I'd encourage anyone to try to keep themselves busy and active, and to put themselves in uncomfortable situations outside rugby, because that's where you grow and learn.”
Jordan Lay speaking exclusively to the Global Rugby Players Foundation.
