May 29, 2024
The Global Rugby Player Foundation will commence on June 1, 2024 with four pilot projects in Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the Pacific Islands.
Before rolling out to the rest of the rugby-playing populations, the Foundation will use these four pilots to assess the strengths of the project and take any learnings before implementing programmes in other countries.
The four regions were chosen after an extensive application process.
New Zealand
The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) will manage the “AfterMatch” program which will be funded by the GRPF.
Aftermatch is a framework of support available to players (male and female) transitioning out of professional rugby playing careers and for those who have already hung up their boots.
The Aftermatch extends on services already available through the NZRPA, supercharging three key areas that offer immense value to our members. These are a dedicated Personal Development Manager (PDM), access to best-practise counselling/psychology support, and individual career coaching.
The new role of Transition PDM will ensure the quality support that players had while they played continues throughout their transition and into retirement. The PDM will work closely with players to co-construct a holistic plan that empowers them to thrive in this new chapter of life, and facilitate access to exceptional service providers in all areas relevant to players at this junction in their journey.
Adding a psychologist or counsellor to a player’s support team can be incredibly helpful, particularly during periods of change. Through the Aftermatch programme, NZRPA will connect players to a counselling and psychology service provider with over 600 specialists across the country.
Embarking on a new career can be a daunting task, so through the Aftermatch, players will connect with a career specialist to guide them through the process of exploration and planning. Creating CV's, preparing for job interviews, networking and navigating a new industry are all part of the package designed to ensure players can apply the same mindset and skills which made them successful on-field into a new fulfilling vocation.
Ireland
Rugby Players Ireland has partnered with the GRPF to empower former players to live their best life, beyond the game.
This will be done across the four Cs: Change, Care, Community and Connection.
Change involves access to transition support to manage the change that comes with retirement and adjustment to a new career and life after rugby.
Care will consist of access to support to help with mental, physical, social and or financial wellbeing.
Community is focused on giving access to a community of former players that shares experiences and encourages positive impact and social inclusion.
Connection will give former players access to new networks and mentoring programmes while maintaining a connection to the game.
Pacific Islands
Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) is the association that represents the male and female players of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Former Pacific Island rugby players often possess a unique combination of skills, experiences, and networks that can be leveraged for entrepreneurial endeavor.
Players who have retired to Fiji, Samoa and Tonga possess these skills, attributes and experiences, but have had limited opportunities to gain knowledge or tap into existing business and entrepreneurial initiatives in their home country.
Therefore, PRP proposes to support and provide entrepreneurial activities and exposure to retired Pacific Island players (male, female, 15s and 7s) through awareness and education programmes on financial literacy, “start your own business” programmes, business mentoring, and leadership training.
South Africa
In South Africa, retired rugby players face significant challenges transitioning from the high-pressure of professional rugby to life beyond sports. These challenges often include identity loss, mental health concerns and financial difficulties.
In partnership with the GRPF, My Players and the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) are dedicated to supporting these athletes through a comprehensive programme focused on transition support, well-being promotion and sustainable career development.
