During your professional rugby career, much of your life centres around the game. You will likely be training most days and preparing for matches, as well as playing regularly and attending press events.
At the start of your career, you will likely focus on all the professional milestones you want to reach, such as playing for your country or winning prestigious trophies. You may not consider what you will do when you hang up your boots.
It could be useful to think about your second career because you will not be able to play rugby forever, and planning ahead could mean that you have more options in later life.
Naturally, many ex-rugby players pursue different roles within the sport, such as coaching or punditry. This could be a suitable option for you, but you may want to do something entirely different, and you would not be alone.
Here are five unique career paths ex-rugby players followed after they retired from playing.
1. Olly Kohn
Harlequins player Olly Kohn was forced to retire from rugby due to injury in 2013, after only one season playing for Wales in the Six Nations.
Since then, he has taken a completely different direction and decided to go into business with his two brothers. You might expect an ex-rugby star to head a business selling sports apparel or fitness supplements. Instead, Kohn created the Jolly Hog, making artisanal sausages and bacon.
Kohn started in 2008, making sausages in his flat and selling them in the car park of Twickenham stadium. Since then, the Jolly Hog has become a fully-fledged business, offering him a fulfilling second career.
2. Alistair Hargreaves and Chris Wyles
Former Saracens captain Alistair Hargreaves retired from playing for medical reasons, following sustaining repeat concussions. After his abrupt exit from the sport, he decided to team up with US rugby player Chris Wyles, who was still playing at the time.
Together, the pair launched the craft beer company, Wolfpack. Their beers are now served in establishments across the country. Wolfpack has also branched out and launched three of its own dedicated bars in London.
3. Gerwyn Price
While you might not be able to play rugby forever, you could pursue a different competitive sport, as Gerwyn Price did.
After playing professional rugby in the Welsh divisions, Price turned his hand to darts instead. His second sporting career has since eclipsed his achievements on the rugby pitch as he became the first Welsh winner of the PDC World Championships in 2021, and he is currently competing in the PDC Premier League.
Price is not the only ex-rugby player who has excelled in a different sport either. Both Luke Menzies and Daniel Vidot became successful professional wrestlers as part of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Similarly, Sonny Bill Williams started his boxing career while still playing but continued fighting professionally after retiring from rugby.
These examples demonstrate that even if you plan to end your rugby career, you can still be a professional sportsperson in the future.
4. Scott Quinell
Scott Quinell comes from a family of rugby stars. He made 52 appearances for Wales, while his brother Craig made 32. His father, uncle, and another brother all played rugby at the top level too.
As expected, Quinell is still heavily involved in the rugby world, often appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports. However, the family has another passion outside of rugby. Alongside his TV appearances, Quinell has a second career helping his family run a scented candle business.
5. Jack Nowell
Jack Nowell has not reached the end of his playing career, yet he is already planning for the future. Since his debut for Exeter Chiefs in 2012, the winger has had a successful career playing for England before moving to France in 2023.
Despite the overseas move, Nowell still has roots in the UK. According to Ruck, in 2018, Nowell purchased a pub in the Cornish town where he grew up. So, once he finishes playing professional rugby, Jack Nowell might enjoy a second career as a publican behind the bar of The Swordfish.
Alternatively, he could pursue another of his business interests. Alongside his pub, Nowell is also a co-founder and director of streetwear brand Mustard clothing.
This example goes to show that it is never too early to start planning your life after rugby. We can help you manage the financial side of this important transition.
Get in touch
If you need support planning your next phase of life, please do get in touch with us at DBL Asset Management.
Email enquiries@dbl-am.com or call 01625 529 499 to speak to us today.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.