Athlete Transition Accelerator

Alex Tait – The emotional side of transition


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We sit down with Alex Tait, former Newcastle Falcons fullback, to discuss his transition beyond professional rugby.


After spending his entire career at one club, Alex opens up about the challenges of stepping away from the game, redefining his identity, and discovering new passions outside of rugby. He shares insights into the mindset shifts required to navigate life after sport and the lessons he’s learned in building a future beyond the pitch.


Key Takeaways:

  1. Long-term planning is crucial.
  2. Stepping away is a mental shift.
  3. You have more to offer than just your sport.
  4. Embrace change and keep learning.


About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.


Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a national team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter


Episodes you won’t want to miss:


Robert Van Der Horst

Robert shares his journey from elite hockey to life beyond the game, reflecting on the challenges of transition and the importance of preparing for the future while still competing.


Gareth Steenson

Gareth shares his unique journey from professional rugby to life beyond the pitch, highlighting the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities while still playing.


Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com


LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10


Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator


Email:

[email protected]

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Athlete Transition AcceleratorBy Karl Birch and James Rule