The Next Game: A Story Of Transition

It's the final episode of 'Series 1'! Rugby Players' Association (RPA) Founder and CEO, Damian Hopley, accompanied by Sanlam UK Sales Director, Andrew Lewis, come on to the podcast. Hopley discusses how the RPA are pushing to help players with their career transition, whilst also delving into the challenges that rugby and its professional players are facing off the field, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis talks about how Sanlam are partnered with the RPA to help with players transitioning in careers, making sure they are aware of the importance of 'financially planning'. Together, Hopley and Lewis, bring a wealth of experience on the topic of career transition, with brilliant stories and incredible honesty. A must listen!

With an incredible 19 years in professional rugby, Tom May has achieved so much on the field. Having played for Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints and London Welsh, May also became one of the first English players to ply his trade across the channel, playing for Toulon in France. In this episode, the former England versatile back, gives an honest account on the struggles he had when facing retirement and moving in to 'life after rugby'. Since retiring, May has had experience across various different sectors in the business world, from sports agency to media punditry. He now is a Partner at FutureProof Pro, an organisation aiming to help athletes, within all sports, going through transition away from their professional sporting career into their next chapter.

Two former USA Rugby captains come on to the podcast to discuss how they have prepared for life after rugby. The pair touch on the development of USA Rugby and their wish to see a home Rugby World Cup. Former Saracens legend, Wyles, delves in to the story of how he co-founded the well established brewery business, Wolfpack Lager, whilst talking about the importance of not having 'fear' of making mistakes in career transition. Ex Leicester Tigers and Cardiff Blues, Scully, meanwhile tells of how, and why, he set up the United States Rugby Players Association, whilst also talking about his wish to find a new purpose after his rugby playing days. 

Wasps and England star Jack Willis has achieved so much on the pitch, but he has also been hit by injuries that have kept him out the game for lengthy periods of time. In this episode, Willis opens up about tackling injury, documenting his road to recover after his most recent knee injury, in Rebuild 2.0. He endeavours to improve himself off the field, believing all players should have "another focus". Willis has began developing his 'Next Game' after rugby, creating a property development and finance company with his former teammate, Alex Lundberg, called RockCap. 

A women's rugby special! Katy Daly-Mclean MBE and Rocky Clark MBE come on the podcast to discuss their incredible careers in international rugby. Clark, with a record 137 caps, and Daly-Mclean with 116 caps, are two legends of the Red Roses team, being crowed World Champions in 2014. In this episode, the girls talk about how they felt after retiring from the international game; their elation of winning the World Cup; the evolution of the women's game; the challenges that have come with it, and their next careers in coaching at Saracens and Sale Sharks.

Former England and British & Irish Lions tourist, Charlie Hodgson, shares his advice as to what has helped him transition away from his 16-year professional rugby career. The Sale and Saracens legend experienced an incredibly impressive career, being part of two high achieving organisations. Hodgson talks about the importance of financially planning, using transferable skills from the professional rugby environment, and preaches the significance of 'having a go' at things outside of the rugby field. 

Two Exeter Chiefs legends discuss their career rise with the Chiefs, transitioning from the Championship to the Premiership. Both have gone on to find themselves in coaching since hanging up their boots. Jess talks openly and honestly about his 'mental' struggle since leaving the game, losing the identity of being a professional rugby player. Whilst Steenson explains how a garage shed project, ended up being the inspiration of an Exeter city centre Irish Bar, 'The Stand Off'. 

Former Saracen, England and British & Irish Lions tourist, Brad Barritt is the first guest on 'The Next Game'.

Brad talks about his long illustrious career with Saracens, winning five premiership titles and three European Cups, whilst sharing how he fell in love with coffee. Brad, co-founded the now well-established coffee roastery and is passionate of developing the brand all over the world. On top of all of this, the former England star ha found feet after retirement, joining as an area-manager for a financial services group, Pollinate International.

Brad shares his thoughts on the importance of being 'busy' outside of the rugby field, and seek opportunities in things you are passionate in.