Our guest on this week's pod is former England U20's, Northampton Saints, and London Irish rugby player Tom Stephenson.
Just a few years after leaving school, the talented centre had won back-to-back junior world cups (2013 & 2014), as well as the premiership and the challenge cup with Saints in 2014.
But after a string of serious injuries, Tom retired from the professional game in 2020, aged just 26. He has since revealed the heavy mental toll that these injuries took, explaining how he was driven to dark places and destructive drinking to replace the thrill of top-flight rugby.
In an amazingly honest and candid interview, Tom talks us through his rugby journey, speaking passionately about his desire to share his experience to help others.
Recording this reminded us that mental health issues often lie hidden beneath the surface. Keep checking in with the people around you and if you are experiencing any of the issues discussed here, feel free to reach out.