Athlete Transition Accelerator

Will Fraser – From rugby to entrepreneurship: Building success beyond sport


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We sit down with Will Fraser, former Saracens rugby player and founder of 100 and First, 100 and First Foundation, and Pineapple, to explore his journey from professional sport to building multiple businesses.


Will shares the realities of stepping away from elite rugby, the uncertainty that followed, and how he navigated his transition by testing different industries, learning through experience, and leaning into his network. Now, as a successful entrepreneur, he helps businesses, teams, and individuals build high-performance cultures, a skillset he honed during his rugby career.


Key Takeaways:

  • Try, learn, and adapt
  • Your network is your biggest asset
  • The right questions lead to the right opportunities
  • Translating sporting success into business



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 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



If Will’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:


Don Armand

Nick De Luca



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