Global Rugby Players Foundation Launched to Support Post-Retirement Lives

A new charity, the Global Rugby Players Foundation, has been launched by current and former rugby players, including Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Richie McCaw, Siya Kolisi, and Rachael Burford. The foundation aims to support players' lives after they retire from the sport through five pillars of assistance.

The foundation, established with the support of World Rugby and the International Rugby Players Association, will provide grant funding, access to health and wellbeing programs, career and business coaching, community support, and partnership programs with organizations and sponsors. These initiatives are designed to help former players cope with the challenges of post-retirement life.

Sara Heath, CEO of the Global Rugby Players Foundation, emphasized the need for such support, stating, "Some players move onto new lives after rugby very successfully but what a lot of people don't realise is that a lot of players face many challenges when they step away from playing the game." The foundation seeks to reframe the concept of life after rugby as a positive challenge and opportunity.

The foundation will kick off with pilot programs in Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. These programs will begin on June 1, with central delivery of support starting in the autumn and further funding rounds planned for the winter of 2024.

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin welcomed the initiative, saying, "When the players came to us with their idea, an independent charity to support players with their life beyond the game, we were only too happy to do everything we could to support them." This sentiment was echoed by Omar Hassanein, CEO of International Rugby Players, who noted the common challenges retired players face, such as loss of identity and changes to their sense of purpose.

The foundation's board of trustees will be chaired by former Australia captain George Gregan. The organization aims to provide holistic support to rugby players worldwide, addressing the challenges they face after retiring from the sport.

The launch of the Global Rugby Players Foundation marks a significant milestone in the support of elite and professional rugby players' welfare. By offering comprehensive assistance, the foundation hopes to empower players to lead healthy and fulfilling lives after their rugby careers.

Key Takeaways

• New charity, Global Rugby Players Foundation, launched to support players' post-retirement lives.
• Foundation provides 5 pillars of assistance: grants, health programs, career coaching, community support, and partnerships.
• Pilot programs to start in Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands on June 1.
• World Rugby and International Rugby Players Association support the foundation's mission.
• Foundation aims to provide holistic support to rugby players worldwide, addressing post-retirement challenges.