We know that many global superstars of sport make big money from salaries and endorsements. However, the large majority of sportsmen still go back to business interests after professional rugby.
These careers may have been put on hold whilst playing and may lead them back to education, to begin a new business venture or immerse themselves in their existing business interests after they have retired from the game.
Of course, many ex players become coaches, managers, agents, broadcasters and fitness instructors.
So what of those that branch into something a little different?
In the UK, in my youth, it was a common story to hear that ex soccer players had “taken on a pub”. Without wishing to sound derogatory, things have moved on a little since then. I thought I would share with you what some ex English Premiership rugby pros are doing.
By way of background, my own day job is as the Business Development Manager for a specialist meat processor and wholesaler, C & K Meats, who are themselves a big supporter of grassroots rugby at Diss RFC, in Norfolk, England.
So, food and drink are always high on my agenda, especially being close to farming and involved in meat!
Jack Forster was playing for Sale Sharks and England Saxons as a prop forward when a chronic neck injury forced his early retirement. Forster’s family have farmed in Cheshire, North West England since the late 1800s.
Forster has now gone back into the business producing organic beef and lamb. He also produces biltong, well known for being high protein low fat snacking food for athletes.
Another front row, and close to my affections as a former Leicester Tiger, is Julian White. He had a very successful 20 year career, was an established England international and a Britsh and Irish Lion.
White is another former player who also now farms, on the Northamptonshire/Leicestershire border. Originally from Devon, White had a background in farming, his family were farmers.
He helped at weekends as a youngster and his ambition was always to return to it. Rugby gave him the opportunity to do so.
Part of my role in my business life is to promote British Native Breeds. It’s great to know that Forster is producing Angus cross, Blue Greys (Shorthorn/Galloway cross) Red Devons, and that White is continuing to expand his herd of South Devons as well as keeping a flock of over 500 sheep.
From farm to plate, a well used term. It does bring me nicely to Matt Stevens and Lee Mears. Matt has been given a lot of press over the years for the wrong reasons.
You may not all know that he conceived and opened a successful coffee shop in Bath with fellow front row Lee Mears. With a love of coffee, Jika Jika was established by Stevens and Mears. Another store is now open in Clifton, Bristol with plans to open more outlets over the next couple of years.
Seems that the front rows are doing a pretty successful job of cementing or establishing themselves in the business world.
My aim is to bring you further reports from a business perspective, and let’s hope that I can find out what the backs are contributing to the economy!
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