LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Back row: (L-R) Census Johnston, George Gregan, Conrad Smith, Sarah Heath - CEO Global Rugby Players Foundation and Jonny Wilkinson Front row: (L-R) Alan Gilpin - CEO World Rugby, Kristine Sommer, Rachael Burford and Omar Hassanein Chief Executive Officer International Rugby Players  pose for a picture during a media event to launch the Global Rugby Players Foundation at St Martin-in-the-Fields on May 30, 2024 in London, England.Created in partnership with World Rugby by 10 founders including Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Rachael Burford, Kristine Sommer and Richie McCaw, the Global Rugby Players Foundation exists to support all elite level players with their life beyond the game. (Photo by John Phillips - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Back row: (L-R) Census Johnston, George Gregan, Conrad Smith, Sarah Heath - CEO Global Rugby Players Foundation and Jonny Wilkinson Front row: (L-R) Alan Gilpin - CEO World Rugby, Kristine Sommer, Rachael Burford and Omar Hassanein Chief Executive Officer International Rugby Players  pose for a picture during a media event to launch the Global Rugby Players Foundation at St Martin-in-the-Fields on May 30, 2024 in London, England.Created in partnership with World Rugby by 10 founders including Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Rachael Burford, Kristine Sommer and Richie McCaw, the Global Rugby Players Foundation exists to support all elite level players with their life beyond the game. (Photo by John Phillips - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Media Release from International Rugby Players: Launch of the Global Rugby Players Foundation: Supporting Life Beyond the Game

London, 30 May 2024 (NZST, 31 May 2024)

Today marks a significant milestone in the rugby world as current and former players from around the globe come together to launch the Global Rugby Players Foundation. This new charity aims to support elite-level players in their lives beyond the game, ensuring they lead healthy and fulfilling lives after their rugby careers end.

The foundation is spearheaded by ten founding members, including legendary names such as Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Rachael Burford, and Richie McCaw. With the support of World Rugby and International Rugby Players, the foundation stands as an independent organisation dedicated to player welfare.

Leadership and Vision

Former Wallabies captain George Gregan has been appointed as Chair of the board of trustees, with Sara Heath taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Under their leadership, the foundation aims to provide comprehensive support to former players, addressing the challenges they face after leaving the sport.

Mission and Support Pillars

The Global Rugby Players Foundation is committed to empowering players by offering a holistic support programme that encompasses all aspects of their post-rugby lives. The support will be delivered across five key pillars:

  1. On-the-Ground Funding: Grant funding through Players’ Associations or trusted partners, tailored for regional differences, with programmes lasting at least a year.
  2. Central Delivered Programmes: Access to health and wellbeing programmes, health research including women’s health, and proactive mental health programmes.
  3. Career and Business Coaching: Individual and group coaching to help players define their future lives beyond the game.
  4. Community Support: Development of a community app to keep foundation members connected.
  5. Partnership Programmes: Collaborations with organisations, sponsors, and funders to provide opportunities for former players.

The foundation will launch with four pilot programmes in Ireland, South Africa, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand on 1 June 2024. Central delivery of support will begin in the autumn, with further funding rounds in winter 2024.

Statements of Support

Sara Heath, CEO of the Global Rugby Players Foundation, said: “Some players transition to new lives after rugby very successfully. However, many face significant challenges when they step away from the game. Rugby has a responsibility to these players, and the Global Rugby Players Foundation seeks to reframe life after rugby as a positive challenge and an opportunity to forge something new and exciting, ‘Beyond the Game’.”

Omar Hassanein, CEO of International Rugby Players, added: “The launch of the foundation is a milestone in how we support the welfare of elite and professional rugby players worldwide. Former players have highlighted the need for further support as they finish their playing careers, often facing identity loss and a lack of direction. The GRPF will help tackle these issues, ensuring players can thrive beyond the game.”

Alan Gilpin, CEO of World Rugby, stated: “World Rugby is delighted to see the Global Rugby Players Foundation up and running. When players approached us with their idea for an independent charity to support life beyond the game, we were eager to assist. As the foundation begins its work, we look forward to watching it grow and continue supporting the wellbeing of our current and former players.”

A Perspective from Pacific Rugby Players

At Pacific Rugby Players, we are thrilled to see the launch of the Global Rugby Players Foundation. Our athletes give their all on the field, and it’s crucial that they receive the support they need off the field as well. This foundation represents a monumental step forward in ensuring that our players have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their post-rugby lives.

We are especially proud that the Pacific Islands will be one of the initial regions to benefit from this initiative. Our community has always emphasised the importance of holistic support, and we look forward to working closely with the foundation to help our players transition smoothly into their next chapters.

Join us in celebrating this incredible initiative and let’s continue to champion the well-being of our rugby family together. #PacificRugbyPlayers #BeyondTheGame #RugbyFamily