PLAYER TRANSITION RESOURCE: RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023
Throughout the course of your professional rugby career, you will encounter various transitions or turning points. From entering your first high performance environment and signing your first professional contract, to changing club or dealing with a major injury, these periods of transition can be challenging to navigate.
The aftermath of a high-stakes championship, such as a Rugby World Cup, is no different. Preparing for the emotional and practical consequences of returning from the Rugby World Cup and engaging in support (both formal and informal) is fundamental to managing the post-tournament blues.
At International Rugby Players, in collaboration with our member associations, we recognise that players’ preparation for the post-Rugby World Cup period can often be inadequate. Our research backs this up and tells us that positive transitions were more likely when players make plans for their post-RWC phase, and when they receive strong support from their family, teammates, as well as the support staff within governing bodies and/or player associations.
Furthermore, we acknowledge the value of peer support for players, so in preparation for the Rugby World Cup we have created this short video that recognises the unique challenges faced by players after the pinnacle event. It delivers practical advice ‘by players, for players’.
In summary, players should have a plan for the post-Rugby World Cup period, and preparing for the emotional and practical consequences of returning from a World Cup by engaging with a strong support network.
Practical Post-World Cup Planning Document
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Personal Development
Within the International Rugby Player network, we work hard to ensure players are engaged, well balanced and organised in all spheres of life.
Players can contact our network of Player Development Managers (PDMs) in the relevant countries below:
- Australia: James Holbeck – jholbeck@rupa.com.au
- England: Luke Cheyne – lchyene@theRPA.co.uk
- Ireland: Deirdre Lyons – deirdre@rugbyplayersireland.ie
- France: Ben Broster – ben.broster@provale.fr
- Italy: Valerio Bernabò – bernabov@gmail.com
- South Africa: Hilana Classens – hilana@my-players.com
- Japan: Takuya Yamazaki – tak@field-r.com
- New Zealand: Nikita Hall – nikita.hall@nzrpa.co.nz
- Pacific Islands: Gaylene Osborne – gaylene.osborne@pacificrugbyplayers.com
- Wales: Daf Evans – daf.evans@wrpa.co.uk
Mental Wellbeing
A key principle for International Rugby Players and its member associations across the world is prioritising the players’ physical and mental welfare and personal development both on and off the field.
To help drive this, we ensure there is adequate player representation on working groups or at forums where these issues are discussed. The key message and culture change that we drive stems from our belief that the mental health and wellbeing of a professional athlete is just as important as their physical fitness.
For more contact: conrad@rugbyplayers.org
Physical Wellbeing
International Rugby Players represents players in a range of World Rugby working groups – many of them dealing with areas around the players’ overall physical welfare. Our representation includes having a seat on the Concussion Head Injury Assessment (H.I.A) working group with World Rugby, as well as groups relating to player training and playing load.
International Rugby Players also supports professionals, academics and universities in the advancement of scientific knowledge within the game. We help bridge the gap between scientific theory and professional practice through our input into the decision-making processes.
Player Rights
Professional players often find themselves living a very public life. International Rugby Players and our member associations across the world provide strategies and advice that helps protect players’ privacy, recognise their right to express views and opinions and keep them informed on their professional responsibilities within the game.
We also work with unions and governing bodies to implement strategies to protect their safety and security.
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