RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 24

T O P I C T H R E E:
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Supporting Life Beyond Rugby
PLAYER INSIGHT
While current players often focus on career direction and financial security,
the RPA’s Retired Player Survey 2026 highlights that the biggest challenges after
rugby are often emotional, social and physical.
45% of retired players said they struggled with their identity after leaving the game,
while 95% said they wanted some form of physical support during the first two to
three years after retirement, rising to 100% among those who retired within the last
five years.
The survey highlights both different and shared experiences across the men’s and
women’s game. Many men described challenges around career transition, identity
and rebuilding social networks, while women also identified challenges with identity
and maintaining connections to rugby, but also highlighted motherhood and fertility.
Together, these findings reinforce that successful transition is about more than
employment. Supporting players beyond the game means helping them navigate
changes to their identity, wellbeing, relationships and sense of purpose.
RPA ACTION & IMPACT
In response, the RPA continues to strengthen its support for retired players,
recognising that player welfare extends well beyond an individual’s playing career.
This season saw the relaunch of the Transition Weekend, giving players who had
recently retired from the game practical guidance, networking opportunities and
access to expert advice having left the elite game.
Alongside this, the RPA work collaboratively with partners including the Global
Rugby Players Foundation to strengthen long-term support for former players
in line with our three pillars: community, career and health.
Players can also access ongoing wellbeing support through initiatives including
the Player Support Fund, Admiral Nurse Clinics and signposting to the Advanced
Brain Health Clinic, ensuring former players and their families can access specialist
support when they need it most.
Together, these initiatives reflect the RPA’s commitment to supporting players
throughout retirement and support the long-term ambition for Restart to stand
alongside retired players in the next stage of their lives.
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