RUPA’s Inaugural 2025 Beyond the Game Past Player Professional Development Camp, in partnership with the Global Rugby Players’ Foundation, brought together 26 former professional rugby players for two days of reconnection, reflection, and professional growth at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
The Beyond the Game Program, in its inaugural year, was created by RUPA General Manager of Player Development and Wallaby 737, James Holbeck, and Commercial and Communications Manager, Ananya Bhindi, to provide past players with a structured platform for professional development, and ongoing support beyond their playing careers.
Across the camp, players repeatedly noted how meaningful it was simply to spend time together and be in a room full of people who understood the journey of professional sport, had experienced similar highs and challenges, and could relate openly to the often-complex transition into life beyond the game.
RUPA is incredibly grateful for the support of the Global Rugby Players Foundation, which provided former Australian professional players with a platform to reconnect and gain valuable skills for life beyond rugby.
From the moment players arrived, old teammates reconnected instantly, while players from different eras and clubs shared stories, compared transition experiences, and recognised common threads in their post-rugby lives. This sense of community and team became a defining element of the 2025 Beyond the Game Camp.
RUPA CEO Welcome
RUPA CEO and Wallaby 770, Justin Harrison, officially opened the program, grounding the group in the purpose of the camp: to bring past players together, provide practical support services, and create professional development opportunities. Justin spoke about the transition out of elite sport and the importance of staying connected, encouraging participants to make the most of the two days by engaging honestly and supporting one another.
Perspective Beyond the Game – Where Players Are Now
Jimmy Holbeck’s, two-part session on “Perspective Beyond the Game” invited players to speak openly about their transition experiences. He provided a framework for players to map their own experiences & identify their similarities or differences with other players. This quickly became a powerful part of the day, as players recognised and shared experiences in navigating life beyond rugby.
Participants discussed the difficulty of adjusting to the sudden change in fitness routines once leaving the elite environment. For many, departure from professional sport may be unplanned due to injury or life changes, highlighting the importance of preparing in advance or seeking support.
Loss of ‘sport identity’ was a common theme, with players describing the confronting shift when they could no longer define themselves by the structure, consistency, and purpose that rugby provided. Yet, within these challenges, players also highlighted positive aspects of life beyond rugby, including more quality time with family, the ease of reduced pressure, and the ability to make decisions without the demands of travel, training, and performance expectations.
Understanding the Grief Cycle
Brumbies Player Development Manager, Robin Duff, continued this theme by explaining the loss and grief process and how it relates to retirement from elite rugby. Players were able to identify their own experiences within this process and consider strategies for navigating the loss of their professional rugby careers.
iSport Project Management Certification – Dr Dave Arthur
Dr Dave Arthur emphasised that the mindset, discipline, and leadership skills that drove their professional sporting success are equally applicable to future personal and business endeavours. Built around real-world competencies, the program was designed to help players recognise how their unique skill sets translate into valuable, in-demand professional assets.
Participants were also introduced to fundamental project management principles, providing a framework to achieve personal and professional goals. Those who opted into the course, will participate in guided one-on-one sessions with Dave, integrating their skills into goal-driven pathways, ultimately gaining a global project management certification.
Participants left with the tools, language, and clarity to manage change, build opportunity, and shape their next chapter with the same purpose that drove their sporting success.
As Dave says: “Transition is not retirement, it’s reinvention. We’re not teaching new skills; we’re helping this group recognise the world-class ones they already have and giving them a framework to continue their high performance on a different field.”
Identity & Social Connection
In the early afternoon, Mental Strength and Performance Specialist Gary Fahey, led a reflective session on identity. He encouraged players to think beyond their playing careers and consider the values and passions that define them outside of sport. This prompted many to reflect on who they are becoming, what matters most now, and how they can build fulfilling lives beyond rugby.
LandEd – Adam Leach
Former Waratah, Adam Leach, delivered an engaging and practical session introducing LandEd, his organisation providing education on building wealth through land subdivision. He explained the fundamentals of navigating the subdivision process in a staged, low-risk way. Adam emphasised that subdivision doesn’t require being a full-time developer; it can be approached as a structured side project alongside other careers or commitments.
Mortgage Considerations
Former Wallaby Adam Wallace-Harrison provided an informative session on mortgage considerations, giving players a clear understanding of approaching property finance confidently. Drawing on his experience in lending and property, Adam explained key concepts including borrowing capacity, interest structures, repayment strategies, and the importance of maintaining strong financial documentation. He highlighted how changes in employment, lifestyle, or income stability can influence loan approvals and offered guidance to help players become “finance-ready” for future opportunities.
World Rugby Brain Health Service
World Rugby Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Martin Raftery, introduced players to World Rugby’s Brain Health Service, which supports former professional players with health screening and provides reports recommending modifiable lifestyle habits or referrals for further testing. Australia is part of a global initiative to make this service available free of charge to former players. The program, funded by World Rugby, uses scientifically validated examination techniques, including an initial questionnaire and online consultation with a trained brain health practitioner to identify any need for specialist care.
The day ended with a relaxed dinner at The Quarryman’s Pub, providing an intimate setting for story-telling, support and connection.
Day two began with one-on-one sessions with Jimmy Holbeck and Dave Arthur, where players developed strategies for next steps and explored how they might connect with RUPA moving forward. This led into an open forum where players shared feedback on what they most need from RUPA moving forward. The session was honest, constructive, and grounded in players’ lived experiences, reinforcing the value of player-driven programming and strong, accessible support systems.
Next, the players headed over to the Fullerton Hotel for the Annual BDO Rugby Players Lunch, which welcomed over 460 attendees, including RUPA partners, industry leaders, current players, and supporters from across the Australian rugby community. The lunch provided past players a valuable opportunity to connect not only with industry leaders but also with current players and the wider rugby network. It offered a real-world chance to apply personal development insights, engage in meaningful conversations, and strengthen transition pathways.
The inaugural Beyond the Game Camp was a powerful reminder of the strength and camaraderie within the past player community. Bringing everyone together created space for honest connection, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of belonging. The camp reinforced the importance of supporting each other through every chapter, not just those lived on the field. It reaffirmed the long-term commitment to walk alongside past players as they navigate life after rugby, a meaningful first step in shaping a future that truly goes beyond the game. Throughout the year of 2026, RUPA will be running a series of player-led events including access to medical health expos and workshops as part of the Beyond the Game Program.
