The Welsh Rugby Union has launched an initiative to support the post-retirement careers of professional rugby players.
The Professional Player Development Programme offers work experience, mentoring, financial advice, and help in gaining necessary academic qualifications to all professional Welsh rugby players upon retirement from the game.
“A rugby player’s career is relatively short compared to that of somebody in more traditional employment and we feel we have a duty of care to ensure a successful playing career is followed by a successful career post-retirement from the game,” said WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.
“We are going to be working on the next thing in which they can be successful, the next thing that gives them a buzz.”
The scheme will eventually extend down to regional players, women and into the academies.
It is hoped the programme will also act as an incentive in retaining players within Wales during their playing careers.