Player retirement and transition

Why focus on retiring players?

All of life’s transitions can create challenges. For professional sports players the transition from active player into retirement can be a particularly challenging one.

Data from a survey released by the Rugby Players’ Association in 2018 indicated that 62% of players experienced issues following retirement from the professional game, with mental health problems a cause for particular concern. It is certain that these issues are not limited to rugby union.

The Drake Foundation is working with sporting bodies and scientists to pioneer research into this important issue. We hope that this research will lead to improved support for players before, during and after their transitions out of professional sports, in addition to insights into physical and mental health in the wider population.