Career planning: Anthony Mullally

Anthony Mullally’s rugby career took him around the world, from his home town, Widnes to Toronto via Brisbane, Leeds, Whitehaven, Batley, Carcassonne, Featherstone and Wakefield.

His professional journey finally ground to halt in England's most remote outpost, Cornwall, where he made nine appearances in League One in 2022 before calling time on his life as a professional athlete.

The much-travelled prop might have been expected to head back north to forge a new life away from rugby league but that's not the case: instead, he has opted to stay in Cornwall and develop his fledgling health and wellbeing business, Both Sides Retreats.

The company runs three-day residential wellbeing camps which focus on mitigating stress and developing healthy lifestyles. It’s goal is to “help others navigate the stresses and strains of modern day life, reconnect with their most authentic selves, and find a sense of purpose in the world.”

The wanderlust that helped define Anthony’s career forms an intrinsic part of his business model: although based in the South West, the retreats take place in wide-ranging locations, from Cornish beaches to the North Yorkshire moors and the wilds of Sweden.

“We’ve run four retreats over the last couple of years and the feedback we’ve had has been really profound,” said Anthony. “Their success has been one of the reasons I retired from playing.

“In my own mind I went into semi-retirement four years ago. My experience at Toronto was tough, and playing part time in France and for Cornwall wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed.

“The business is in its infancy so it’s great to be able to devote all my time and energy to giving the men who attend our camps the life-changing experience they sign up for.”

Anthony delivers sessions around breathing, meditation and exercise, and is supported by experts in fields such as jujitsu, surfing and yoga during the three-day camps, which are attended by men of all ages and backgrounds.

“I’m really grateful to the support I’ve had from Rugby League Cares throughout my career,” he added. “I got an education grant from the charity to do an arts course when I was at Leeds and RL Cares were there for me when it all went pear shaped at Toronto Wolfpack.

“As a player you’re a long time retired so it’s important to make what plans you can for the next stage of your working life while you’re still playing.”

For more information on the training and education grants available to professional players, please speak to your player welfare manager.