Managing transition

Whether planned for or as a result of circumstances out of your control, the way in which you manage your transition is worth preparing for in advance.

On this page, two former full time players share their experiences of the process of finishing their playing careers and moving into a different environment, and the practical and emotional challenges that brings.

Ryan Boyle

Ryan is an Ireland international who now plays for Doncaster in League 1 having retired from full time playing in 2017 after a Super League careers spanning 10 seasons.

On moving to part time playing contracts, Ryan utilised his network contacts and invested his time in learning about the companies through direct work experience before gaining a position with The Dixon Group and getting trained as a Plumbing and Heating Engineer with JTL.

He’s been working in this role since qualifying and continues to improve the scope of his role, currently aiming to be due Gas Safe qualified in a couple of months’ time.

Kevin Larroyer

When Kevin moved to Hull KR from Catalans in 201 he spoke very little English. When Salford won the £1m game against HKR with a drop goal the fall out for Kevin was devastating as he lost his job overnight and along with that his financial security.

Kevin managed this unexpected challenge and made the transition to part time playing as well as completing his qualifications in speaking English. =

With some encouragement he took the bold move to start studying for a Sports Business Management degree at Leeds Beckett and is due to complete his studies this year.

Kevin also delivers some of the mental wellbeing programme, Offload, on behalf of RL Cares and is passionate about making sure French speaking players fell comfortable when they make the transition to UK clubs.