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Player Associations

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PLAYER ASSOCIATION PAGE

 

Details about the activities of player associations, highlighting the myriad benefits that come with joining a club's alumni, fostering connections, and nurturing a sense of camaraderie that extends well beyond their playing days.

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Andy Lynch | My transition story

Andy Lynch | My transition story

Steve Hardisty


We caught up with former Castleford, Bradford and Hull prop Andy Lynch recently when he returned to the UK on holiday to visit family and friends, ...

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Passing the torch: How current and former players can support end-of-career transitions

Passing the torch: How current and former players can support end-of-career transitions

Colin Maskill


The final whistle blows, the crowd roars, and the adrenaline fades. For professional athletes, this moment signals not only the end of a game but ...

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Adjusting to a new routine: Navigating the changes in daily life

Adjusting to a new routine: Navigating the changes in daily life

Francis Stephenson


The final whistle has blown, the boots are hung up, and the roar of the crowd fades into memory. Retirement from professional rugby marks a ...

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Career transition & skill transfer: From scrum to success

Career transition & skill transfer: From scrum to success

Francis Stephenson


The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie of the locker room – these are experiences that define a rugby player's life. ...

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Coping with identity loss: navigating the emotional challenges of retirement

Coping with identity loss: navigating the emotional challenges of retirement

Francis Stephenson


For professional rugby players, the sport isn't just a career; it's a core part of their identity. The roar of the crowd, the camaraderie of the ...

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Unlocking player well-being and success: A recap of our recent webinar

Unlocking player well-being and success: A recap of our recent webinar

Francis Stephenson


Last week, Rugby League Cares hosted an insightful webinar dedicated to the well-being of players, their families, partners, and parents.

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Empowering families: Navigating challenges & supporting success

Empowering families: Navigating challenges & supporting success

Francis Stephenson


Calling all parents, partners, and families of professional rugby players! We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being ...

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Paul Clough: From pitch to practice

Paul Clough: From pitch to practice

Steve Hardisty


In this entertaining podcast, we hear from former St. Helens star Paul Clough, who shares his journey from the rugby pitch to a successful career in ...

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Jonny Lomax | Now and next

Jonny Lomax | Now and next

Francis Stephenson


With a physiotherapy degree about to be banked, Jonny Lomax is approaching the rest of his playing career secure in the knowledge that a successful ...

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John Asiata | Health, faith and healing

John Asiata | Health, faith and healing

Francis Stephenson


John Asiata has endured more than his fair share of injury issues during a long and distinguished career in the NRL and Super League.

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Dale Finucane discusses premature retirement through injury

Dale Finucane discusses premature retirement through injury

James Graham


In a recent interview on the James Graham's The Bye Round Podcast, former NRL star Dale Finucane opened up about the challenges of forced retirement. ...

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Jodie Broughton | Career talk

Jodie Broughton | Career talk

Steve Hardisty


Jodie Broughton is enjoying working life as a quantity surveyor in the construction industry after bringing down the curtain on his playing career in ...

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From tryline to finish line

From tryline to finish line

Francis Stephenson


Nine habits that empower rugby players in their second half.

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Wembley beckons: RL legends reunite at the Challenge Cup final

Wembley beckons: RL legends reunite at the Challenge Cup final

Colin Maskill


Prepare for an unforgettable day of camaraderie, celebration, and the sport we all love.

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Tackling Transition | Free IOC Online Course

Tackling Transition | Free IOC Online Course

Francis Stephenson


The demanding nature of our sport inevitably leads to the conclusion of our playing careers. While the passion and camaraderie of rugby are ...

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George Griffin | Identity development

George Griffin | Identity development

Francis Stephenson


Castleford Tigers prop and proud father George Griffin has become a best-seller author by penning a successful children's book, Harvey Hippo Finds ...

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Marcus Stock | Career talk

Marcus Stock | Career talk

Francis Stephenson


After completing a Level 2 Counselling course while playing at York Knights, Marcus Stock combined his playing career with a role supporting victims ...

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Career Ending Injury - Unplanned Retirement

Career Ending Injury - Unplanned Retirement

Francis Stephenson


The roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, the camaraderie of the locker room—these are just some of the defining elements of a professional rugby ...

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Danny Houghton | Transition

Danny Houghton | Transition

Francis Stephenson


What does the future hold for Hull FC hooker Danny Houghton as he counts down to the end of a long and distinguished career?

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Charlie Severs | Career talk

Charlie Severs | Career talk

Lee Crooks


Charlie Severs had given little thought to what the next stage of his career might hold until a serious shoulder injury brought home the reality of ...

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James Elston | Transition

James Elston | Transition

John Ledger


After a nine-year professional playing career with Dewsbury, York and Rochdale, James Elston went on to become chief executive at Wakefield Trinity ...

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Josh Hodson | Career talk

Josh Hodson | Career talk

John Ledger


Josh Hodson made his Super League debut for Castleford Tigers early in 2024 in a season which marked his return to full-time rugby league.

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Iain Thornley | Transition

Iain Thornley | Transition

Stuart Dickens


As he approaches the twilight of a distinguished playing career, Wakefield Trinity's Iain Thornley is well prepared for the next chapter of his ...

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Pit to pitch | Dual careers then and now

Pit to pitch | Dual careers then and now

John Ledger


Featherstone Rovers has a long and proud reputation as a club that is embedded within the heart of its community. Not so long ago, most of the ...

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Free Google course: Build your CV

Free Google course: Build your CV

Francis Stephenson


So you've smashed it on the pitch, but what about off it? As a professional rugby player, you've honed some incredible skills – dedication, teamwork, ...

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Life after sport

Life after sport

Francis Stephenson


Navigating the transition from a life dedicated to professional sports to the uncharted territories of retirement is a challenge shared by many ...

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Player to coach transition

Player to coach transition

Francis Stephenson


The transition from player to coach within the same sport and team is a profound journey, requiring individuals to navigate intricate emotional and ...

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Transferable skills - communication

Transferable skills - communication

Francis Stephenson


In the world of sports, communication isn't just about the spoken word; it's a dynamic interplay of verbal and non-verbal cues that can make the ...

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Transition: premature retirement

Transition: premature retirement

Francis Stephenson


A rugby career is a journey marked by physical challenges, triumphs, and a sense of identity intertwined with the sport.

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Edinburgh dementia research: second visit

Edinburgh dementia research: second visit

Francis Stephenson


In the heart of Edinburgh, I returned to the University for the next chapter in a vital study about the brains of sports warriors. This time, the MRI ...

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Athlete struggles with retirement

Athlete struggles with retirement

Francis Stephenson


Retirement from professional sports is a significant milestone that every player eventually confronts.

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Rookie transitions

Rookie transitions

Francis Stephenson


Embarking on the journey from community player to a young professional athlete is an exhilarating yet complex transition. The allure of the game, the ...

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Big read: The role of club welfare managers

Big read: The role of club welfare managers

John Ledger


Rugby League has taken an increasingly progressive and proactive approach in recent years towards safeguarding the health of players and staff ...

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Big read: Gareth Ellis joins RL Cares

Big read: Gareth Ellis joins RL Cares

John Ledger


Player are at the heart of what Rugby League Cares does.

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Rookie Camp 2024

Rookie Camp 2024

John Ledger


Eighty of the players who will largely form rugby league’s elite for the next decade and beyond came together on the eve of their breakthrough season ...

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Groundbreaking dementia research

Groundbreaking dementia research

Francis Stephenson


In the world of rugby, where strength, strategy, and camaraderie define the game, there's a growing concern about the potential long-term impact on ...

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The transition to part-time rugby

The transition to part-time rugby

Francis Stephenson


As the final whistle blows on a full-time rugby career, a new chapter begins. Transitioning from the rigours of professional rugby to a dual-career ...

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Managing retired players

Managing retired players

James Graham


Former England and St Helens captain James Graham tackles some of the biggest issues in the sport in his Rugby League Round Table podcast.

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Transition with appreciation

Transition with appreciation

Francis Stephenson


Discover the transformative power of gratitude in the world of transitioning athletes. This article explores the myriad benefits of practising ...

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2023 Transition:  information for players

2023 Transition:  information for players

Francis Stephenson


Important information for all retiring professional and semi-professional players.

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Management of former players

Management of former players

James Graham


James Graham introduces a special episode of the 'Rugby League Round Table' podcast, where he delves into a critical topic – the management of former ...

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Navigating transition: supporting your player's journey

Navigating transition: supporting your player's journey

Francis Stephenson


Behind every player's transition out of the world of professional rugby league, there stands a team of friends, families, and partners, who play an ...

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Athlete 365 | Mental health toolkit

Athlete 365 | Mental health toolkit

Francis Stephenson


The IOC initiative, Athlete365, has recently launched a dedicated mental health wellbeing portal, created specifically for the benefit of athletes ...

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Navigating body composition changes in transition

Navigating body composition changes in transition

Francis Stephenson


In the transition from elite athleticism to a new chapter in life, athletes often encounter significant changes in their body composition, and this ...

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From playing to personal training

From playing to personal training

John Ledger


Former Wakefield Trinity players Graham and Martin Law now run a successful gym and fitness business, but their journey into retirement hasn't always ...

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Rugby League All Stars

Rugby League All Stars

Keith Senior


The Rugby League All Stars are a team of retired professional RL players who play semi-contact or touch rugby league to raise funds for charities. ...

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The power of a reunion

The power of a reunion

Francis Stephenson


Increasing numbers of players are rediscovering their links with the game via dedicated club past players associations, arresting a trend that had ...

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Navigating post career blues

Navigating post career blues

Francis Stephenson


The transition out of a professional sports career is a pivotal moment in the lives of athletes. While this transition represents a new chapter ...

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Transferable skills for post career success

Transferable skills for post career success

Francis Stephenson


The transition from a professional sports career to the world of work can be a daunting journey. Many athletes grapple with a sense of uncertainty, ...

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Climbing out of Quarantine

Climbing out of Quarantine

Bob Beswick


It was March 15th 2020, I remember the day well. I’d just arrived at Kingston Park Stadium for a match, this was workday. Game-day is usually ...

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James Roby and LMS | Transition

James Roby and LMS | Transition

Francis Stephenson


James Roby and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook have played more than 1,000 senior games during their glittering careers with St Helens, London Broncos and ...

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Tony Clubb | Transition

Tony Clubb | Transition

Francis Stephenson


After playing over 300 games for London, Wigan and England, Tony Clubb took the decision to hang up his boots in 2021 to pursue a career in coaching.

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Career opportunities at Howorth Air Tech

Career opportunities at Howorth Air Tech

Nav Uppal


Rugby League Cares is working alongside Bolton-based Howorth Air Tech to deliver an inspirational and worthwhile employee wellbeing and leadership ...

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Danny Orr | Transition

Danny Orr | Transition

John Ledger


Danny Orr enjoyed a 25-year career as a rugby league player and coach before leaving the sport in 2022 to take up an exciting new role.

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Managing change through transition

Managing change through transition

Don Davis


The summer is the time of year when most National Football League (NFL) players get some valuable time off before the start of a gruelling season.

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RPA Podcast | Player businesses

RPA Podcast | Player businesses

Steve McCormack


The topic of this podcast from the Rugby Players Association is player businesses.

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Ikigai: a reason for being

Ikigai: a reason for being

Steve Hardisty


Having clear meaning and purpose in our life has many positive effects for our overall wellbeing.

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Greg Worthington | Transition

Greg Worthington | Transition

Harry Compton


Greg Worthington is combining his playing career at Barrow Raiders with a high-pressure role in the security industry.

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Bolu Fagborun | My career journey

Bolu Fagborun | My career journey

Harry Compton


Bolu Fagborun enjoyed a successful playing career with Huddersfield, Sheffield, Batley and Rochdale, as well as having a key role in the emergence of ...

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James Davey | Transition

James Davey | Transition

Harry Compton


James Davey combined his playing career in the Championship with a role as a self-employed electrician.

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Chris Green | Transition

Chris Green | Transition

John Ledger


Chris Green was looking forward to a late-career flourish after joining resurgent Leigh Centurions for the start of the 2022 season.

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James Child | Transition

James Child | Transition

John Ledger


Former Super League referee James Child reflects on his career as one of the sport's top match officials and some of the challenges he faced, both on ...

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The changing world of work

The changing world of work

Steve Hardisty


Compared to the last century, where a person would hold down a single job in the same profession for much of their working life, work in the 21st ...

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What is athletic identity & why it matters

What is athletic identity & why it matters

Francis Stephenson


Athletic identity refers to the degree to which an individual identifies with the role of an athlete. It is a multidimensional construct that ...

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Stuart Howarth | Why education is key

Stuart Howarth | Why education is key

John Ledger


Stuart Howarth’s success in specialist teaching has continued to impress since he was awarded an education grant by Rugby League Cares early in his ...

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Chris Tuson | Preparing for the next chapter

Chris Tuson | Preparing for the next chapter

Amos Wynn


Former Wigan and Hull FC player Chris Tuson admits he found it difficult to adapt to the change of circumstances in his life when injury forced him ...

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Career planning: When I grow up I want to be...

Career planning: When I grow up I want to be...

Steve McCormack


'When I grow up I want to be' is a fun, friendly and informative careers podcast for women presented by Lynsey Hyslop, the Senior Player Development ...

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'Struggles leaving South Sydney:' George Burgess

'Struggles leaving South Sydney:' George Burgess

George Burgess


A fascinating chat between James and George opens up on his career, the injury toll on the body of a footy player and how he coped, and touches onto ...

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'I don't miss playing, I was ready:' Thomas Leuluai

'I don't miss playing, I was ready:' Thomas Leuluai

EverythingRugbyLeague.com


Thomas Leuluai says he has no regrets about hanging up his boots six months ago and is thriving in his new role as an assistant coach at Wigan.

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Rookie Camp 2023

Rookie Camp 2023

John Ledger


The next generation of rugby league heroes were given an informative and insightful introduction to their new lives as professional athletes at the ...

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Corey Hall on education alongside playing

Corey Hall on education alongside playing

Stuart Dickens


Corey Hall is a 20-year-old centre or winger with Wakefield Trinity who is combining his playing career with studying for a degree in Construction ...

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Welfare managers undertake CPD training

Welfare managers undertake CPD training

John Ledger


Rugby League Cares has reaffirmed its commitment to providing world class levels of support to the sport’s playing community by running a two-day ...

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Career planning: Anthony Mullally

Career planning: Anthony Mullally

Steve Hardisty


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

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Career planning: Ligi Sao

Career planning: Ligi Sao

Feka Paleaaesina


Hull FC's Samoan star Ligi Sao has been preparing for life after rugby league during the 2022 campaign by taking on work experience with club partner ...

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Career planning: James Greenwood

Career planning: James Greenwood

John Ledger


At 31, James Greenwood knows all too well that the clock is ticking on his career as a professional rugby league player.

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Riding into the sunset

Riding into the sunset

John Ledger


Rugby League Cares's biggest fundraiser every year is an epic week-long cycling adventure featuring up to 20 riders, many of whom are former players ...

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Warriors Challenge

Warriors Challenge

John Ledger


To help players make a successful transition out of the sport, Rugby League Cares organises events which bring together retiring or recently retired ...

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Managing transition

Managing transition

Francis Stephenson


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 ...

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Forced retirement through injury

Forced retirement through injury

Luke Robinson


Huddersfield Giants' half-back Luke Robinson shares the news that he has been forced to retire from rugby league due to a hip injury.

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Preparing for transition

Preparing for transition

Francis Stephenson


Preparing for a career transition out of Rugby League

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Gregg McNally | Life lessons

Gregg McNally | Life lessons

John Ledger


Gregg McNally is combining his playing career at Rochdale Hornets with on-the-job training to become a Special Educational Needs teacher at EdStart ...

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Mark Flanagan | Pot Kettle Black

Mark Flanagan | Pot Kettle Black

Mark Flanagan


Former Saints and Salford forward Mark discusses his journey from sporting professional to business entrepreneur...

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Taking on the retirement challenge

Taking on the retirement challenge

Paul Sculthorpe


Paul Sculthorpe MBE discusses his retirement and how he channelled his competitive nature into new activities.

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Stuart Howarth | Transition

Stuart Howarth | Transition

John Ledger


Stuart Howarth discusses how he prepared for life after rugby and his current role in a school for children with special educational needs.

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Jamie Thackray | Transition

Jamie Thackray | Transition

John Ledger


There aren't many clubs Jamie Thackray didn't represent during his well-travelled playing career so it's perhaps fitting that he's now running his ...

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Liam Colbon | Transition

Liam Colbon | Transition

John Ledger


Liam is a qualified strength and conditioning coach who runs his own business, Athlete 1st - here's his story.

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Transition and managing change

Transition and managing change

Francis Stephenson


This article builds on previous content that could be found in the RFL Transition Manual and addresses some of the common problems players face when ...

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Shaun Irwin | Transition

Shaun Irwin | Transition

Shaun Irwin


Former Castleford and Great Britain centre Shaun Irwin explains why his Rugby League career was perfect preparation for working under pressure as an ...

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