In the world of professional rugby, players need to look beyond the goalposts, to make sure they have a viable career mapped out when their playing days are over
When it comes to professional sport, it’s hard to deny that one of the big draw cards is the money. You start out for the love of the game, and that is your ultimate driving force, but that extra push towards the professional ranks is a lot more justified when you see the numbers involved.
South African rugby is of course a part of this, and our players in the pro ranks can make a very good living when they reach the big time. A SuperRugby player makes over R1-million a season.
That is what they get from their franchise alone, and excludes win bonuses and other endorsements.
But there is a limited time period to the playing part of these careers, which realistically comes to an end in their early 30s. Where to from there, earnings-wise?
Sure, if they manage their money well and make good investments, they can properly set themselves up, but that is hardly the norm.
The same applies to us in our everyday careers. Gone are the days of working in one job for 25 plus years, and then getting a handshake and comfy chair to put your feet up on.
There is more to do in life nowadays. We are staying younger for longer, and with that the goal posts are changing. Retirement as it was once known has almost become an antiquated thing.
We are moving towards a more entrepreneurial way of working. Technology is playing a big role in this with many industries and business practices being disrupted. Adaptability is becoming the key to success. The more skills you have, the more you can adapt and add value.
The ‘money’ conversation in rugby revolves around how players approach their careers on and off the field, and how they diversify their earning potential, with a long term plan for success and sustainability.
As a player, and as a youngster in the public eye, they will get unique opportunities to capitalise on in South Africa. There are certain brands and companies that want to operate in rugby, and therefore will find players of ‘high market value’ desirable to align with.
Apart from being an exceptional player, understanding the business of the sport they have chosen is a great way to be one of these people. Developing skills outside of the game will also ensure greater longevity with such opportunities.
Players also come into contact with many influential people from the business world. By building a network of professional contacts throughout their career could lead to unique employment opportunities post that.
Much like the team that uses their opportunities on the field the most ultimately wins the rugby match, players can do the same in their personal capacities to ensure they are winning in the long game when it comes to making money.
Which then comes back to us again. No matter what our chosen fields are, continually up-skilling ourselves, capitalising on opportunities, along with networking and growing in what we do will allow us to adapt in the workplace.
And whether that puts us in a better place to land that job, or open a business to take our earning potential to the next level, the same principles apply. We can all do a little more and strive for better.
Though that may seem like hard work in the beginning, it ensures our best is never behind us, but more something that defines us.
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