A Strauss , S Strauss & JJ Prinsloo

Abstract

Rugby in South Africa provides entertainment and creates hope and the sharing of a common purpose among South Africans. The recent victory of the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup has proven again that the sport can unite a nation. However, the players’ careers are short-lived. This paper examines the transition period after the cessation of a professional rugby career and the impact this process can have on the athletes who provide us with entertainment and all the positive tenets of this phenomenon. More specifically, the study in which this paper has its origins (Strauss, 2023) identified the main factors that affect the successful transitioning of former professional rugby players into their careers post-retirement. The qualitative study provided a critical analysis and discussion of these identified factors and offered recommendations to remedy the oftentimes dire situation in which players find themselves after retirement. The empirical study relied on semi-structured interviews with participants with first-hand experience of the transition process from professional sport. An exploratory and descriptive approach was applied to gather and interpret their perspectives. The literature review showed that there are numerous challenges retired athletes face post-sport. The empirical study confirmed the conclusions derived from existing literature and highlighted other scrutiny areas. The study’s recommendations are based on the critical literature review, empirical analysis, and the author’s experience (who experienced a similar transition as a retired professional Springbok rugby player). However, there is a gap between what the literature suggests and the practical implementation and tangible results modern athletes experience after retirement.