— Evolve & Thrive Rugby
Evolve & Thrive Rugby helps professional rugby players prepare for life beyond the game, giving them the space, support and connections to think about who they are beyond rugby and what they want to do next.
— About the program
Leaving professional rugby can bring changes in identity, purpose, routine, relationships and wellbeing alongside the practical question of what comes next.
Delivered by Switch the Play with funding from the Champions03 Foundation, Evolve & Thrive Rugby is a nine-month learning and development programme designed specifically to support professional rugby players through that transition.
It combines personalised mentoring, group learning and community support to help players develop greater clarity, confidence and purpose for their next chapter.
— What players receive
The aim isn't to tell players what comes next. It's to give them the support, tools and network to begin working that out for themselves.
The programme brings together:
following completion to support further personal or professional development
— Delivered with Switch to Play
Evolve & Thrive Rugby brings together the reach and legacy of Champions03 with Switch the Play's specialist experience supporting athletes through transition.
The first Champions03-supported programme launched in March 2026, creating places for professional rugby players approaching retirement and beginning the next stage of their lives.