— The Player Support Fund
Investing in what comes next
The Player Support Fund helps former professional rugby players access the education, training and qualifications they need to build careers beyond the game.
Investing in what comes next
— THE CHALLENGE
Opening the door to new opportunities
A professional rugby career can be relatively short, and many players leave the game without the qualifications, experience or financial resources they need to pursue their next career.
Knowing what you want to do next is one thing.
Being able to afford the training to make it happen can be another.
The Player Support Fund was created by the Champions03 Foundation and Switch the Play to help remove that barrier.
— How it helps
Turning ambition into action
The Fund provides grants towards accredited education, training and professional qualifications that can help former professional rugby players take the next step towards a new career.
Funding can support opportunities ranging from coaching and vocational qualifications to higher education and specialist professional training.
Grants of up to £10,000 are available, alongside personalised support from Switch the Play to help players explore their ambitions and identify the right pathway forward.
— More than funding
Support for the whole transition
Every player's journey beyond rugby is different.
That's why the Player Support Fund isn't simply about providing financial assistance. Applicants also have access to Switch the Play's wider transition support, helping them explore their goals, understand their options and build a plan for what comes next.
The ambition is simple: to make sure financial circumstances don't prevent players from investing in their future.
— Apply
Ready to take your next step?
The Player Support Fund is administered by Switch the Play, who manage applications, eligibility and support for players throughout the process.