“Not all players will become coaches or broadcasters and I am yet to see a player accumulate enough wealth to sustain him and his family once that proverbial final whistle blows.

“It's of vital importance for players to study towards a qualification when they can, obtain skills during their careers and use their networks to their benefit whilst they are playing professionally.”

There is help out there for rugby players, though, with My Players, the South African players’ body giving players the tools and advice to sustain themselves post-rugby.

My Players is 100% owned by the country’s rugby players, with Springbok star Lukhanyo Am serving as its president.

“It’s compulsory for players to save in the players’ pension fund. They have access to it once they leave, but we always encourage them possibly transfer it to a different fund,” said former Junior Springboks and Stormers flyhalf Isma-eel Dolly, who is the national player relationship manager for My Players.

“We have a player development department, where players can go into job shadow opportunities. Do Financing 101 and social media.

“While you are playing you don’t think about life after rugby. The lights are too bright. But the reality is you are one ruck or tackle away from a career-ending injury.

“By then it is too late ... So that is why we try and prep the guys early. But there must be an appetite from the players as well, it can’t just come from one side.

“We understand there are different demands, but they have to have a view of life after rugby.”

@JohnGoliath82

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