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Explained: What happens to young rugby stars who don't go pro?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 9 Oct 2025, 8:29pm
Ioane Moananu of the Crusaders kicks the ball during the Super Rugby Pacific - Crusaders v Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 10th May 2025. Copyright photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Ioane Moananu of the Crusaders kicks the ball during the Super Rugby Pacific - Crusaders v Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 10th May 2025. Copyright photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz

Explained: What happens to young rugby stars who don't go pro?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 9 Oct 2025, 8:29pm

Key figures involved in rugby have expressed concerns that kids coming through professional rugby pathways don't always have a plan B if playing professionally doesn't work out.

In this world, it is increasingly important that young kids are developing skills for success in the world as the number of players getting professional contracts is a small fraction of the kids who play the sport.

Paul Galland is the head of the Crusaders academy, they have a huge emphasis on helping their academy players develop skills outside of rugby and let them know that players know that there is a life outside of rugby.

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