There are many famous rugby stars who have made surprising career changes. And what this shows is that people’s success often depends on finding the courage to make those major career switches.
1. Phil Vickery - Fashion designer/Chef
Following his retirement in 2010 due to injury, Vickery established his own fashion line named after his moniker. Featuring rugby-inspired tops and T-shirts, shirts, footwear and knitwear, the Raging Bull brand is stocked in 30 House of Fraser stores and 90 independent retailers in the UK.
Vickery, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, has launched his new enterprise No.3 as a collection service after plans to open a restaurant were delayed.
2. Martin Bayfield – Actor
Unexpectedly, Bayfield appeared in all of the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid, as Robbie Coltrane’s body and stunt double. He also appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, as a young Rubeus Hagrid. Continuing the acting theme, he also played a cyclops in Jonathan Liebesman’s Wrath of the Titans, the sequel to 2010 movie Clash of the Titans.
3. Richie McCaw – Commercial helicopter pilot
The legendary All Blacks No 7 has revealed his plans for life after rugby having announced his retirement from the sport. When asked how he would fill his days now without the sport, he said: “I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I’m excited about the opportunities there. Aviation is something I’m passionate about, I’m going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.”
4. James Haskell – MMA
After hanging up hos boots, Haskell signed to mixed martial arts promotion Bellator MMA as part of its Heavyweight division. Haskell had previously done analysis and commentary work for English promotions such as BAMMA and CFF.
In February 2020, it was announced that Haskell would make his professional mixed martial arts debut on 16 May 2020 at Wembley’s SSE Arena. The event was ultimately postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
5. Nigel Owens - Farmer
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field. As he begins to wind down his refereeing career, Owens has bought his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they’ve built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
