Sexton Swaps Rugby for the law: 6 Other Players Who Served in the Police

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In this article, we spotlight six other rugby players who have also traded the pitch for a career with the 'Old Bill'.

Richards was schooled at John Cleveland College, in Hinckley, and was a police constable for Leicestershire Constabulary between the 1980s and 1990s before English rugby union became professional. He had a long playing career with Leicester Tigers, and played 48 times for England and six times for the British & Irish Lions. The 55-year-old is now the boss of Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

He served with the Metropolitan Police from 1985 to 1989, before transferring to Bedfordshire Police. The 208 cm (6 ft 10in) tall Bayfield made his England debut in 1991, and although he was omitted from the 1991 World Cup squad, he was a part of the 1992 Five Nations Grand Slam winning side. He went on the 1993 British Lions tour to New Zealand, and was part of the 1995 World Cup squad. Since retirement, Bayfield has worked as a presenter for BT Sport, an after-dinner speaker, and has appeared in all of the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid, as Robbie Coltrane's body and stunt double.

He played for England 55 times and was known as the "Blackpool Tower", as a result of being 6 feet 8 inches tall and a police officer with Lancashire Constabulary in Blackpool. He later established a second-row partnership with fellow police officer Paul Ackford.

The lock is a former English rugby union international who played lock forward. He was formerly an inspector in the Metropolitan Police, and is now a columnist for The Telegraph. He went on the 1989 British Lions tour to Australia, where he played in all three tests.

He is a retired Australian rugby union player who played for the Wallabies 38 times between 1989 and 1999, and earned over 100 caps for the Queensland Reds during his rugby career. Crowley also worked as an undercover police officer with the Queensland Police Force, specialising in busting drug-rings on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Sitting down at the start of 2017 once he knew Glasgow did not plan to keep him under new boss Dave Rennie, and uninspired by the new offers on the table, he made a radical decision to join the Italian police force.

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From modest beginnings to high-profile unions, these power duos have built extraordinary wealth while cementing their legacies. Whether through childhood romances, philanthropic ventures, or ties to royalty, each couple adds their own distinct charm to the sport.

Here’s a closer look at rugby’s most iconic pairs whose relationships—and riches—have made them unforgettable.

From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby’s most admired power couples, Johnny and Laura Sexton’s story has captured as much attention as Johnny’s game-winning kicks. Their journey began at Rathgar Tennis Club and blossomed into marriage in 2013.

Now parents to three children, who enthusiastically support their dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as celebrated off the field as Johnny was on it. Their shared path—from Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin—is a testament to enduring love and commitment.

Post-retirement, Johnny has embraced a new chapter as a full-time commercial manager with the Ardagh Group, a global leader in sustainable metal and glass packaging. The company operates 62 production facilities across 16 countries, employing around 20,000 people, with 2023 sales hitting an impressive $9.4 billion.

Before stepping into his new role full-time, Sexton had been working part-time with the company, transitioning smoothly from his legendary rugby career. With 118 caps for Ireland, five Six Nations titles, and the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2018, Sexton’s legacy on the field is unparalleled. He bid farewell to rugby after Ireland’s heartbreaking Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand last year, closing an iconic chapter in his life.

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s £10 million empire wasn’t just built on rugby; it’s infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.

Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya’s life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa’s “golden couple” lives on. 

“Fridge” by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall’s wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike’s career has been nothing short of resilient.

Since retirement, he’s taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo. 

Jonny Wilkinson isn’t just a legend on the field; he’s a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.

They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they’re embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny’s legacy as one of rugby’s finest is matched by his financial success and family’s privacy. 

Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he’s carved a unique sports career.

His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple’s success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements. 

From pinpoint goal-kicking maestros to dynamic try-scoring machines, these legends have left their mark on the competition.

But how well do you know them? Can you guess who sits atop the leaderboard and who just sneaks into the top 10? Take the quiz and prove your rugby knowledge!