Sir Alex Ferguson could make shock move into rugby after Manchester United sacking

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The legendary Scottish manager was at the centre of INEOS' latest cost-cutting moves, as his lucrative ambassadorial contract with the club was axed. Ferguson, who had been earning over £2 million annually since retiring in 2013, will no longer receive those hefty payments from the Red Devils.

It’s not just the money that’s been cut off. At 82, Ferguson has reportedly been told to stay away from the United dressing room. This ends a long-standing tradition where club legends like Ferguson could interact with the players and provide insights. It's a major change for the former boss, whose presence has been a key feature of Old Trafford for decades.

Ferguson’s rugby obsession started six years ago after attending his first match at Sale Sharks. Since then, his love for the game has only grown. The former United manager even offered words of wisdom ahead of Sale’s Premiership final a few years ago.

“To lose, you don’t want to lose,” he said, giving his trademark motivational talk. “I wish you all the best on Saturday. The thing is, I’m telling you, don’t wear a white suit for Christ’s sake [laughs]! Concentration – you’re not there to enjoy it, you’re there to win.”

Ferguson’s influence has spread beyond football and into rugby’s elite circles. He visited the England rugby team ahead of the 2019 World Cup, where head coach Eddie Jones was full of praise for his impact.

In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, Jones revealed how Ferguson had even changed his approach to half-time talks. “I’ll give you an example,” Jones said. “We played Samoa, who we should beat pretty easily. At half-time, we’re ahead by five points. Sloppy. Just going through the motions.”

Jones continued, explaining how Ferguson’s advice shifted his style. “Fifteen years ago, I would have gone in and blasted them. But after having lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson, I changed my whole half-time routine."

Jones said he learned a powerful lesson from the United icon, now choosing a more reflective approach: “So I said, ‘Boys, come in here,’ and I just said to them, ‘This isn’t good enough. Fix it. So when we get back together, you have the solution.’”

This shift in approach, inspired by Ferguson, yielded great results in the second half.

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.