Morning: Well-being and Financial Security
The players began their day with a 6am gym session at Rugby Australia, followed by breakfast. Rugby AU Chief of Rugby Services & Game Development, Ben Whittaker, welcomed the players and emphasized the importance of the ‘person inside the athlete’ and the personal growth throughout a player’s career.
Financial Literacy with BDO
Will Tuffley and Kelly Kennedy from RUPA’s partners, BDO, introduced players to strategies for managing their earnings wisely. Topics included professional athlete centric tax advice, budgeting, understanding investments, and planning for financial stability. Players gained actionable insights into how to make the most of their current income while preparing for the future.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Brumbies PDM, Robin Duff, led an impactful session addressing mental health challenges often faced by athletes. Players were provided with tools to recognize signs of distress in themselves and teammates. Tools included accessing Telus Health One App (partner of Rugby AU), a wellbeing health hub providing players with complimentary counselling sessions. The session also included strategies for fostering a culture of openness and support, along with resources for seeking professional help when needed.
Andrew Hanson from RUPA’s partner, Robert Walters, encouraged player to think beyond the pitch and start building professional networks in other industries. Key takeaways included the importance of networking for career transitions, leveraging relationships, and identifying transferable skills that can open doors in diverse industries.
Resilience Through Gratitude and Mindfulness
Robin returned with a workshop on developing resilience through practices such as gratitude, generosity, and mindfulness. Players engaged in reflective exercises and discussions, learning how these habits can enhance focus, reduce stress, and build emotional strength during challenging times.
Brand Building with The Brand Builders
Vickie Saunders from The Brand Builders, delivered an insightful workshop delving into the art of presenting oneself authentically and finding a personal sense of brand and identity. Players learned how to craft a compelling personal narrative, leverage their unique qualities, and establish a lasting impression in both their professional and social circles.
In the afternoon, players rotated through 3 focused 25-minute breakout sessions that provided actionable insights into key areas of personal and professional development:
The Art of the Side Hustle
Former player, Cameron Orr, is the co-founder of Elite Performance Journals and provides RUPA and the players with Induction Camp Development booklets each year. Cam shared personal insights into how he built his side hustle off the field, and the importance of creating options for life after rugby. Cameron discussed time management, leveraging their unique skills, and identifying opportunities for passion projects or entrepreneurial ventures.
Social Media Blueprint for Athletes
Vickie Saunders from The Brand Builders led an insightful session on building and managing a professional online presence. Players were taught how to use social media effectively to amplify their brand, engage with audiences, and secure sponsorship opportunities, all while maintaining authenticity.
The Building Blocks of Property Ownership
Reuben Way from Flint Mortgage Brokers guided players through the complexities of buying property. The session covered essential topics such as securing loans, understanding market trends, and planning for long-term financial growth through real estate investments.
Evening: Reflection and Inspiration
Over dinner at Penny’s Hotel in Potts Point, players heard from Gary Fahey, a former bodyguard and Ambassador for the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association. Gary shared his deeply personal story of resilience, detailing how he overcame life’s adversities to rebuild a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. His talk underscored the importance of mental strength, adaptability, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of challenges.
Day 2 is a testament to the commitment of players in staying engaged and focused during an insightful day of player development learnings. Thank you to all RUPA's partners and special guests for being a part of day 2.
