This week on The Sporting Transition Podcast I’m joined by Ralph Adams-Hale, who spent nine seasons with Saracens, earned a Physics degree from King’s College London, and is now one year into underwriting at Apollo in the Lloyd’s of London market.
Ralph brings real honesty to what the first year after professional sport truly feels like.
Here is what we explore 👇👇
🏉 Choosing corporate stability after injury forced retirement, and why contracts in rugby are more fragile than they appear
📚 How part time university study, supported by the club, became essential when full time rugby and full time Physics clashed
🤝 The power of networking while still playing, including the sponsor event conversation that led directly to his role
💼 Adjusting to the steady rhythm of 9 to 5 and learning a new kind of performance
🚀 Translating rugby strengths into underwriting, from decision making under pressure to communicating clearly
🔥 Keeping the competitive fire alive through HYROX and performance goals outside the sport
Ralph’s journey is a brilliant reminder that transition is not about replacing match day, it is about building a new story with the skills you already have.
A huge thank you to Ralph for an insightful and generous conversation.
Former Ospreys lock Lloyd Ashley shares how early setbacks shaped his mindset around life after rugby, and how curiosity, education and vulnerability helped him build a purposeful career supporting player wellbeing.
Jackson Wray shares how he planned his transition years in advance, building education, networks and practical experience alongside 300 plus Saracens appearances to create a new career with clarity and purpose.
Former Worcester Warrior and London Irish prop Tom Warren shares how a career ending injury at 28 pushed him into a new path in sales leadership, proving that discipline and resilience from rugby can build a thriving business career.