The Rugby Fobcast

Changing Times for Professional Rugby Players

January 29, 2007 on 9:48 pm | In Rugby Fobcast News |

Well, I think it is refreshing to see, that the modern day rugby player has become more of a SNAG (sensitive new age gentleman)

With the ever increasing demands that the professional rugby player has to endure, with the never ending  training, preperation, travel & media commitments, it isn’t hard to see why a number of our rugby superstars look for other avenues & opportunities to try & prolong thier professional careers without losing sight at what is most important in thier lives.

Just recently Aaron Mauger & Matt Rodgers, have done deals which were made purely from a family point of view.

Mauger was recently quoted “I’ll be able to watch the kids grow up a little bit more.” which proves that the current S14 player & in his case a high profile player with a family are spending too much time away from home & most importantly from thier families.

The next big decison will be made by Lote Tuqiri, wheather he stays in rugby union or makes the switch back to his beloved Rugby League.

It looks as if, if he stays with rugby he will want to move closer to his family in queensland & could end up being a Reds player in 2008.

The money being thrown around is just crazyness, but I am of the belief, that if you can get it, go for it!!!!

THe modern day professional rugby/league player realistically has around 7-10 years in the game, so in that time, like any professional, you hope to make the most of all opportunites that come your way, that of course taking into account your family situation.

Lote is going to be offered the earth & heavens to stay with Rugby Union, but I think he wants to go back to League, where his heart really lies.

So there lies the delima, he will make a decision to take the money to secure his families future and see less ball, or go back to  league for a reasonable salary & play the game he really loves, & most importantly see the family he’s longing to be with.