We sit down with JP Cooney, former professional rugby player for Connacht, to explore the realities of retirement, identity loss, and the hard truths that come with trying to build a second career after elite sport.

JP shares the raw, unfiltered truth of what it felt like to leave behind the only thing he ever knew, rugby, and step into an unfamiliar world of job applications, interviews, and rejection. Despite believing he was prepared, he was hit hard by the harsh reality: employers wanted experience, not just potential.

Now carving out a new path, JP reflects on how the traits that made him a successful athlete, discipline, accountability, and resilience, have become even more valuable in the business world.

Key Takeaways:

• Sporting traits matter but they’re not everything
• Discipline, resilience, and accountability, while powerful, aren’t always enough to land a job. Industry experience is often prioritised, but your athlete traits are amplified once you're in.
• An identity crisis is real
• “The only thing I was, was a rugby player.” JP speaks openly about the psychological challenges of leaving sport and the process of rediscovering who he is beyond the game.
• Being prepared doesn’t mean it will be easy
• Even with a plan, the emotional and professional adjustment to life after sport was harder than JP expected. That doesn’t mean the prep was wasted, it made the difference.
• Lean on your circle

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com

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