We sit down with Don Armand, former Exeter Chiefs and England international rugby player, to unpack his journey beyond professional rugby.

Don shares what it really takes to transition out of elite sport, the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the lessons learned along the way. He opens up about stepping into the unknown, building a new sense of purpose, and the things he wishes he had considered earlier in his career.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start preparing early
2. Take ownership of your transition
3. Develop an identity beyond sport
4. Transition is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity

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 national 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

If Don’s insights resonated with you, here are a few more episodes you won’t want to miss:

Chris Cook

Chris shares his unique journey from elite swimming to life beyond the pool, emphasising the importance of dialling up your agility, exploring new passions and opportunities while still competing.

Nick De Luca

Discover how Nick prepared for life beyond rugby, the mindset shifts that helped him transition, and the lessons he now applies in his career.

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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