Niall Woods: Enforced shutdown the perfect opportunity to prepare for life after rugby

PLANNING AHEAD: Niall Woods was forced into early retirement in 2001 due to a knee injury, an experience that means he understands better than most the need for players to prepare themselves for life after rugby. ‘Between myself, other agents, the players association, we’re encouraging players all the time to get themselves ready for when it finishes,’ he says.

Whether representing them as a collective or now as an agent, Niall Woods has always encouraged players to prepare for life after rugby and there could be no better opportunity than the present lockdown.

The former Ireland international wing ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to advising his clients, who include Garry Ringrose, Jordi Murphy (his first client) and Andrew Conway.