Brumby Ben Alexander, Waratah Nick Phipps and Melbourne Rebel Tom Sexton are amongst a few players who have recently taken ambitious steps in their lives outside of rugby. And they have a few good reasons for why they continue to persist with the hard work.

Their efforts have been supplemented through RUPA’s Player Development Program (PDP) and Training and Education (T&E) grants, a reimbursement offered to players each year for a range of training, education and other forms of professional development courses they pass.

Ben Alexander has just finished his Bachelor of Sports Media through the University of Canberra.

“I started studying a long time ago, when I first finished school. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do but I knew I loved sport, I read the sports in the paper every day ever since I was a little kid,” Alexander said.

“I was keen to get a degree under my belt so I could look to study further in different areas.”

Having recently opened a pub in Canberra with Brumbies teammate, Scott Fardy, Ben has just commenced a Business Diploma, also with Brumbies teammates, as organised by RUPA.

“I’m finding the business side of things really interesting at the moment,” Alexander said.

“The course is eight weeks, but it’s really convenient as it’s made to fit in with our schedules so that we’re able to attend and give it our full attention. I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far.

“I thought a Business Diploma was a good way to gain a bit more knowledge and understanding of the academic side of business so I can get more involved with the hands-on side of running the pub.

“The pub is going really well, exceeding our expectations. We didn’t envisage it to be as busy for a couple more years so we’ve got our hands full making sure we keep the product and service up to scratch, but it’s a good problem to have.”

Alexander believes having an interest outside of rugby is wise, but says it’s important to make the most of rugby too.

“You’ve got to make sure you give your best in rugby as you only have one chance. But it’s also good to give yourself a bit of a balance and an escape from rugby by having a bit of study or something else in the background, and the support RUPA provides makes that easier,” Alexander said.

Phipps agrees the educational support offered through RUPA’s Player Development Program and T&E grants provides Australian rugby players with a big incentive to achieve and develop off the field.

“The opportunity to receive grants gives you no excuse. Most players, by the time they finish footy, have families or other commitments and sometimes can’t afford to go back to studying. You’re only provided support for so long so why not use it,” Phipps said.

Phipps has also just finished his undergraduate course and has recently started a Masters of International Business through Sydney University.

“I’d already done a Bachelor of Business and wanted to keep studying because I enjoy it,” Phipps said.

“It’s definitely something I want to use post-rugby but it’s also something that gives me options at the end of the day. By the time I finish rugby I’ll probably be up against younger, more qualified candidates so it’s something I will be able to use.”

Phipps admits there are difficulties involved in juggling professional rugby with off-field commitments, but also believes having something to accompany rugby is important.

“I stuffed around for a few years down in Melbourne and wasn’t doing anything outside of footy at all. The hardest thing with that was getting the motivation to start something up again. Now I look back and wish I had just kept going,” Phipps said.

“I’ve seen many suffer injuries or not get re-signed, which makes you realise just how important it is to have something to fall back on.

“You need to have good communication channels with your lecturers so, if you are away or busy, they can help. At the same time though, you can’t use that as an excuse to do less.”

Tom Sexton agrees.

“As rugby players we train hard and there is a lot of commitment so you mightn’t be able to make all the lectures, but there’s definitely enough time for your own personal revision and study.

“If you make your situation clear from the start, they help you.”

“I think the key is staying enrolled and continuing with the course. I find if you consistently chip away at it, before you know it, it’s done,” Sexton added.

Born in Melbourne, but raised in Ireland, Sexton studied law at undergraduate level in Dublin. Since returning to Australia with the Rebels, Sexton recently decided to tackle the management and marketing side of business in a Masters course through the University of Melbourne.

Sexton believes rugby provides ideal practical experience, building skills in accountability and working within a team to high standards. He hopes that, coupled with his study, this will help him achieve.

“I’d love to get into management and business consulting, where companies hire you to help improve the performance of the organisation and their efficiency, that’s what I’d be interested in,” Sexton said.

Sexton believes the fact you have to pass to get reimbursed with RUPA’s training and education (T&E) grants is a serious motivator too.

“Also, if some personally perceive the financial aspect as a hindrance to them engaging in study then it’s definitely a way of encouraging more to get into it,” Sexton said.

More information about applying for this year's Trainng and Education (T&E) grants will be available soon.