Worcester Warriors scrum half Matt Powell has revealed how he is building a bright future…. both on and off the field.
Powell has been instrumental in Warriors development in the Guinness Premiership since his arrival at Sixways Stadium in 2003 and retains a burning desire to fire the club up the league table in the coming years.
However, the popular number nine is now also looking at his own self development and broadening his horizons away from the game, with the full support of the management team at Warriors and Professional Rugby Players’ Association (PRA).
There are many players in professional rugby who have not had the benefit of a college or university background, whose experience is limited to the rugby pitch and have no real work experience and no real vision of a career after sport.
Powell is now hoping to help show the opportunities that are open to them during his own ‘work experience’ with local firm Modus Creative, official creative partner to Worcester Warriors, by organising a non-profit business networking event, with all proceeds going to the Wooden Spoon.
“I’ve always thought about life after rugby since I was about 20. Every year I try and do different things in my spare time, I’ve done work experience roles and have tried to test myself in different areas,” revealed Powell.
“Rugby can be a short career and we love what we do and I put a lot of effort into the club. But to keep me in touch with reality it is great to do something outside of the sport.
“We need to encourage young guys to go to college or university, as long as it doesn’t impact on what they do on a rugby field. They could do some work experience or do an apprenticeship. It’s all good life experiences for your own self development.”
Powell is now investigating the opportunities he has in the future by organising the networking event a ‘Full English Breakfast with Jase’ which will take place at Sixways on January 23.
The event, open to the business community across the region, will see guests enjoy breakfast and the chance to network with like-minded professionals in the exclusive Warriors Business Club before listening to World Cup winner Jason Leonard talk about his transition from rugby to business.
Powell has also invited inspirational former SAS Captain Floyd Woodrow MBE DCM (Parachute Regiment) to talk about ‘staying in front of the competition in both a battle arena and in business’.
“I’m delighted that Modus Creative is willing to support me in launching and project managing this event,” added Powell. “This is my project and I’m very fortunate that they have provided me with the support and infrastructure to bring local businesses together for this prestigious networking event. I also have the additional support of the Sixways Events team and I’m confident this will be an amazing event for all who attend.”
“Jason Leonard is a good friend of mine we played together at Harlequins and I’m delighted that he can headline my first event,” added Powell. “He is a real inspiration in sport and business and he has a few tales to tell! He will be talking about his business experiences and then we can have a bit of fun on the day with some Q&As.”
Guy Marson, Marketing Director of Modus, added: “We’re delighted to have Matt driving and managing this project. It will help raise the profile of Modus and our design and print capability in the local business community. Matt first came to see us in September when he presented us with some great ideas and a strong business plan for this event.”
Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the PRA said: “Matt has shown great insight and self motivation in approaching and investigating his future opportunities this way. The PRA are great advocates of players planning for life after sport and we wish Matt every success with his event.”
Mike Ruddock, Director of Rugby, has also wished Powell success with his venture in his spare time away from the club.
“We fully support Matt Powell in his desire to develop a commercial perspective to add to a huge rugby experience gained over many years,” he said.
“Matt has always been a role model at Warriors with his professionalism and dedication giving the younger players in the squad a real understanding of the behaviour required to be a top rugby player. The work ethic demonstrated by Matt has always rubbed off on those around him.
“It is my belief that all rugby players should have a focus on life outside or after rugby, particularly as one injury could end a promising career prematurely. We support Matt’s actions in this area, particularly as it does not impact on his total commitment to our training programme, and we fully expect other players to give life outside of rugby careful consideration.”
The event is scheduled for January 23rd 2009 in the Business Club at Sixways Stadium, commencing at 7.30am. Tickets are available from Matt Powell on 01905 731529 or you can e mail matt@moduscreative.co.uk. Further details of the event and downloadable booking forms can be found on www.moduscreative.co.uk