The rugby world is full of thrills, whether driven by high-impact tackles or the glory of winning some of the biggest competitions available. After rugby players’ careers end, many would agree that it’s time for rest and to reap the rewards of all their hard work over the years. However, for some, trading muddy scrums for dance-offs or survival shows is a ravine they wish to explore. 

The allure of reality TV is irresistible for many, creating opportunities to enhance their public visibility and utilising the shows to bolster their platform for future brand deals, all while participating in a few-week show they may have watched while growing up. Ex-rugby stars may see reality TV shows as a side hustle. They could bring in a range of numerical sums of money for trying something new or making use of another passion they haven’t yet been able to fully explore throughout their career. Other rugby stars turn to punditry or provide predictions and tips via digital media which people could pick up, assess, and keep in mind when thinking about strategies in fantasy games, or processes such as matched betting.

Gareth Thomas

Gareth Thomas is among history’s most iconic Welsh rugby players, becoming the third highest Welsh Rugby Union try scorer. He played a mix of Rugby Union and League, expressing his flexibility with the sport. Within the former, Thomas played as a fullback, wing, or centre, and was a large attacking force. His most notable stint in the Rugby Union came with Cardiff RFC from 1997-2001, scoring 202 points in just 76 appearances. Gareth Thomas was the first Welshman to make 100 appearances for the Wales national rugby union team, scoring 200 points in his time. Gareth Thomas joined the Rugby League towards the end of his career, joining Crusaders RL in 2010, where he made 31 appearances, scoring 28 points. He also represented the Wales national rugby league team four times, scoring 12 points.

After retiring from rugby, Gareth Thomas has appeared in various reality TV shows, most famously Celebrity Big Brother. He appeared in the ninth series of BBC’s iconic show, finishing in third place. His time on the show has seen him gain vast popularity, developing a wider fanbase outside of his rugby career. He also appeared on Dancing on Ice the year after his success on Big Brother, although he had to withdraw from the competition due to illness.

James Haskell – I’m a Celebrity

James Haskell’s story is iconic in his ventures after the end of his illustrious rugby career. Haskell primarily played as a Rugby Union flanker for several teams. He began his career in 2002 for London Wasps, scoring 70 points. Haskell then took his talents abroad, to France, Japan, and New Zealand from 2009 to 2012. On his return to the English Rugby Union, he returned home to the Wasps, where he made over a century of appearances in his second stint at the club. At the international level, James Haskell made 77 appearances for the England national rugby team, scoring 20 points.

James Haskell sought to explore other avenues outside the rugby world before transitioning to reality TV. In August 2019, he signed with the mixed martial arts organisation, Bellator; however, he did not participate in a single fight before retiring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His brief MMA career prompted him to pursue different opportunities, such as I’m a Celebrity, where he participated in ITV’s 19th series of the iconic survival-themed show. He entered the show on day one and exited on day 17, finishing in ninth place. During his time in the jungle, James faced seven Bushtucker Trials, performing admirably and often securing enough stars to keep the camp of television stars satisfied. Haskell’s strong opinions, which stirred debates within the camp, divided views on the former rugby star and influenced public opinion, ultimately leading to him being the fourth camp member voted out.

Sam Burgess

Rugby League legend Sam Burgess is currently coaching at Warrington Wolves. He made 270 appearances in Rugby League, scoring over 250 points, and represented Great Britain and England internationally. Burgess prominently played as a loose forward, with time in the prop and second row. He played for Bradford Bulls 88 times and South Sydney over 180 times. His reputation as an excellent prop earned him an appearance in the NRL All Stars match, a game between the best in the National Rugby League and the Indigenous Australians. His rugby career ended in 2019, opening up new ventures he could explore. Five years after his stellar career came to a halt, Burgess was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.

He appeared on the reality TV show SAS Australia in 2020. The show, which was based on the original British SAS: Who Dares Wins, puts competitors through their paces in a military training environment. The former Rugby League star struggled with physical injuries, mental challenges, and military rations to emerge victorious in the challenging cast.

Read More: click here