Rugby players prepare for life beyond sport

Blues and Auckland midfielder Isa Nacewa tastes the campus life at AUT's new business school.

Proving that there's life after rugby - and helping dispel the myth that sports stars are all brawn - a group of Auckland NPC and Blues players are using their brains to study for business qualifications.

Midfielder Isa Nacewa is among 15 players granted scholarships by Auckland University of Technology. He says studying for a diploma in business gives him the opportunity to gain a practical qualification while still playing professional rugby.

Others taking a course include Ben Atiga, Tasesa Lavea, David Gibson, John Afoa, Angus McDonald, Derren Whitcombe, Rudi Wulf, Jerome Kaino, Jamie Helleur and Brad Mika.

It has meant AUT tailoring a two-year course to suit the demands of a tight training schedule - including holding classes at Eden Park where they train.

Senior lecturer Roy Smollan, who travels to Eden Park each week to give the lectures, said it simply involved a little more flexibility than usual.

Players use IBM-donated laptops, which they keep upon course completion.

The Blues' professional development manager Bryn Nyberg said: "The players are very aware their rugby careers have a limited time span and of the importance of laying the groundwork for their future beyond rugby."

Professor Des Graydon, dean of AUT's business faculty, said fitting the rigours of training around studying was ambitious but achievable.

And rugby stars were ideal business and entrepreneurship candidates, he said.

"We are matching proven talent and leadership with business acumen."