Jacques du Toit - From Rugby’s Front Row to Building New Chapters

Former Cheetahs, Kings, Bath, and Zebre Parma hooker, Jacques du Toit, has lived the highs of professional rugby, winning Currie Cups, playing in Super Rugby and the Premiership, and representing South Africa at the U’20’s World Cup, but also the deep challenges that come when the game ends. In this episode, Jacques shares a raw and honest reflection on his transition journey, from struggling to let go of his rugby identity to rediscovering his purpose beyond the pitch.

Key takeaways:

· Why having people who stand by you through the dark days, are crucial during transition.

· How stepping away from rugby left a void of identity and structure, and why athletes must prepare early to avoid the same shock.

· The unique soft skills athletes don’t realise they already have.

· The mistake of trying to separate completely from rugby.

· Why curiosity, networking, and engaging with the people around your sport can open unexpected doors.

· How he’s now channelling his energy into Leap Digital, his growing marketing business, proving that building a fulfilling second chapter is possible.

Alongside his wife, Ilse they have founded Leap Digital, their mission being to empower businesses to stand out and thrive with innovative, tailored digital marketing solutions - Learn More About Leap Digital

About the hosts

James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.

Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.

Connect and Contact

Website:

www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com

LinkedIn:

Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/

James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/

Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10

Instagram:

@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator

Email:

[email protected]

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