Dave Attwood: From England rugby player to new business owner!

My guest today is a rugby union professional, known for playing Lock at Bath Premiership Rugby.  He recently retired from the game at the age of 37 and shares with me his journey.Dave has played rugby since the age of 8, and has played professional rugby for Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, and France, for 20 years, and for well over 10 years with the international team. Unlike many professional rugby players who are forced to leave, he chose to leave the profession and talks to me about how difficult that transition was– from being an elite sportsman, moving to a new stage in your life. He shares how difficult it is to go from being in the spotlight, where everyone recognises you for what you do, to leaving and not being that rugby player anymore. However, you’re still the same man – the same person and he talks about how he has come to terms with that, and made use of his ‘fame’ in a positive way.We also talk about the tragic death of Rob Burrows, and how the incidence of MND and other forms of degenerative brain conditions are significantly higher amongst rugby players. And also, following the moving images of the photo of Rob with his friend Kevin carrying him, how important the camaraderie and the strength of relationships are between people playing rugby. Dave then talks about his new ventures – the portfolio career he is developing.  His first foray into having his own business was running a bar, in the back of a renovated horse-box which he takes to events. The second is his training and leadership business, where he has the opportunity to use all of the skills he gained over the years as an elite sportsman. His passion for working with companies to help them is obvious.Whether you are a rugby fan or not, you’ll find Dave’s story interesting. To contact Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-attwood-98698045/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.aperobarIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe