Abstract
The dissertation begins with an introduction into the concept of Transition and discusses the many varying transition processes that occur in society, some positive with others being more challenging. The study narrows its focus on the topic in question and investigates the challenges faced by former Irish professional rugby players when they were faced with transitioning into life after rugby. The study is based around the characteristics, which assist the player in the transition process as well as the characteristics that make it more difficult. The dissertation researches various sports from various countries, which all have varying levels of competitiveness from elite performance to professional competition all with the same focus to investigating the challenges faced by these athletes at the different stages of there careers. The study is based around the concept that if the player is educationally prepared does it make his transition into life after rugby easier or less stressful. The study was carried out by asking all former professional rugby players from Ireland a questionnaire about the transition process, which they all went through. Analysis was then carried out with the emphasis on the importance of being educationally prepared for this transition process. The findings are presented and discussed and highlight the important role education plays in helping prepare the rugby players for life post rugby. The conclusions are drawn with limitations highlighted and recommendations put forward.
