The success of the Irish team since 2014 has opened up even more lucrative commercial opportunities for players, several of whom have set up management companies.
“In the early years of professionalism the guys I would have worked most closely with – Gordon D’Arcy, Shane Horgan, Denis Hickie – all of them were full-time professional athletes but working their socks off doing degrees and preparing for life after rugby. “One is clearly demographic – Irish rugby players have generally been through the private school system, and often come from relatively affluent backgrounds and from families who are well networked in business or within the professions,” Dr Robbins says.
Former player and pundit Brian O'Driscoll speaks on BT Sport prior to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs. Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Sport Having done less grunt work on the pitch, rugby backs tend to gravitate to more glamorous businesses. Ian Madigan is co-owner of Feel Free CBD, while 29-year-old Robbie Henshaw recently agreed a brand partnership with AYA, a vitamin and supplement brand, and co-owns Robton Ltd, an advertising and promotions company, with his father.
IrishTimes AWw shuck’s; I can’t wait for my taxes to write off his future debts ☺️