Retiring on your terms

The process of retiring is challenging for everyone but none moreso than for professional sportspeople who typically end their sporting careers at a much earlier biological and chronological age.

However this brings with it potentially huge advantages. If the decision is taken voluntarily and it is carefully planned there is a much greater opportunity for a seamless transition into the next phase of that sportsperson's life.

Contrast this situation with either somebody whose career is ended prematurely, through injury or non selection, or where people postpone their decision and compete well beyond their best because they seem unable to let go. At either end of the spectrum, negative feelings of anger, anxiety and fear are likely to be much more prevalent.

It is refreshing therefore to hear that Jason Robinson has chosen to end his playing days voluntarily, possibly assisted by delays in discussing a new contract. As he says "There is actually a life away from rugby. My family are the main things. I cannot see for one minute me looking back and wishing I'd played another year".

Jason Robinson is an example of somebody who views retirement from competitive sport as an opportunity rather than a threat and, as a result, should make the adjustment both more seamlessly and successfully.