Rugby Network
NZRPA understands changing careers after rugby can be exciting and challenging at the same time. It can cause a mixture of emotions for players.
Because of this, the NZRPA established a club called The Rugby Network for retired players. The Rugby Network has been created alongside Pacific Rugby Players to provide support and advice for past players who have played professional rugby in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The Rugby Network team are available to assist retired players with their ongoing personal and professional development, including:
For any assistance, questions or information on upcoming events email scott.fuglistaller@nzrpa.co.nz.
Heading overseas to play rugby?
New Zealand contracted players who go overseas to play rugby can also access some of NZRPA's support services.
Fiona Brading is the NZRPA overseas and careers specialist. Along with your agent, new club and players who are already overseas, Fiona can help you prepare for your international move by providing valuable information on what you and your family can expect.
Fiona can also provide you with a checklist of key things for you to deal with before you leave New Zealand, and she can connect you to players who are already in the country you're heading to so you can ask them any questions you may have.
For advice, support, networking or career planning as you transition into your next career, please contact Fiona.Brading@nzrpa.co.nz to arrange a phone call, WhatsApp or Zoom.
Meet The Rugby Network team
Scott Fuglistaller
Scott is the NZRPA Rugby Network Manager. In this role, he leads the NZRPA’s retired player services, connecting and supporting New Zealand’s transitioning and retired professional rugby players. Scott works alongside our team of PDMs across the country, and closely with Fiona Brading. Scott was employed for three years as a PDM in Taranaki, working with professional and emerging rugby players to equip and empower them in their personal development. He also played 13 years of professional rugby in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from Victoria University of Wellington.
Fiona Brading
NZRPA Relationship Manager (Career Specialist) Fiona spent time working with youth and in the travel industry before studying sports science and psychology at the University of Auckland. After travelling and working in the recruitment industry in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand, she furthered her studies in career development at AUT before setting up her own career coaching practice. She is also a former North Harbour Personal Development Manager.
Hale T-Pole
Founding chairman and now CEO of Pacific Rugby Players, Hale was born in Longolongo, Tonga, and moved to New Zealand for his final two years of secondary schooling at Wesley College.
He has played for Tonga, including at a Rugby World Cup, and for the Pacific Islanders, Highlanders, Otago, Southland, Northland, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, Ricoh Black Rams and Ospreys. Hale is the former director of rugby for the Singapore-based Asia Pacific Dragons team, providing opportunities for Pacific Island players. He is a tireless advocate for the Pacific Island rugby space and hugely passionate about helping people of Pacific descent thrive.
