Mentoring
Model
Guidance, connection, and support for the next stage.
The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust offers a dedicated Mentoring Model to support players and alumni as they prepare for life beyond rugby.
Transitioning from the game is a big step, and having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
Once you’ve completed the Career Guidance module, you’ll be matched with one of our mentors — experienced professionals who are well connected, understand the challenges of change, and are committed to helping you grow personally and professionally.
Hear from Mentor Mike Brunel
“I am already a big believer in what this Mentoring Scheme has to offer. I thought I was already well prepared for the transition but just speaking to someone outside of rugby has given me both knowledge about what lies ahead but also confidence that I have the abilities to take it on."
Conrad Smith - Hurricane #110
About Mentoring
The power of mentoring lies in perspective. Stepping into life beyond rugby often means facing questions and decisions you haven’t had to make before. A mentor brings valuable outside insight, along with experience, networks, and a genuine willingness to give back. For many alumni, this support becomes the bridge between rugby and new opportunities in business, careers, and life.
What Mentoring Is:
Mentoring is a developmental partnership where one person (the mentor) shares knowledge, skills, and perspective to foster the personal and professional growth of another (the mentee). It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for collaboration, goal-setting, and problem-solving.
A mentor is an experienced person from outside the mentee’s normal environment, who can:
- Help you set and achieve personal objectives
- Act as a sounding board for ideas
- Offer impartial, confidential advice and guidance
- Share broader business and life experiences
- Connect you with other opportunities and networks
Programme Guidelines:
The mentoring programme is:
Player-driven: Focused on your needs and goals — you keep things moving.
Voluntary: Both mentor and mentee participate by choice.
Transition-focused: Designed to help you move from professional rugby into the next stage of your life.
Flexible: Broad in nature and able to adapt as your needs change.
Built on trust: Success depends on mutual respect and confidentiality.
Get Involved:
Whether you’d like to be matched with a mentor or you’re ready to give back as a mentor yourself, we’d love to hear from you.
We all hang up the boots one day
We’re here to make the transition to life after the game a little easier.
