Business Sydney and the NSW Waratahs today signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding pledging business community support for the Waratahs’ post-playing career program for players.
NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn and Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou signed the MoU at a special reception in Sydney.
The aim of the collaboration is to highlight the success of the career program in which Waratahs players receive real-world experiences with business partners.
A number of players have already made the transition to careers in business with some being promoted over time to senior corporate positions with leading companies as CEOs.
The terms of the MoU sees Business Sydney and the NSW Waratahs pledge to enhance the visibility and profile of the NSW Waratahs as the premier Super Rugby Club representing NSW.
Mr Doorn and Mr Nicolaou said:
“The MoU specifically identifies collaboration between our two organisations to enhance participation of the business community in NSW Waratahs’ post-playing career program.
“Business Sydney regards the program as a high-value initiative where businesses can help open a pipeline of opportunities to help prepare gifted sporting athletes for life beyond the playing field.”
In endorsing the commitments outlined in the MoU, Mr Doorn said:
“It’s wonderful to collaborate with an esteemed organisation like Business Sydney on this program.
“At the Waratahs, we take pride in providing a full spectrum of care for the player: from when they leave school or graduate through our junior academies, to their professional playing careers, to setting them up for success post-playing career when the time comes to hang up the boots.
“The MoU with Business Sydney further enhances the full spectrum of support that we can provide for our players, and I look forward to seeing Waratahs players not only develop and thrive on the field, but off it.”
Mr Nicolaou said the NSW Waratahs had always been a forward-looking and innovative organisation that considered the interests of players and their future career development.
“NSW Waratahs recognised long ago that players had a whole life to consider, and the career program was important in addressing their aspirations for life beyond the playing field,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“Supporting the player career program is not a difficult choice for the business community. The players have valuable skills and vast experience in being part of a team culture. Their team attributes are readily assimilated and of great value in a business setting.”
In the MoU, both organisations are committed to:
- Enhancing the visibility and profile of Sydney as a premier destination for business and sports.
- Enhancing the visibility and profile of the NSW Waratahs as the premier Super Rugby Club representing NSW.
- Exploring avenues for business engagement and participation in Rugby events and related activities.
- Leveraging each other’s resources and expertise to achieve shared goals and maximise outcomes.
