Flip van der Merwe: Life Beyond the Game
How a Global Rugby Players Foundation programme helped Flip van der Merwe navigate life beyond the field
For many professional rugby players, the toughest test often comes after the final whistle, the transition into life beyond the game. The Beyond the Game programme, funded by the Global Rugby Players Foundation, was created to support retired players as they step into this new chapter, equipping them with tools for self-development, community and career growth.
Former Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe reflected on his experience in the programme, offering valuable insight into how it reshaped his perspective and prepared him for the future.
Taking the First Step
The decision to join the programme was not taken lightly. “I heard about the programme from fellow retired rugby great Willem Alberts. I was curious and keen to join a community of old rugby players,” Flip explained.
At first, however, scepticism lingered. “I didn’t want to join a collective moan, so I was very sceptical about joining the group at first. I was surprised beyond my doubts. Not only by the warmth and openness of the fellow players but mostly about the structure and purpose behind the programme.”
A Community of Shared Experience
A key strength of the initiative lies in the connections forged between participants. Having a space where fellow players could openly discuss their journeys was invaluable. “The camaraderie was very good and it felt good to have a fixed time every week to catch up with friends in a structured way and hear what they are up to.”
The structure of the sessions stood out as particularly effective, providing focus and direction. “The structure and guidance gave us a way of expressing ourselves without feeling under the spotlight.”
Tools for Self-Development
The programme offers more than just conversation; it provides practical tools that players can apply in their daily lives. For Flip, learning about the Enneagram was a turning point. “Like any male I’m not the most fluent in speaking emotions and feelings. Right from the start I got access to tools like the Enneagram that helped me understand myself and working with a moderator helped us express ourselves.”
Support also extended to professional development. “Even the way that all the meetings were handled in a professional manner gave me some new ideas for running my own meetings and setting goals outside of a sporting environment.”
Addressing the Emotional Transition
Retirement from rugby often comes with unspoken challenges, including loneliness and loss of identity. The programme created space to explore these themes meaningfully.
“It was spot on. What I needed was to understand why I am feeling this way and how I can fix it. The tools given for self-development and the platform for expression helped me get out of my shell and talk to like-minded people. Not only in rugby but in general, men of my age are struggling a lot with loneliness and I recommend these sessions for anyone even if they think they don’t need it.”
Building for the Future
Beyond the emotional support, the programme fostered valuable networks. “There was no specific list of jobs available, what is most valuable and it was proven again, was the network we have of fellow rugby alumni. As the programme matured, so did the relationships and the opportunities naturally grew out of that.”
This renewed sense of purpose is shaping Flip’s current chapter. Today, he runs his own consulting firm, Level 6 Consulting, guiding executives toward clarity in decision-making. He has also reignited his competitive spirit by completing his first 70.3 Ironman.
“Joining the programme gave me tools that I could use for myself to be better emotionally and mentally and hence bring more value to my clients,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the experience, Flip highlighted what surprised him most: “The openness and vulnerability between men that once tried to rip each other’s heads off. More often than not, the best feedback came from the peers and not the moderators.”
As for advice to others? “It is truly invaluable to attend such a programme leading up to retirement. It will be tough without a doubt and it is good to have tools to understand what is going on and how to address these problems.”
He hopes that Beyond the Game will expand to reach even more players: “It is comforting to know that there is a supporting structure with real tangible tools to help.”
A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding partners who made this vision of Beyond The Game South Africa, a reality:
- Werner Schmidt – Sustainable career design and business coaching
- North-West University, Centre for Health and Human Performance – Optimising well-being through a confidential mental health service line and one-on-one executive coaching sessions
- ReBoot – Enneagram assessment and feedback coupled with moderated monthly forum sessions for transition support
- Global Rugby Players Foundation – for their unwavering support and financial backing without whom this would not have been possible.
