Who says your sporting chapter has to be your best?
At Athlete Transition Accelerator, we exist to ensure athletes are prepared for life beyond the game by accelerating readiness, growth, and experience. Through athlete-to-athlete support and research-driven insights, we’re changing the narrative and equipping athletes with the tools they need before they need them.
Our Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game series, shares first-hand insights from former elite athletes who’ve successfully walked the path and transitioned into new careers, offering real-life experiences and actionable advice.
Too many athletes find themselves lost after retirement, we’re here to change that. Join us as we redefine what preparation and life beyond the game can look like.
This is transition support, built by athletes, for athletes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who says your sporting chapter has to be your best?
At Athlete Transition Accelerator, we exist to ensure athletes are prepared for life beyond the game by accelerating readiness, growth, and experience. Through athlete-to-athlete support and research-driven insights, we’re changing the narrative and equipping athletes with the tools they need before they need them.
Our Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game series, shares first-hand insights from former elite athletes who’ve successfully walked the path and transitioned into new careers, offering real-life experiences and actionable advice.
Too many athletes find themselves lost after retirement, we’re here to change that. Join us as we redefine what preparation and life beyond the game can look like.
This is transition support, built by athletes, for athletes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Fitzpatrick, former Irish international, Heineken Cup winner with Ulster, and seasoned professional with London Irish and Castres, joined us on Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game to talk through the mindset shifts, missteps, and lessons learned from life after elite rugby.
Despite preparing for the inevitable, Justin still felt the shock of stepping away. The loss of purpose, the shift in identity, and the looming question: What now?
In this powerful episode, Justin offers a clear, experienced voice for any current athlete navigating that same question. Whether you're nearing the end or just getting started, his advice is essential listening.
Key Takeaways:
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter.
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
support@athletetransitionaccelerator.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.