The ex-professional rugby player turned IFA advising other professional athletes

Niche IFA financial adviser Adam Hughes (pictured) spent a decade playing professional rugby, with his final two years playing part-time while training to become an adviser at the Newport-based firm. Hughes, who played for the Newport Dragons, Exeter Chiefs and for Bristol, joined the advice firm in 2017 and stopped playing rugby completely in 2018.

He now spends his time advising other international rugby players as well as athletes within football and cricket. Hughes said one of the most unique challenges with sports players for an adviser is preparing them for two retirements: "Once they leave [a] professional sport, and again after their main career.

"While most people are building up healthy incomes in careers that they have gained experience in over the years, retiring athletes face a few more challenges than the average client."

Hughes said that helping his clients to be prepared for unpredictable circumstances is also important. He said ensuring clients are prepared for whatever may be "around the corner" is key, while helping them look forward to their first retirement.

"Professional athletes have a certain lifestyle, and most will want to maintain their lifestyle post-sport if possible, which is where effective planning really comes into play."

The ex-athlete also attends sports clubs and academies to provide financial education to young sportsmen and women. Hughes said helping athletes make sure they are in a "safe financial place" when they retire can be done by educating them when they start-out.

He added: "It can be as simple as payslips and budgeting to tax planning and the risks of investments. Hopefully it will help them keep one eye on the present and another on the future."

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