The partnership between Richmond Rugby and Zest has been created to provide potential and current players with dedicated employment and career support. Once established it will also provide the wider club with a range of workshops that can add genuine value for our membership base.

Zest specialises in placing sales, marketing and operational talent within technology businesses, working with organisations ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to established companies. Alongside this, Zest will be working to connect with our wider network of Richmond members who have access to employment opportunities. The new service will give our players access to specialist recruitment expertise and opportunities within this, and other sectors.

Supporting players in developing careers away from the pitch is an important part of the club’s wider strategy. The partnership aims to strengthen the support available to players, whilst also helping Richmond remain an attractive destination for talented players looking to combine high-level rugby with their professional development.

Phil White, Managing Director at Richmond Rugby, said: “We are delighted to partner with Zest in order to provide a genuinely valuable service to our players.

“We recognise that many of our players are balancing the demands of performance rugby with building successful careers away from the pitch. Through working with Zest, we can provide practical support, professional development and access to employment opportunities that will help them achieve both.”

Calum Lyle, Founder of Add Some Zest said "We're thrilled to partner with Richmond - working alongside a value-aligned & people-first club, but also a group of incredibly talented & impressive players.

Finding a job whilst balancing elite sporting commitments is tough, but with the right support, it can be made much easier. I fundamentally believe that the skills developed on the rugby pitch (drive, discipline, resilience etc.) transfer so well into the workplace, and we can't wait to evidence this through the current cohort & future cohorts coming through at the club."

Businesses interested in providing employment opportunities for Richmond players or learning more about the initiative can contact Calum Lyle at calum@addsome-zest.com.

To learn more about Zest and its recruitment services, visit addsome-zest.com