Guinness Premiership stars tackle work after rugby at Clarke Willmott networking event

Over 30 players from the South West's three Guinness Premiership clubs attended the networking event, including Bath's Lee Mears, who has just been selected for the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa this summer.

Also attending were fellow England internationals Danny Grewcock, also of Bath, Bristol's Mark Regan and Shaun Perry, and Olly Morgan and James Simpson-Daniel of Gloucester.

Organised by the PRA and Clarke Willmott, the event gave professional rugby players the chance to meet members of the local business community and discuss how to develop their careers after rugby.

Roger Seaton, head of Clarke Willmott's Bristol office, said: "The PRA runs a Player Development Programme, which helps its members to prepare for life after rugby.

"Given that our firm, which is renowned for its expertise in, and association with, top-level sport and is a major player in the corporate and legal market, we felt strongly we should play its part by giving local companies the chance to share their experience and expertise with current players."

Damian Hopley, CEO of the PRA, said: "It is tremendously important for our playing members to have the opportunity to meet and network with their local business community as they explore their post rugby career options.

"Our partnership with Clarke Willmott has been extremely productive, both in Bristol and nationally, and their support, via a range of work experience, advice and networking opportunities, is invaluable in helping our members' transition successfully from rugby to a second career."