Charlie Sharples - From Gloucester Speedster to Financial Planner

Charlie Sharples lit up Kingsholm with his speed and finishing ability, racking up 266 appearances and 455 points for Gloucester, plus four caps for England. But what really sets Charlie apart is how he approached life after rugby.

In this episode, Charlie opens up about:

• Why witnessing teammates struggle in retirement sparked him to prepare early.
• How studying for a degree and financial planning qualifications gave him focus beyond the pitch.
• The power of networking, work experience, and upskilling in making his transition feel organic rather than daunting.
• Why approaching retirement with curiosity and intent turned an intimidating change into an exciting new chapter.

For athletes, Charlie’s story is proof that putting in the work before you need it creates clarity, confidence, and opportunity when the final whistle blows.

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:

[e-mail]

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