Six Nations winner Ben Foden has enjoyed a varied career since retiring from rugbyFormer rugby player Ben Foden (Image: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

It is always fascinating to see what professional sports stars do when they hang up their boots.

Retirement will always be at the back of people’s minds, especially when careers are so fragile.

At the highest level of football – take the Premier League, for example. One big contract on six figures a week and a player could be well set financially for life. But not all sports are like that and many are not lucky enough to saddle off into the sunset and live off the bounty they earned during their playing days.

Rugby players are in that bracket, despite the game being far more lucrative to those involved now than it was a decade or so ago.

Former Six Nations champion and Premiership rugby star Ben Foden is a person who has lived a varied life since calling time on his rugby days.

The Northampton full-back – who scored seven tries in 34 appearances for England – was part of the side that beat Wales in Cardiff en route to lifting the 2011 Six Nations.

He left rugby in the UK behind in 2019 to try his luck in Major League Rugby and after his rugby career ended in 2022 made a life for himself for a while in the US.

He decided to become a real estate agent in New York. Foden became part of the New York division of Douglas Elliman real estate group, a company trading in luxury properties often exceeding the £1 million mark.

His team rented out a lavish five-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, a property one could lease if they could meet the monthly rent of £13,500.

“Everyday we all strive for excellence and everyday I try and learn and be better than before,” he said after picking up an award nomination in 2024. “Looking forward to what’s around the corner.

“Love the journey and the destination doesn’t really matter.”

Away from the rugby field, he also tried his hand at reality TV. He appeared on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in 2022, where he was the first to exit, but he enjoyed greater success on ‘The X-Factor: Celebrity’ in 2018 with his group Try Star, reaching the semi-finals.

For a while Foden was married to Una Healy of pop band The Saturdays from 2012 to 2018 and they share two children together.

However, the pair divorced and he is now married to current wife Jackie Smith who has her own business venture. They have two daughters.

Now it seems his career has come circle. Earlier this year Foden decided to leave the US and return home to take up a rugby coaching position in a school – and he will start in 10 days’ time.

“I’m excited to announce that I will be returning to the UK to take on the role of Director of Rugby at Scarborough College and Head Coach for Scarborough RFC, starting September 1st,” he announced on Instagram. “After spending the last six years in the US, this is an incredible opportunity to reconnect with family and immerse myself once again in the rugby world.

“As I step into this role, my goal is to help drive the growth and development of Scarborough College’s rugby program, ensuring it competes at the highest level alongside the top schools in the region. At Scarborough RFC, we will work tirelessly to push the club forward and aim for success in the domestic league.”I see this as a fantastic chance to develop as a coach, learning from my experiences while also drawing inspiration from others around me. The rugby scene in the northeast is filled with potential, and I truly believe we are on the cusp of something big. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of rugby in this vibrant community.”Rugby has profoundly shaped my life, providing me with countless experiences, lessons, and memories that I will always treasure. While I have truly valued the time spent away from the sport, I have come to realize that nothing can replace the unique emotions, challenges, and excitement that being involved in rugby brings.

“The camaraderie, the triumphs, the setbacks, and the unwavering drive to push oneself—these are elements that are irreplaceable, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. The sport has given me so much more than I could ever express, and it remains an essential part of who I am. It is for these very reasons that I am excited to return to the rugby community, this time as Director of Rugby and Head coach at Scarborough College and RFC, where I can share my passion and knowledge, and continue to be a part of the sport I love.”