Rugby: Making it outside the rugby bubble

Wallabie's George Gregan. Photo / NZPA

1 George Gregan

Sighted in 1998 at the height of his sporting career counting rush-hour commuters walking from a Sydney railway station. He was doing homework to set up a coffee shop business. The first GG Espresso opened, to paraphrase him, 'in one more year'. By July 2015, Gregan and his wife owned 16 cafes across Sydney. The business enjoys annual revenue of more than A$10 million and employs 280 people.

2 Franck Mesnel

Trained as an architect, is a passionate aviator and famous for his sartorial flair. The 56-cap back is founder of the French multi-million dollar leisure clothing brand Eden Park, which competes with the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Lacoste. He coined the brand after playing first-five in France's defeat at the ground in the 1987 World Cup final. Once led his Racing club backline, known as Le Showbizz, on to the field in pink bowties. They drank champagne at halftime.

3 Nick Farr-Jones

The Australian works as an independent rugby pundit but his business and legal background took precedence when he retired. He has gone from working in Paris as an investment banker to dedicating himself to charity work, with an emphasis on the plight of the homeless.

4 Jeremy Stanley

Went on the All Blacks' 1997 Northern Hemisphere tour and played three matches. Retired due to injury in 2001 after several Super Rugby seasons. He concentrated on his medical studies throughout his professional career and became an orthopaedic surgeon, specialising in sports injuries. Stanley currently works at Starship Children's Hospital.

5 John Eales

The former Wallaby nicknamed 'Nobody', because nobody's perfect, founded the culture and leadership consultancy Mettle Group and the John Eales 5 (now part of International Quarterback, a sports marketing and events company).