Former professional rugby player Connal McInerney has announced his retirement from the sport to pursue a career in real estate. The 30-year-old, who played as a hooker for the ACT Brumbies and earned a cap with the Wallabies, has decided to hang up his boots following an injury-plagued period with the New England Free Jacks in the United States.
Reflecting on his career, McInerney expressed mixed feelings. “It’s tough, because as humans, I feel like we’re always thinking we could have done more,” he stated. Although he acknowledges potential disappointments, he also recognizes his accomplishments. “At the moment, I’m kind of kicking myself, going ‘what if?’ But as a 13-year-old, if I knew what was in store, I’d be pretty happy with that,” he explained.
New Beginnings in Real Estate
Having returned to his hometown of Canberra, McInerney is eager to carve out a new identity outside of rugby. He is now working at McIntyre Property and is keen to utilize the skills he developed on the rugby field in his new role. “I’ve started doing that. It’s sort of paid dividends coming into real estate, because I realize my potential and what I can offer outside rugby,” he said.
McInerney is not alone in his transition. Many former athletes from Canberra, including former Raiders players Alan Tongue and Troy Thompson, have successfully entered the real estate market. This trend seems to be a common path for local sports figures looking for post-career opportunities.
Despite stepping away from active competition, McInerney has not ruled out a return to rugby. He mentioned the possibility of offering specialized coaching for young players, particularly aspiring hookers. “I might spend my spare time offering coaching just to stay in the game,” he added, indicating a desire to remain connected to the sport he loves.
Reflections on a Rugby Career
McInerney’s career highlights include winning the Super Rugby AU title with the Brumbies and representing Australia at the international level. Yet, he admits to grappling with what more he could have achieved. “I didn’t really do that,” he said of his aspirations to have played more games at the Super Rugby level.
As McInerney transitions into his new career, he aims to define himself beyond his athletic achievements. “I’ve always been a tough marker on myself, and that’s just something I’m learning to do… looking at the qualities I have as a human, rather than a rugby player,” he stated. This shift in perspective is helping him adapt to his new environment in real estate.
McInerney’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face when moving on from their sports careers. As he embraces this new chapter, he carries with him the lessons learned from years of competition, ready to apply them in an entirely different arena.
