PROFESSIONAL rugby players are planning a career as tradesmen when they hang up their boots.

Widnes Viking Super League players have enrolled on one year electrical and plumbing courses at Warrington Collegiate.

Chris Horne and Michelle Maloney, lecturers in electrical engineering taught the players an introductory course over the summer and praised their dedication and commitment.

Michelle said: “Moving from rugby to a career in construction is a bold move but I know that they are now confident students. “They are a pleasure to teach and I know they can look forward to a successful future after rugby.”

Patrick Flynn will be studying plumbing whilst Dave Allen, Joe Mellor, Ben Cavanagh and Lloyd Wright are learning the skills of electrical installation.

They are determioned to fit in their studies between the demands of training and games.

Joe Mellor said: “I’m really looking forward to the course. Some of my friends have done apprenticeships at Warrington Collegiate and are doing well now. I’m keen to gain a first class qualification that will help me build my career after I finish playing.”

Patrick Flynn said: “Once I’ve completed the course I’ll be looking for a job in the industry. It’s important to plan now for the future and the plumbing qualification will be great to fall back on once I stop playing.”

Simon Yorke, curriculum manager for electrical engineering says, “It’s really important that players start to plan their future after rugby whilst they are still playing. As well as gaining a first class qualification, the players will gain valuable skills which will enable them to make a successful transition from the sporting world to employment. There are plenty of opportunities in the electrical industry at the moment, both at home and abroad.”

Information about construction courses will be available at an open day on Saturday, October 12.