Australian Pacific Management & Training
LARS (Life After Rugby & Sports) is an education, training, and career development initiative developed and delivered by Australian Pacific Management and Training (APMT) under its Skills for Life and Employment initiative. The concept was inspired by a vision shared by the Hon. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, himself an accomplished rugby player, to create meaningful education, skills, and employment pathways for Fijian rugby players. Supported by the Fiji Rugby Union, LARS has been designed to assist aspiring players, current players, and former players to prepare for life beyond the game by helping them identify their strengths, interests, and long-term career aspirations.
The program begins with a dedicated 12–16 week foundation phase focused on personal development, workplace readiness, communication, leadership, and life skills. During this period, participants undertake assessments, mentoring, and career discovery activities that help build a clearer understanding of their abilities and future opportunities. Based on these outcomes, participants are guided towards education, training, and employment pathways that align with their individual goals and interests.
LARS also provides access to a wide range of qualifications and training opportunities across diverse sectors and trade-related fields. Where appropriate, participants may also be able to gain formal recognition for skills and experience already developed through sport and other activities through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). By combining career guidance, education, mentoring, and practical skills development, LARS aims to help rugby players build rewarding careers and sustainable futures while continuing to pursue their sporting ambitions and long after their playing days have ended.
LARS is designed to help Fiji’s rugby players prepare for opportunities beyond the game while continuing to pursue their sporting ambitions. Supported by the Fiji Rugby Union and delivered by APMT, the program combines career discovery, mentoring, life and workplace skills, education pathways, and practical training opportunities into a structured journey that is tailored to each individual.
Every player brings different experiences, strengths, interests, and aspirations. Through assessments, guidance, Recognition of Prior Learning, and access to qualifications and industry-focused training, LARS helps participants identify suitable pathways towards employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term career success. The infographic below provides an overview of how the program supports players from self-discovery through to skills development, qualifications, and future career opportunities.
The launch of LARS (Life After Rugby & Sports) generated strong interest across Fiji’s media, with coverage focusing on the program’s aim of helping rugby players build skills, qualifications, and career pathways beyond the field.
While rugby remains at the heart of the conversation, many reports recognised the importance of preparing players for the opportunities and challenges that come before, during, and after their sporting careers. The media coverage also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the initiative, including the support of the Fiji Rugby Union and the shared commitment to creating meaningful pathways for Fiji’s rugby community.
Below is a selection of news stories, interviews, and features that have helped introduce LARS to a wider audience and contribute to the ongoing discussion about life after rugby.
