Looking at Player Pathways: Player Agents and Agencies
So you want to play pro rugby, or maybe travel the world playing amateur or semi-pro rugby in different countries. You might be able to get connections through your club, or you could look up a Player Agent and see what they can provide. I don’t know any of the Agents well enough to recommend but there is one that reps some players in the BC Premier. You can check out their profile on Instagram where they post recent signing and placements. The company is ARM, America’s Rugby Management, and it’s run by David Jackson. He’s also Director of Rugby with the Atlantic Privateers, and has strong links to Nova Scotia rugby. He is originally from NZ and has links there as well. He recently was involved in getting Izzak Kelly and Sam Miller into the Portugal club Benfica. He also represents Brock Gallagher and Foster Dewitt.
I came across another Player Agent on Linkedin, mostly through an article they wrote which really resonated with what I’ve observed as well. Their name is Sean Purcell and their company is Future Makers , they’re UK based it seems and focused on National 1 and 2. The article they wrote is posted below along with the link where you can pick up their Linkedin profile. One thing I noticed of interest on his profile page is that he’s representing a current player from Benfica, Tomas Picado, a loose forward who is looking for opportunities outside of the Portugal league.
The article below “Getting Seen by Scouts…” really hits the main points which I’ve also observed in my position as Editor of BCRN for the last 20+ years watching Canadian talent and seeing which players get to the top. Besides club contacts and player agents, having good connections across the rugby community helps. You look at players who made it to professional academies in Europe at a young age, they had strong contacts through family, school, clubs.
One person who would be in a good position to advise on French rugby opportunities would be Jamie Cudmore, France is/was one of the top destinations for Canadian rugby talent, the top two Canadian players Tyler Ardron and Evan Olmstead continue to play there. You look in the past and present at names like Mike James, John Tait, Conor Trainor, Taylor Paris, Matt Tierney, Morgan Williams, Matt Beukeboom, Jason Marshall, Josh Thiel, Cam Pierce, Colin Yukes, Tyler Duguid to name a few who have played in France.
Start your Rugby CV, put together a highlight package on YouTube, network continually, communicate well, and of course, continue to analyze and improve your game. If your club isn’t live streaming your games with commentary, then start pushing them and asking about it.
In writing this article I wanted to create a diagram that captured what a Player Agent could provide, with Ai assistance I came up with this. Obviously there’s different levels of coverage, not everyone is a Connor McDavid making $12 million with 1 million Instagram followers, but your Player Agent could be providing some of these services. It’s a good place to start your conversation.
Getting Seen by Scouts and Coaches – What Really Works
Sean Purcell
Rugby Agent
Whether you’re gunning for a move up to the Championship or trying to lock in your next contract at Nat 2 level, one question always comes up:
“How do I get noticed?”
The good news: It’s not all about scoring length-of-the-field tries. Here’s what really moves the needle when it comes to catching the eye of decision-makers.
1. Be Excellent at the Basics – Consistently
Most scouts aren’t looking for flash. They’re watching for work rate, repeat efforts, communication, and how you react when things go wrong.
What impresses them most?
- Consistent tackle technique
- Getting off the line in D
- Being first to support
- Your attitude off the ball
You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be reliable. Consistency is your best PR.
2. Make Your Own Highlight Reel (And Keep It Short)
Clubs are busy. If you don’t send a highlight reel, you’re relying on luck. But if you do send one:
✅ Keep it under 3 minutes
✅ Show a variety of skills (attack, defence, support play)
✅ Use match footage only — no training clips or gym PBs
✅ Make sure you are easily identifiable throughout
Title it clearly: “[Name] – Openside Flanker – 2024/25 Highlights – Nat 1”
3. Use Your Network (Smartly)
Your mates, ex-coaches, former teammates — they’re your rugby network. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
But do it professionally. Example:
“Hi, I’m exploring options for next season and would love to be considered if your club is recruiting for [position]. I’ve attached my highlights and rugby CV – happy to jump on a call or come in for a session. Thanks for considering me.”
You don’t need an agent to make connections (although it massively helps!)— you just need good manners and follow-through.
4. Have a Clean, Rugby-Specific CV
No one’s asking for your GCSEs. Keep it simple:
- Name, DOB, height/weight, position
- Playing history (clubs, levels, years)
- Representative honours
- Key stats (if verified)
- Coach references (with permission)
PDF format. No Word docs, no headshots from uni socials.
5. Be Seen in the Right Places
A few things that boost your visibility:
- Play in high-stakes matches (playoffs, county, cup ties)
- Guest for sides at 7s tournaments
- Get nominated for end-of-season awards
- Play in televised or streamed fixtures
- Trial at Rep Level (e.g., County, England Students)
Bonus Tip: Be the Guy That Coaches Talk About!
Scouts speak to coaches after matches. Be the guy they say:
“That lad never stops working — great attitude, great chat, no ego.”
That will get you further than a fancy sidestep ever will.
Getting noticed doesn’t mean being flashy — it means being excellent, visible, and professional. Show up in every sense, on and off the pitch, and the right people will take notice.
You can do all of this yourself — build your CV, cut your footage, message clubs, and try to get noticed the hard way. Many players do and for a small number, it works.
Or you can work with an agent who already knows the landscape, understands what clubs are actually looking for, and can position you properly at the right level, at the right time. If you’re serious about your next step and want experienced support in your corner, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to have an honest conversation.