Former Wales captain Matthew Rees is moving into a new rugby role - as a player manager.
Having hung up his boots after an illustrious career which spanned two decades, the 60-times capped hooker is staying within the game.
He has taken up a post with Engagesport, where he will be working alongside fellow ex-Wales and Lions star Robert Norster, a director of the company.
Rees - known throughout the game as Smiler - has also joined the coaching team of Championship club Beddau, so he’s going to be a busy man.
He retired at the end of the season , following a playing career that took in spells at Pontypridd, Celtic Warriors, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues, making no fewer than 329 club and regional appearances.
As well as winning 60 Wales caps, between 2005 and 2014, and captaining his country nine times, he also played in the three Tests on the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa.
His career is all the more remarkable in that he overcame testicular cancer to return to playing after six months out of the game in the 2013-14 season, fighting his way back into the Wales team.
Now he turns to his latest challenge, which will see him looking to utilise his vast experience to help current players.
“Starting out at Pontypridd in 2000, I could never have imagined I would achieve what I have in the game, playing professional rugby until the age of 38, especially in the front-row, but I’m now ready to turn the page,” he said.
“I have been fortunate enough to play the game for 19 years at the top level and, with the career I have had, in terms of Wales, Lions and being captain at two different regions, I’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge.
“My aim is to pass that knowledge on and help the next generation of players to have a smooth career on and off the field.
“The game has changed significantly since I started out as a professional.
“I believe players need more support than ever, as pressures at the elite end of the game become greater.
“I know from my own experience, you never know what’s around the corner in life.
“I have had good support right throughout my career, whether it’s been friends, families, coaches and it’s played a massive part in terms of my performances.
“That’s something which is needed in the game and that’s going to be part and parcel of what I’m going to try and deliver for Engage.
“If players can get the off-field stuff right, then the on-field stuff should take care of itself.
“It’s just giving them a bit of advice when needed or just a chat now and again, going through a game with them, giving that added experience from having been there and done it.
“It’s being an extra voice for them really.
“Some players will be quite easy to look after and mentor through, while others may need a couple more meetings.
“The biggest thing for me is the off-field stuff and making sure they keep on top of their recovery and the extras which go hand-in-hand with professional rugby in this day and age.
“It’s a bit different, but it’s something which is keeping me in the game and I’m looking forward to it.”
As part of his new role, Rees will be undertaking exams which will enable him to negotiate as an agent.
“I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of players off the field,” said the 38-year-old.
“Having been a client of Engagesport, I’m comforted to know I’ll be part of a team with true rugby values at its heart, with great reputation and even greater level of integrity that I look forward to enhancing over the coming years.”
Picking out the highlights of his playing career, he said: “It would have to be captaining Wales.
“To be selected to play for your country is one thing, but to actually lead the team out, especially in your own stadium, with a full capacity, there’s no better feeling.
“The Lions was probable the pinnacle of my career, but something I’ll hold on to and never forget the feeling of is running out on to the Millennium Stadium and leading the team out.”
As for what he will miss now his boots are hung up, he says: “It’s the camaraderie you have within the changing room and being around a rugby club culture in terms of the banter with the players and stuff.
“That will be hugely missed, but I see this as an opportunity now to help the next generation of professional rugby players come through by being there for them.”
The company he is joining, Engagesport, is a multi-layered sports marketing agency, representing professional rugby players, rights holders and brands.
Director Robert Norster said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Matt to the Engagesport team.
“Having overcome the challenges he has both on and off the field during his stellar career, his widely known qualities and such positive reputation across the game, I’m certain he will again succeed in his new role.
“He holds significant knowledge and experience that will add invaluable benefit to both me and the wider team, as we support our players to maximise their playing careers and true potential in an ever evolving professional game.”
In the latter years of his playing career, Rees gained experience on the coaching front, working with Pontypridd, as well as Cardiff Blues youngsters.
Now he is taking up a post as coach at Beddau, where he will link up with Wales Sevens international Tom Slater and ex-Blues and Exeter back rower Ben White.
The club’s former head coach, Lee Jarvis, has left after helping them secure Championship status.
