Members of the Ospreys Seniors Rugby team joined us at Earlswood Training Facility for a firefighter Experience Day.
Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) reached out to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) regarding its Personal Development Programme (PDP) which assists players in achieving a good sporting/lifestyle balance during their careers, in doing so it ultimately makes the transition out of their professional playing career and into future employment as smooth as possible.
The 3-hour experience enabled the rugby players to try on a full firefighting kit, test their strength and agility by lifting weighted ladders and carrying hose reel jets and face their fears in a confined space whilst blindfolded! Followed by a tour of a fire appliance and question-and-answer session with a Service training expert.
Tim Jones Personal Development Manager from the Welsh Rugby Player Association, based in the Ospreys rugby region said:
“Part of my role is to support players in finding potential careers after rugby life and Experience Days like these are a fantastic opportunity for the players to explore other occupations. They’ve had a small taste of what the role of a firefighter entails, and this opportunity can help them decide if a future career in the Fire Service is for them. We are all grateful to MAWWFRS for this opportunity, especially Rob and Mark who made the day possible.”
Overall, the firefighter Experience Day was a unique and eye-opening opportunity for the Ospreys players, giving them a new perspective on the challenges they may face in a career as a firefighter.
More information on MAWWFRS Experience Days that are open to everyone can be found on our website.
If you think you have what it takes to be an On-Call firefighter, please complete of Expression of Interest Form to start your journey!