league : Vagana as Education and Welfare officer

Former international Nigel Vagana will join the National Rugby League as an Education and Welfare officer in January 2009.

After finishing the final year of his playing career representing Samoa in the World Cup and South Sydney in the Telstra Premiership, Nigel will concentrate his efforts on helping players to focus on off-field education and a career after football.

He replaces Jason Stevens who worked in the role earlier in 2008 before resigning.

The Welfare and Education programme is run in conjunction with the Rugby League Professionals Association and offers career and study opportunities across all clubs as well as support to retiring players. Former international Mark Coyne is Chairman of the game’s Education and Welfare Committee.

Nigel said today that he was excited by the challenges presented by his new role and looked forward to contributing to the growth of services to players in this area:

“I was fortunate to be mentored by a number of senior players early in my career at the Warriors and this helped set me on the right path.

“When I came to the Bulldogs I decided to take up an architectural technology course which both gave me a sense of security for the future and ensured I had a balanced perspective about football.”

Nigel believes providing players with increased opportunities to develop personally and professionally will lead to an increased level of satisfaction within the game.

NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said that the appointment was in itself a reflection of the opportunities that exist for players who take time during their playing careers to prepare for life off the field:

“It’s pleasing to see another NRL player in the game’s administration.

“Nigel genuinely cares about seeing players make the most of the opportunities Rugby League has to offer and they include education and employment options.

“A career in the Telstra Premiership is a real chance for a player to open new horizons beyond Rugby League and the Welfare and Education Programme is about helping players make the most of that chance.”