Both will now start new careers at PWM, a Chartered Financial Planning firm and one of the 33 firms under the Independent Wealth Planners (IWP) umbrella.

Mr Welch, 33, and Mr Tait, 35, have each played professional rugby for over 15 years and enjoyed many successes in their sporting careers.

PWM has provided work experience to the duo and supported the players to achieve relevant qualifications before starting their new roles.

Mr Welch became the Falcons’ youngest ever captain when he took over the reins at 22.  He sits joint-second on the Falcons’ all-time appearance list having played 275 matches. 

He said: “Many people overlook the importance of Financial Planning, particularly when having to consider taking up a second career. That’s certainly something I have come across in the world of professional rugby.  I hope that our experience will help to support many more PWM clients with Financial Planning and advice services.”

Mr Tait, 35, a former Barnard Castle school pupil, played 271 times for the Falcons with a tally of 40 tries.

He said: “Our experience shows that using the same determination off the pitch for a transition into something new is possible. I’m determined to help my peers and clients manage their financial plans to ensure they get the results they need.”

Stephen Dickinson, director of PWM, said: “Financial Planning is all about goal setting, determination, perseverance, resilience, and discipline. These qualities and more are hard-wired into the DNA of professional athletes, and it is these attributes that will benefit clients as the pair transition from sporting life to financial life-planning.

“We have been able to attract the calibre of people like Alex and Will through the support of our parent company, IWP. IWP has helped us develop our graduate programme that is benefitting a number of individuals over the next 18 months.”

PWM provides financial advice, management and planning services to businesses and individuals. 

IWP was founded in 2019 and has 138 advisers / planners across the UK.