Former rugby player's degree of success

WARRINGTON Wolves’ player welfare manager Karl Fitzpatrick achieved academic success when he graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University.
Following his retirement from the game in 2010, Karl joined the backroom coaching staff at Warrington. He now advises players on life after Rugby League.
He completed his degree alongside his job and achieved a 2:1 in Sports Performance.
The former scrum half and full back played for Widnes Vikings and Swinton Lions before signing for Super League side Salford City Reds in 2003. He represented Ireland on the international scene and was in its squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
He said: “We are always striving to increase the professionalism of the club which I think we’re doing. It’s a great working environment and also offering welfare to the players is rewarding as this is something I was never offered as a player.
“We cover a broad range of topics from organising the players coaching badges to helping players suffering from anxiety and being nervous about their future away from the game, and how I can help find them a career path through the right educational or vocational course at colleges or universities.”
Several other players are pursuing vocational courses ranging from personal training to plumbing. Karl said some players want to go into coaching, but others want opportunities outside the game.
Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: “On behalf of the club I would like to congratulate Karl on this great achievement. By completing this degree he will have gained more knowledge of the game which he can feed into his role here at the Wolves and we look forward to seeing the fruits of his hard work.
“The club would like to commend Karl for his dedication and commitment to his position within the performance team as he has completed the degree course alongside his daily job here at Warrington.”