Career longevity for pro players

[nomadwa]

I have always wondered what positions tend to produce players who enjoy the longest professional careers. Is there a great difference between the forwards and backs? Some real-life examples would be great.

 

[McTallshort]

Props always play longer at the top level, Jason Leonard, Budgen at Exeter, Julian White, Os Du rant loads of examples and its all down to the fact that big forwards dont lose a great deal of pace because they are not normally blessed with any in the first place.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

They also start their careers later though so it all really cancels out in the end.

 

[McTallshort]

Jason Leonard and Os du Rant didnt, both we capped in their teens

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Their are always exceptions but 80 per cent of the time they make their break in to top class rugby around 23-25.

 

[McTallshort]

No sorry think you have that wrong, thinking about Englands props from down years most were capped and playing regular rugby before 23 and if you check the Aussie props you will find the same. Also there are not many players who (outside aus) make a break before 23.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Aye, maybe it was like that years ago but there's a lot of young props knocking around now
Dan Cole capped for England at 22/23
Lots of young props in the prem as well

 

[big ginger 8]

TH prop is also the 2nd best payed position so with he longetivity you can earn a decent living.