Myles Landick helped Jersey Reds to a number of titles as the Island rose to the second tier of English rugby before having to retire from the game in 2015 after a catalogue of knee injuries.
What followed was a tough time for the former prop, who suffered from depression and struggled to deal with no longer being a professional rugby player.
He now manages Jersey Athletic, imparting his rugby wisdom to the next generation of players.
And now, Mr Landick – known to friends and Reds fans as Mylo – wants others in sport to talk about their feelings and seek help if they need it.
He said: ‘I suffered with depression, not knowing whether to go to things because I was no longer a player.
‘I didn’t show it and was nowhere near things like suicide. I had a good support network of family and friends around me.
‘If anyone out there is having problems they can talk to family and friends.
‘Amateur or professional, it can be tough finishing a sport. Some people just walk away from it, but some others find it hard.
‘I would want people to speak out and get help if they need it.’
Mr Landick, who is also the Reds groundsman, added that throwing himself into coaching the amateur game had been a ‘saving grace’ following his retirement from the sport. ‘It has kept me in the social circle. It also gives me the chance to help the next generation of players to progress and play rugby,’ he said.
