Former international rugby player Niall Woods retired from playing in 2001 and started the sports agency Navy Blue in 2011, which represents a broad range of sporting individuals, including several from the field of rugby, soccer and athletics
On retiring from rugby due to injury, I worked in the players union in England and then started Rugby Players Ireland in 2003 and ran it for eight years. Having represented players collectively, I wanted to represent players individually. I believed there was a gap in the market for a top agency and took the jump into starting my own business.
In short, I manage all aspects of my clients’ lives depending on the level of work required for each client. On top of that, I oversee all areas of the business, how to manage the huge growth we are going through whilst also ensuring there is no drop-off in service to our clients.
I love going to work every day, making deals happen and getting things done for my clients. Mostly, that is negotiating maximum value for my clients but I also love the diversity of clients that we have as no two days are ever the same. I have only had one player leave Navy Blue Sports in almost eight years so I am very proud of that.
We have a broad client base including Ireland rugby internationals Garry Ringrose and Jordi Murphy, RTÉ’s leading sports presenter Darragh Maloney, soccer pundit Richie Sadlier, Rugby Referee of the Year Joy Neville, and world number three modern pentathlon athlete, Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe.
Elite athletes don’t have an off-switch so I can’t either as I pride myself in always being ‘on’ so that makes it hard for my family life. My wife is incredibly understanding and knows I need to be on call pretty much all of the time.
Growing up, my dad used to repeat a saying: ‘Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing’ so I have always tried to live my life with that in mind. I have had my fair share of downs but I am resilient and have had to be as I have resurrected myself a few times, so I try to be the best at everything I do.
I have total admiration for Roger Federer, his ability to take pressure off himself when there is a huge amount on him and deliver time and again on the biggest occasions. The fact he is a total gentlemen at all times makes him one of the greats.