A NORTH-EAST commercial law firm brought together business leaders and former England rugby union stars for a motivating talk on achieving and maintaining success.

Muckle LLP, in Newcastle, welcomed British and Irish Lions Dean Richards and Peter Winterbottom for a Rugby Players' Association (RPA) event, who spoke about their careers and sacrifices they made to reach their goals.

Their presentation covered leadership, motivation, and team work, and revealed that while Newcastle Falcons coach Mr Richards, who played 48 times for England, stayed in rugby, Mr Winterbottom carved out a career in finance, working as a broker.

The event, which also included 18 Falcons players, aimed to inspire guests and help the Falcons’ current crop broaden their business networks to help them pursue careers after they retire.

Jonathan Combe, partner and head of Muckle LLP’s real estate group, said: “The event was thought provoking and very entertaining for our guests from the world of business and for the Falcons players.

“It was enlightening hearing from Peter and Dean who talked openly about their rugby careers, the decisions they have made and the different paths their careers have taken.

“The event also provided the Falcons players with an opportunity to make some excellent contacts in the business world and to spend time learning about different careers that interest them.”