Former rugby international Julian White, known for his formidable presence on the field and a past marked by disciplinary issues, has embraced a vastly different life as a farmer. Trading the roar of the crowd for the quiet expanse of a 500-acre estate, White now manages a herd of cattle and hundreds of sheep, a far cry from his days as a destructive prop for Leicester and England.
A New Chapter Beyond the Pitch
White, a member of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad, earned 51 caps for his country and secured three league titles with Leicester. Despite his decorated career, he acknowledges that rugby, while fulfilling, was not a path to immense wealth. “Rugby is not like being a doctor or solicitor. It’s not a long-term job,” White stated. “It was a small chapter in my life and I moved on from it long ago. I genuinely love what I do now.” His transition to farming was a deliberate plan, underpinned by a commitment to hard work.
His mornings now begin well before 5 am, often documented on his burgeoning Instagram account, where he shares glimpses of his rural existence. “I don’t know what I’m doing on Instagram, really,” he admitted, “But thank you for coming. It’s great you want to speak to me. Had I not stated my Instagram page, I’d just be like any other old prop and you might not be sat here talking to me.” He finds the platform a valuable way to connect with people, particularly given the solitary nature of his work, and hopes it can even help offset some farm expenses.
The Harsh Realities of Farming
White does not shy away from the demanding realities of agricultural life. Praising the candid portrayal of farming by figures like Jeremy Clarkson, White acknowledges the significant challenges. “I’m not sure if I’ve had depression, but there have been dark times where you’ve got no money, your wife isn’t happy and there are animals dying outside,” he shared. “People see the green grass and the new-born lambs, but farming is a steep learning curve.” The drive to succeed and overcome these difficulties is evident. “It’s made me very motivated,” he asserted.
Embracing Resilience
The physical demands of farming have maintained White’s imposing physique, yet his ability to perform these tasks is remarkable considering a life-altering car accident in his youth. This incident, which tragically resulted in the death of the other driver, profoundly impacted his perspective. “Events like that give you huge motivation to succeed,” he explained. His recovery from a broken leg, sustained in the crash, led him to Welsh side Bridgend, where a pivotal surgery by JPR Williams set him on a path back to professional rugby.
Reflections on a Rugby Past
Reflecting on his World Cup victory, White admits to lingering feelings of “imposter syndrome.” He views his involvement as a matter of luck rather than significant contribution. “For some of us in that squad, it was a bit of a hollow victory as we weren’t involved much,” he confessed. He also recounted a memorable incident involving Sir Clive Woodward’s famously punctual England squad, where his late arrival on a motorbike, clad in racing leathers, led to a humorous reprimand and a weekend off from playing.
White’s past disciplinary record, which saw him sent off multiple times, is something he no longer identifies with. “I’m sure some people remember me for hitting people,” he said. “Rugby wasn’t about fighting for me, but I did get sent off quite a few times. I’m not proud of it. It just makes you ill-disciplined.” He now emphasizes a more controlled approach to life, recognizing the severe consequences of his former on-field aggression.
