From Rugby Stars to Entrepreneurs: How Josh Bayliss & Kieran Verden Are Building a Future Beyond the Game

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Josh Bayliss and Kieran Verden, players for the Bath rugby team, are developing a business outside of professional rugby, focusing on restoring Land Rovers, according to a report by Rugby World. The duo, who play for the Premiership club, are leveraging their mechanical skills and spare time to build a venture that could provide long-term stability beyond their athletic careers.

The project, detailed in a feature published on June 24, 2026, highlights how the players balance their rugby commitments with hands-on work in automotive restoration. Verden, a flanker, and Bayliss, a prop, have described their efforts as a “side hustle” that allows them to stay engaged with practical, tangible tasks. “We would jack a car up on axle stands and crawl under on a car trolley!” Verden recalled, citing the hands-on nature of their work.

Bath Rugby, the club representing the players, has not commented publicly on the venture. However, the club’s emphasis on player development and long-term planning aligns with the duo’s approach to career diversification. Rugby World reported that the business, while still in its early stages, aims to offer restoration services and parts for Land Rover models, a niche market with potential for growth.

The players’ interest in automotive work is not new. Bayliss and Verden have previously spoken about their passion for mechanics, a hobby that has evolved into a structured business endeavor. Their collaboration includes sourcing vintage Land Rovers, refurbishing them, and selling the vehicles. The venture is reportedly managed independently, with no direct ties to Bath Rugby’s commercial operations.

Rugby World noted that the players’ dual focus on sport and business reflects a broader trend among professional athletes seeking post-playing career opportunities. While many athletes transition into coaching, commentary, or sports management, Bayliss and Verden’s approach underscores a growing interest in entrepreneurial ventures.

The timing of the business launch coincides with the players’ current contracts with Bath Rugby. Both are under contract until 2027, according to club records, leaving ample time to develop the venture before potential retirement or career shifts. Their efforts also highlight the increasing importance of financial planning in professional sports, where careers are often shorter than in other fields.

Verden, 29, and Bayliss, 30, have both been key contributors to Bath’s recent performances. Verden, known for his defensive prowess, has made 120 appearances for the club since 2018, while Bayliss, a consistent presence in the front row, has played 95 games since 2019. Their rugby careers have been marked by resilience, with both players overcoming injuries to maintain their positions.

The Land Rover restoration project, while not yet a full-time commitment, has already attracted attention from local enthusiasts. A representative from a regional automotive association, speaking to Rugby World, described the venture as “a promising example of how athletes can leverage their skills beyond the pitch.” However, the business remains small-scale, with no official website or public sales channels reported as of June 2026.

Rugby World’s report emphasizes the personal motivations behind the venture. Both players have cited a desire to “stay grounded” and maintain a sense of purpose outside of rugby. “There’s a lot of pressure to plan for life after sport,” Bayliss said. “This gives us a foundation to build on.”

The article also touches on the challenges of balancing rugby with a business. Training schedules, travel, and match commitments require careful time management. Verden acknowledged that the project “takes a lot of effort,” but added that the rewards—both financial and personal—justify the work.

While the long-term success of the business remains uncertain, the initiative has been praised by rugby analysts as a proactive step. “It’s smart to have a Plan B,” said Mark Johnson, a sports economist specializing in athlete career transitions. “Many players struggle financially after retiring, so diversifying income streams is crucial.”

Bath Rugby’s head coach, Aaron Mauger, has not addressed the venture publicly. However, the club’s history of supporting player development suggests a likely tolerance for such initiatives. Bath has previously backed players in entrepreneurial ventures, including a 2021 collaboration with a local tech startup.

As of June 2026, no official updates on the business have been released. However, Rugby World’s report indicates that the players are actively working on the project, with plans to expand their operations in the coming months.

For now, Bayliss and Verden remain focused on their rugby careers, with the restoration business serving as a complementary pursuit. Their story reflects the evolving landscape of professional sports, where athletes increasingly seek to control their financial futures beyond their playing years.

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“We would jack a car up on axle stands and crawl under on a car trolley!”
Source: Rugby World, June 24, 2026

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“There’s a lot of pressure to plan for life after sport. This gives us a foundation to build on.”
Source: Josh Bayliss, Rugby World, June 24, 2026