Sean Purcell, a 43-year-old secondary school teacher and football referee, has carved a niche as an agent representing semi-professional rugby union players across England’s lower leagues. Balancing his day job with his passion project, Purcell established his agency, Future Makers, two years ago to support players competing primarily in the National Leagues at levels three and four, as well as tiers five and six.
Purcell’s client roster approaches 40 players, who are spread geographically from Chester to Colchester. His first signing in the Championship (the second tier of English rugby) was Conor-Terrah Brockschmidt of Chinnor. Among recent additions is Harrison Hayman, formerly with the Exeter Chiefs academy, now playing for Camborne in National 1, and George Merrick, an England Under-20 international with an extensive club career including Harlequins, Clermont, Worcester, Carcassonne, and the Chicago Hounds.
Despite working at lower levels where budgets are modest and formal contracts less prevalent, Purcell sees value in his role as an intermediary. While salaries in these leagues tend to be limited—£125,000 gross squad payments at National 1, with reduced thresholds at lower levels—regulations and payment structures vary widely, often including retainers, match fees, and expense coverage. For clubs, match-fee arrangements can minimize financial risk, as players may only receive pay when selected for the first team.
The enforcement of salary regulations remains challenging for governing bodies, with clubs sometimes opting to accept sanctions that involve surrendering certain Rugby Football Union (RFU) benefits, such as assistance with travel and facilities. This creates a complex landscape in which player compensation and club ambitions intersect unevenly. Purcell notes cases where clubs at lower levels offer more competitive pay than some teams higher up the pyramid, reflecting differing financial capabilities and priorities.
Beyond contract negotiation, Purcell emphasizes pastoral care and career support for his clients. He maintains personal communication channels, including active use of WhatsApp, and delegates tasks such as video editing of highlight reels. Future Makers aims to expand partnerships, including with real estate companies, to help players find employment outside rugby, acknowledging the semi-professional status many face.
Purcell stresses that his approach is tailored to each player’s situation, focusing on long-term relationships rather than quick contract deals. He aspires to provide guidance that helps players make informed decisions about their careers, particularly those navigating challenges like academy releases or transitions between clubs.
The agency is also developing a media presence, with plans for podcasts tailored to players “grinding it out” in regional and national leagues—an audience often overlooked compared to the professional elite. Purcell believes this platform can inspire and advise players while filling a gap in recruitment infrastructure present in many clubs at these levels.
As semi-professional rugby continues to evolve, agents like Sean Purcell play an increasingly visible role in managing the careers and welfare of players outside the professional spotlight, striving to bring greater structure and support to the grassroots tiers of the game.