Damian Hopley on the end of his rugby career: 'It was like a bereavement'

After his playing career ended, Damian Hopley became depressed. Now, he helps other men discuss the issueDamian Hopley knows from bitter experience that being a professional athlete can exact a heavy price on the mind as well as the body. Rugby players have always been in harm’s way and Hopley discovered this as a young man 20 years ago. Playing at centre for English Premiership rugby team Wasps, he won what looked like the first three of many England caps in 1995. Rugby union had just stopped being an amateur sport and the Cambridge graduate had given up his job in the City to ride this first…