Lay summary
This research will investigate the health status changes over time for Maori rugby league and rugby union players leading into, and after, retirement from their playing careers. A large questionnaire-based study of players will be undertaken to provide a descriptive analysis of health and wellbeing trajectories of these players. This will be followed by a more in-depth physiological and mental well-being analysis of a group of these players over a period of 24 months to track any changes in their health status. This research seeks to inform the process of ""Health Retirement Planning"" by describing and analysing this important transition for active players as they retire from sport. The outcomes of this study will help us better understand the impact on Maori men's health, in the transition and during retirement from sport. Maori participants will be a focus for the study. Maori research workforce career development will be a direct outcome.