Former British and Irish Lions player transitions to beekeeping career

Former British and Irish Lions player Jack McGrath has transitioned to beekeeping following his retirement from rugby. McGrath, who earned three caps with the Lions and won three Six Nations titles with Ireland, ended his playing career in 2023 due to injuries after a year without a club. Seeking a new direction, he aimed for a "comfortable, pain-free life" as an active father.

After rugby, McGrath explored various ventures, including a crane hire service and a fitness business, but ultimately chose beekeeping. He began training with OpenHive Honey during the first Covid lockdown, inspired by his family's history with beekeeping. He met OpenHive's operator, Kyle Petrie, in a cemetery in Ireland and found solace in focusing on bees during his recovery from surgery.