Rugby World Cup winner Francois Louw is the latest appointed representative to join Sanlam's advice network, as he pursues plans to financially prepare professional athletes once their careers have ended.
Mr Louw was part of the South African rugby team which emerged victorious at last year's World Cup in Japan by beating England by 32-12 in the final.
During his final year as a professional rugby player he also trained as a financial adviser, setting up his own firm RMS Advisory in Bath.
The firm, which includes a specialist sports arm dedicated to helping professional athletes manage their finances, has now joined the ranks of network Sanlam Partnerships.
Mr Louw said he felt fortunate to have received financial advice throughout his sports career, but warned for many others "the financial side can be overwhelming".
He said: "I believe all professional athletes should be able to retire in a relatively comfortable position, so my goal is to help other athletes build a solid financial plan enabling them live well even after their professional sports careers come to an end.
"Sanlam Partnerships provides RMS Advisory the ability to retain its independence, which is key, but also the bespoke paraplanning and compliance support it needs.
"I have been completely blown away by the guidance we have received so far, and I’m confident in being able to hand over the day-to-day responsibility for things such as compliance, so I can focus on getting out there and helping clients."
The network has more than 100 IFA members and offers training, fund research and support with paraplanning administration.
Rod Stewart, head of Sanlam Partnerships, said the network helped to free adviser firms from the "administrative burden of compliance and regulatory demands".
He added: "It means they can put all their energy and focus into what they do best, building and managing those all-important client relationships.
"Sanlam Partnerships offers firms a flexible outsourced offering and we look forward to supporting Francois and his team as they continue to grow the business."
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
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