Wallabies great Tim Horan will don another cap this Saturday (11 October) when he graduates from his Executive MBA at Bond University, as class valedictorian.
Bond University's Executive MBA is offered exclusively to Australian upper echelon managers, and is structured to accommodate senior managers who cannot afford to take time out for full-time study.
The former Wallaby captain commenced the program in the April 2012 intake. He now works at Westpac in the sports and entertainment division in Brisbane and Fox Sports as a presenter.
"If you had asked me two and a half years ago whether I would prefer to tackle an Executive MBA or Jonah Lomu from the All Blacks, my answer would have been very different to what it is today - now I'd say give me Lomu any day," Horan said.
"It was certainly a challenge, but well worthwhile.
"In all honesty, an Executive MBA at Bond offers the flexibility and freedom that I needed in order to manage my study around my professional commitments.
"My work schedule is demanding, but with the way the program is structured, combined with the support from the faculty, I was able to complete the EMBA, without it interfering with my work.
"For the last two and a half years Sundays have been dedicated to study and assignments, so I am looking forward to getting my Sundays back.
"The lawn hasn't had much attention over the last 18 months either so it looks like I'll be spending my free time mowing."
Horan, who has won two Rugby World Cups and Bledisloe Cups - two of the highest achievements in world rugby - says he is honoured to have been awarded valedictorian.
"When I was approached to give a speech on graduation day, I almost declined thinking I simply didn't have the time to prepare," he said.
"But then when it was explained to me that I was being asked to give the valedictorian speech - I was speechless.
"Sport teaches you a lot about time management and discipline, but I have always wanted to further my education and business knowledge. I feel privileged to be addressing my fellow graduates on Saturday and I am proud to have a degree behind me now."
ENDS