At Cooper Associates Group, we celebrate advisers who go above and beyond for their clients. For Will Crane, that dedication extends well beyond the office. When Gloucester Rugby faced an injury crisis, they came calling, and Will did not hesitate. He stepped back into the intensity of professional rugby while continuing to deliver exceptional mortgage and protection advice.
Will’s career path is anything but conventional. After competing in both the Premiership and Championship, he embraced a new challenge through the Cooper Associates Group LEAP programme*, drawn by the opportunity to build a client-focused career with flexibility at its heart. Today, Will combines his advisory role with playing Championship rugby for Hartpury RFC, showcasing the same resilience and dedication that underpins his success on and off the pitch.
In this interview, Will reflects on what inspired his transition into financial services, how he balances two demanding careers, and the lessons from sport that shape his approach to delivering exceptional results for both his clients and his club.
What made you choose a career as a mortgage adviser?
“A mixture of always being interested in the industry and perfect timing with the LEAP programme coming to Cheltenham in 2023. The initial training and guidance received from Nick Feetenby, Thomas Jackson and my colleagues was truly invaluable at the outset. What really appealed to me was the flexibility to set my own schedule and the opportunity to build a strong career in financial services.”
What lessons from professional sport have shaped your approach to work?
“Professional sport teaches you plenty of life lessons and provides opportunities at a young age that transfer brilliantly into the workplace. Team camaraderie, resilience, and work ethic are just a few from a long list. With mortgages being the biggest financial commitment most people will ever make, I feel the lessons I’ve learnt in sport help me appreciate the significance of advising every client consistently to ensure the best possible outcome.”
How do you balance the demands of being a full-time mortgage adviser with playing rugby at such a high level?
“It requires preparation and good time management. As I mentioned, the flexibility offered by the role plays a big part in making it achievable. Being able to start work a little later than most because of rugby commitments, while still completing a full day’s work, is the best of both worlds. I enjoy it because each commitment requires its own headspace. When it’s time to focus on mortgages or rugby, I can fully switch off from the other, which I find beneficial for advising and competing to the best of my ability.”
How did you feel when you got the call to play for Gloucester?
“I felt very privileged that George Skivington and the other coaches thought highly enough of me to fill such an important role in the side. It’s an opportunity I haven’t taken for granted, and I’m constantly trying to learn and improve while I’m with the team. I also want to give massive thanks to Mark Cornwell and Hartpury for allowing me to take advantage of this chance and play in competitions I never thought I’d get the opportunity to experience.”
As Will continues to balance his advisory role with his rugby career, his commitment to excellence remains unwavering. We look forward to seeing his continued success both on the pitch and in guiding clients through life’s most important financial decisions.
*The Cooper Associates Mortgages LEAP Programme is an intensive 6-week course designed to take those looking to change careers from zero-experience to fully trained, competent, client-serving mortgage advisers.
If you’re interested in a change in career and would like to discover more about what the programme offers, please visit our LEAP page here.
