Chawatama gaining work experience with Keltbray

London Irish’s Lovejoy Chawatama has been broadening his experience away from the rugby field with Club sponsor, Keltbray.

Keltbray is one of the UK’s leading specialist engineering and early-stage construction providers in the commercial, industrial, and residential built environment sectors.

Keltbray has been a sponsor with London Irish since 2017 and has been a valued member of the London Irish family ever since.

Director of Rugby Declan Kidney has always placed an emphasis on the players setting themselves up for life after rugby, and Chawatama is making the most of an opportunity to learn from his experiences at Keltbray.

“Declan has always encouraged us to prepare for our careers post-rugby. You never know when your career could end,” explained Chawatama.

“At Keltbray, I have been lucky enough to be able to shadow a variety of departments to get a better understanding of how their business works.

“It has given me a better appreciation how a business operates, and I have learnt a lot with them. I can’t thank Michael O’Hagan (Managing Director) and Ross Bennett (Construction Director) enough for the opportunity.”

Chawatama, who has a BSc Construction Management degree from the University of the West of England Bristol, has been to two live construction sites to develop his knowledge on demolition, piling and structures, whilst also spending time in the head office to work with the Estimate and Planning team. Lovejoy has spent time at the 8 Bishops Gate project, Keltbray’s 50-storey mixed-use project that is being developed in London.

“Lovejoy has great people skills and a real aptitude for his work,” said Ross Bennett.

“We’d gladly have Lovejoy join our team when his rugby career is over – although let’s hope that isn’t for a while yet!”

Michael O’Hagan added: “Lovejoy approached us during his rehab period. We were happy to give him an opportunity and some experience in different work environments.

“He has come a long way in his rugby life and will keep going forwards in his chosen career with the initiative and work ethic that he has. We will all be supporting him.”

Click here to look at Keltbray’s website!