easyProperty franchise gets over the line with rugby star buyer

A rugby star has signed a deal to operate the easyProperty franchise in his home town area.

Castleford Tigers prop forward Liam Watts, 29, says the plan is to prepare for life after he retires, which will follow the completion of his current extended contract at the end of the 2023 season.

Watts’ wife Beth will be helping in the business, which will cover the Castleford and Pontefract area. 

The ex-Hull Kinston Rovers and Hull FC player has told Estate Agent Today: “I am still loving the game and feel I’m in my prime right now … I think the Castleford and Pontefract area has had a lot of investment by way of new build and industry and commercial units, meaning more employment for the immediate area and along with great access to Leeds, which is arguably the second biggest financial institution after London. It’s the perfect area at the perfect time.

“The uncertainty in the property market is already showing signs of disappearing with the uncertainty over Brexit soon to end and the election over and done with, so that’s why it’s a great time to launch the business.

“I am a 50-50 partner at the moment, but once I’ve learned the business thoroughly, I aim to own it outright.”

Kelvin Brook, regional manager of easyProperty, says: “He’s shown his toughness on the field and I feel that will help him in the business world when he decides to hang up his boots. Liam shows the same desire to make it work as he has always shown in a Castleford shirt – and I’m sure he’ll be a big success.

“The estate agency world is fiercely competitive – in many ways it’s just like the Super League.

“We feel with our experience and knowledge we can teach people like Liam how to be good estate agents."

easyProperty is currently working with Rugby League Cares, an independent charity that helps players find jobs once their careers are over, providing education and training grants to help equip them with the skills and qualifications needed for the next stage of their lives.