At Nu Construction, we pride ourselves on fostering talent and supporting individuals who bring unique experiences and perspectives to the team. One of our standout team members is Jacob Gannon, a former professional rugby player who made the bold decision to pivot his career into construction. Jacob’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the value of proactively pursuing your goals.
A New Passion for Construction
For Jacob, the move into construction stemmed from a long-standing interest in the industry. As a teenager, he witnessed the process of building an extension on his parents’ house, and it left a lasting impression. Fast forward to 2020, when the pandemic gave him time to reflect on his career path. Jacob realised he wanted to develop new skills and pursue a different challenge outside of professional rugby.
This decision wasn’t made lightly. While rugby had been his dream and career for years, Jacob found himself less fulfilled by the sport as time went on. “I wasn’t enjoying full-time rugby as much as I used to,” Jacob reflects. That realisation, combined with his curiosity about construction, motivated him to take the leap into something new.
Getting His Foot in the Door
Jacob’s proactive approach was key to landing a role at Nu Construction. Determined to gain experience, he researched local companies, knocked on doors, and asked for work placements. It wasn’t always easy—Jacob faced multiple rejections—but his persistence paid off when Nu gave him a chance.
“Matthew invited me for an interview with Tom, and they let me do two days a week of work experience while I was still playing rugby full-time,” Jacob shares. When he eventually moved to part-time rugby, he joined Nu full-time. By the age of 22, Jacob had fully transitioned into his new career as a trainee quantity surveyor.
Learning the Ropes at Nu
Now an assistant quantity surveyor working closely with Matthew, Jacob plays a vital role in ensuring projects run smoothly. He describes himself as “Matthew’s eyes and ears,” keeping track of all the moving parts on-site. Currently, he’s focused on the Firth Point project, learning to manage budgets, timelines, and client expectations.
Jacob’s commitment to putting the client at the heart of everything he does is clear. “At Nu, communication is massive,” he explains. “It’s all about keeping things transparent and staying on top of every detail to deliver exactly what the client needs.”
From the Rugby Pitch to the Construction Site
Jacob’s rugby career provided him with a solid foundation of skills that he now applies in his role at Nu. Discipline, determination, and the ability to stay organised are all traits he developed through years of training and competition. “Rugby taught me to look after myself and keep everything in order,” he says. “Those lessons have definitely carried over into construction.”
While his most significant achievement to date remains signing his first professional rugby deal and playing in the Super League, Jacob is equally proud of the progress he’s made in his new career.
Advice for Aspiring Construction Professionals
When asked what advice he’d give to others considering a career in construction, Jacob emphasises the importance of putting yourself out there. “Go and speak to people,” he says. “Don’t just rely on emails—get out there, knock on doors, and put yourself forward. At Nu, they’re big on picking up the phone and making connections.”
Jacob’s journey from the rugby pitch to the construction site is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your career path. His hard work, resilience, and willingness to take risks have made him an invaluable member of the Nu Construction team.
We’re proud to have Jacob on board and look forward to seeing his continued growth within the industry. His story is an inspiration to anyone looking to start fresh and pursue their passion—proof that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
