The Entrepreneur Experiment EE454 - He Quit Pro Rugby at 26 - And Started a Sauna Revolution
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Steve Crosbie, former professional rugby player turned founder of Fad Saoil Saunas — one of the pioneers of Ireland’s sauna movement.
After years playing for Leinster, Munster, and Connacht, Steve walked away from his dream rugby career at just 26. The transition from athlete to entrepreneur wasn’t easy, but it led him somewhere unexpected: into the cold Irish sea.
Out of heartbreak and healing came Fad Saoil Saunas - a business that began with one barrel sauna at the 40 Foot and grew into a nationwide wellness brand.
Steve shares how he rebuilt his identity, how sport shaped his approach to business, and why starting small (and freezing cold) can sometimes lead to the warmest success.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the dream ends, this story proves that endings can be the start of something extraordinary.
Show Notes
In this episode, we cover:
🏉 The journey from professional rugby to retirement at 26
💔 How losing his identity in sport sparked a period of rediscovery
🌊 The idea that became Fad Saoil Saunas — and how it all began at the 40 Foot
💡 The lessons sport teaches that translate directly to entrepreneurship
📈 How timing, community, and consistency helped spark Ireland’s sauna boom
🧠 Rebuilding confidence, purpose, and self-belief after walking away from a dream career
💬 “Although my rugby was at its peak, a lot of other parts of my life were on the floor.” – Steve Crosbie
Links & Resources
Fad Saoil Saunas Website: https://fadsaoilsaunas.com/
Follow Steve Crosbie: https://www.instagram.com/stevecrosbie101/?hl=en
Follow Fad Saoil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fadsaoilsaunas/?hl=en
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