LIFE is good for Bulls star Paul Clough right now – and he has two big reasons to celebrate.

The former St Helens man has not only been awarded a testimonial by the RFL, he also recently qualified as a financial adviser.

The articulate 27-year-old successfully completed a diploma in regulated financial planning.

All this while he continues to prove a vital cog in a Bulls side which hopes to win promotion in the coming months, with tomorrow's home game against Dewsbury the next step towards that goal.

"I was a bit nervous waiting for the results to come through but all the hard work has paid off and I'm absolutely delighted," said Clough.

"The majority of the course was actually done when I was still at Saints. I think I've had two exams while I've been at the Bulls but Jimmy (Lowes) has been really good. He's put training back or got me in earlier to get it done so I can get to my exam on time.

"The Rugby League Cares charity have also been fantastic with the grant and support that they provide. Their goal is to help players prepare for life after rugby. As we've seen, it can be quite a daunting experience for some people.

"It's not just me involved in this, there are some guys doing electrician courses and other vocations right across the board. Yes, you need to focus on your rugby – but at the same time it's always good to prepare for life after it because that day will come."

Clough has also been supported by his old Blackbrook amateur club coach Tommy Frodsham, who runs Rochdale-based firm Upfront Financial Services.

Frodsham, a former stand-off at Saints, asked Clough to become an ambassador for his Have a Heart charity, which raises money for cardiology diagnostic machines and portable defibrillators.

Clough has gained practical experience at Upfront Financial Services and Frodsham said: "The fact that Paul passed his diploma in less than two years is absolutely exceptional for someone with no previous financial experience.

"His qualification is degree standard and he is now a fully fledged financial adviser. He is likely to try for further qualifications in the future."

Clough added: "I think I will definitely be doing something along the lines of financial advice when I eventually retire. I'm still buzzing because I've passed my course and am now looking to get into the chartered exams to become even more qualified.

"I've not had much respite but I'm lucky that I play a sport that I love and I do get a bit of free time. Rather than waste that time, I'm trying to better myself, like many players do."

Clough is regarded highly in the game after progressing through the ranks at home-town club St Helens.

The prop's testimonial will be launched with a dinner at Langtree Park on Saturday, July 11 and other events will take place, including a golf day at Eccleston Park Golf Club on Tuesday, September 8.

"It has been great to be granted it and I spent a lot of my career at Saints," said Clough, who made his Super League debut in July 2005 and then picked up a Challenge Cup winners' medal in 2007 and 2008.

"I did ten years of my career there and it just so happens that my testimonial year falls here at Bradford.

"There are going to be some events in Yorkshire and Lancashire, thanking the fans for all their support, as opposed to an actual testimonial game."

Clough made a total of 189 appearances for Saints, scoring 24 tries. He said: "It was a great time but I don't want to look back on it too much because we have obviously got a big task here at the Bulls."

Details of Clough's testimonial events can be found at www.blackbrookrugby.co.uk.