User:RugbyPlayersAssociation/Rugby Players Association

The Rugby Players Association (RPA) is the representative body of professional rugby union players in England as a not-for-profit registered trade union.

The RPA, originally called The Professional Rugby Players Association (or the PRA), was founded in 1998 to look after the interests of all professional players from Academy players to the national team.

It was renamed The Rugby Players Association in October 2009 to reflect the expansion and increase in membership to include semi-professional and retired players as well as full-time professionals.

The RPA employs 15 staff, nine of whom are based at the RPA's head office in Twickenham while six Player Development Managers are stationed regionally across the country to visit members in their clubs. The Management Board consists of 12 Player Representatives; one from each of the Aviva Premiership clubs.

1998-2000
The Players Association is founded by former London Wasps and England player Damian Hopley, who was forced to retire through injury at the age of 26. Hopley identified the need for a collective body to represent professional players interests. A central legal and accident insurance are among the first measures introduced for members. In 1999, the Association held its first Inaugural Rugby Players' Awards Dinner where Neil Back wins the first Players' Player of the Year Award.

2000-2004
In 2001, Computacenter signs as title sponsor for Rugby Players' Awards Dinner, the Benevolent Fund is established and the Association becomes a founder member of the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA). Harlequins rugby player Paul Burke wins the 2002 Inaugural La Manga Golf Classic and in 2003, Pat Sanderson becomes the first playing professional to be elected Chairman.

The PRA is appointed exclusive Team England commercial representative and negotiate ground breaking four-year deal to pay for match fees and image rights in 2004. The PRA launches a careers and education scheme - the Player Development Programme - and appoint their first full-time Player Development Manager. Towergate TLC is unveiled as Official Insurance Partner.

2005-2008
In 2005, the PRA commissions a three-year Player Burnout Research Project, appoints two additional full-time Player Development Managers, becomes the lead negotiator and advisor for the British & Irish Lions contracts on their Tour of New Zealand. Also in 2005, Mercedes Benz becomes Official Car supplier and Bath prop David Barnes is elected Chairman.

The PRA introduces a Standard Playing Contract for all English Premiership club players in 2006. In addition, CEO Damian Hopley is elected Chairman of the IRPA, the most extensive Ipsos Mori survey of professional rugby players in England is undertaken and the PRA becomes a member of the RFU Player Safety and Welfare Task Group.

In 2007, the PRA secure voting rights on the newly former Professional Game Board (PGB). Puma and The Sunday Times are announced as Official Sportswear and Newspaper partners, respectively. The PRA also appoint their first independent medical advisor.

The PRA are reappointed Team England's exclusive commercial agents and re-negotiate a new four-year England deal in 2008. They appoint an independant doctor to represent them on the PGB Medical Advisory Group, introduce a confidential counselling service for all members and commission a rugby retirees medial research project. Also in 2008, the central insurance cover for all members is significantly enhanced and HSBC sign on as Official Banking parters.

2009-present
In 2009, the PRA becomes the lead negotiator for the British & Irish Lions' player contracts. A fourth player development manager is appointed. An inaugural Academy Player Induction Day for all first year contracted English Premiership Academy Players is set-up. The PRA embarks on delivering social awareness and responsibility seminars to English Premiership squads.

Former rugby player Matt Hampson is appointed the first RPA Benevolent Fund Ambassador. The PRA becomes a member of the RFU Core Values Group and RFU Image of the Game task group. The PRA set up a scheme policy with the RFU and PRL following the launch of the RFU Agents Registration Scheme and become a member of the Agents Review Board.

The PRA support Harlequins winger Tom Williams in his successful appeal against a 12-month ban by the European Rugby Cup (ERC) following the Bloodgate scandal, which is later reduced to four months. The PRA is renamed The Rugby Players' Association (RPA), opens membership to English Championship players and launches the RPA Alumni.

In 2010, the RPA secure a three-year funding agreement with the RFU and Premiership Rugby. Computacenter Professional Development Scheme is launched offering three current professional players a 12-month programme of personal and business skills development and mentoring from senior managers.

The RPA negotiates a successful resolution to the England players summer tour pay dispute with the RFU. The RPA ensure strict conditions are met by the RFU and Premiership Rugby before agreeing to GPS research. The RPA assist Sale Sharks players in employment disputes and provide the Bristol squad with legal advice when the club faces the threat of administration.

A third annual RPA Academy Player Induction Day is attended by over 70 players. The RPA appoint a new independent doctor and secure funding and mandate to deliver a Betting Integrity Education Programme to every Aviva Premiership player. The RPA successfully defend London Wasps player Marty Veale in a court case brought by his agent.

The RPA's Player Development Managers design and deliver the first education seminar on the newly-introduced Illicit Drugs Policy to all Aviva Premiership players and host a three-day IRPA conference. Travelex is announced as Official Foreign Exchange Supplier and Insurance company Arachas renew their commerical partnership.

Mission Statement
"To promote and protect the interests of past, present and future professional rugby players in England."

Aims

 * To provide an outstanding professional service
 * To receive consistently excellent feedback from our members
 * To receive consistently excellent feedback from our partners
 * To be financially robust so we can afford to re-invest in our member services
 * To be a great place to work

Independent Advice
The RPA provides its members with independent advice on any matter concerning their employment, welfare or general well-being, including:

• Contract dispute • Contract termination  • Agent dispute • Payment concerns   • Criminal charges    • Media intrusion

Player Insurance
All Premiership-registered senior RPA members are covered by the RPA's Player Insurance, which is provided by Towergate TLC.

Income Protection for RPA members is provided by Arachas Pro Protect.

Player Development Programme
The RPA's Player Development Programme is designed to individually support, guide and assist its members in their personal and professional development, providing them with the opportunity to fulfill their potential and build a lasting legacy following retirement from the game. The programme works with players throughout and beyond their playing careers.

Each region has a Player Development Manager who is a one-stop shop for players requiring help, support or advice. The RPA's PDM's support players by providing a career planning service, education and vocational guidance and retirement support. The RPA use a network of rugby-friendly employers and recruitment partners who support retiring players with work experience opportunities. They offer players an opportunity to establish links with employers and have a taste of the working world.

Key Focus Areas:

• Personal Development               • Life After Rugby • Lifestyle Balance                  • Education

Programme Initiatives include:

• Jobs for the Boys • Academy Player Induction Day • Education Grant

• Social Awareness Education Programme • Personal & Professional Development Seminars

Anti-Doping & Illicit Drugs Policy
The RPA provides its members with a list of essential contacts, prohibited drugs, information on banned substances and drug testing in accordance with the RFU Illicit Drugs Policy.

Men's Health
The RPA provide a confidential counselling service through LPP Counselling, who help with a wide range of services including: • Coping with injury • Player Burnout • Career transition • Alcohol and drug problems

• Gambling • Financial Worries • Relationship issues • Bereavement

• Anger Management • Sports Psychology • Stress, anxiety and depression

Member Health
The RPA with 108 Harley Street offer a range of services for RPA members and their families. Services include: • GP, Travel and Sexual health services

• Moles and Skin Cancer screening and general dermatology

• Colo-rectal from haemorrhoids to malignant bowel problems

• Plastic surgery including treatment of cauliflower ears

''• Gambling

''• Financial Worries

• Relationship issues

• Bereavement

• Gilmore's Groin and Hernia

• Prostate and urology problems

• Thyroid problems

• Breast problems

RPA Alumni Medical Scheme
The RPA recently launched an Alumni Medical Scheme for its members which provides financial support to retired professional players requiring medical treatment as a direct result of a career in English Premiership rugby.

The Players Room Magazine
The RPA produce a seasonal magazine called The Players Room which is available to all its' members and subscribers.

Benevolent Fund
The RPA Benevolent Fund is the professional players' charity, established to provide financial help and practical support to RPA members in the following areas:


 * Those who have suffered hardship including serious injury or illness.


 * Assisting members to attain educational qualifications. It is recognised that investment in members education will help to minimise hardship demands on the Benevolent Fund in the future.

The Professional Players' Charity is a registered charity, No 1113160 and relies upon corporate and individual donations.
 * Helping qualified alumni members with the cost of ongoing medical treatment as a result of rugby related injuries.