What is the RPA?

The RPA is the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby players in England.

Originally called The Professional Rugby Players' Association (PRA) it was founded in 1998 to look after the interests of all professional players, from Academy players to the superstars of the international game.

The Association was renamed The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) in October 2009, to reflect our expansion and increase in membership to include semi-professional and retired players as well as full time professionals.

The RPA is a not-for-profit registered trade union.

RPA Mission Statement

"To promote and protect the interests of our members by endeavouring to safeguard their futures both on and off the pitch. The officers and members of the RPA work in partnership with the game's governing bodies to further the cause of Rugby Union in this country"

The History of the RPA

1998

- The Players Association was founded by former Wasps and England player Damian Hopley as the PRA. Hopley was forced to retire through injury at the age of 26 and he identified the need for a collective body to represent professional players interests.
- Central legal and accident insurance introduced for members.

1999

- Inaugural PRA Rugby Players' Awards Dinner.

2001

- PRA sign Computacenter as title sponsor for PRA Awards.
- PRA Benevolent Fund established.
- Founder member of the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA).

2002

- Paul Burke (then at Harlequins) wins inaugural PRA La Manga Golf Classic.

2003

- Election of first Playing Chairman: Pat Sanderson.

2004

- PRA appointed exclusive Team England commercial representative and negotiate ground breaking four year deal to pay for Match fees and Image rights.
- Launch careers and education scheme, the Player Development Programme and appoint first full time Player Development Manager.
- Towergate TLC announced as Official Insurance Partner of the PRA.

2005

- PRA commissions three-year Player Burnout Research Project.
- Two additional full time Player Development Managers appointed.
- PRA lead negotiator and adviser for the 2005 British & Irish Lions contracts
- PRA sign contract with Mercedes Benz as Official Car of the PRA.
- Bath prop David Barnes elected Chairman of the PRA.

2006

- Introduction of a Standard Playing Contract for all Premiership club players.
- PRA CEO Damian Hopley elected chairman of IRPA.
- PRA carry out most extensive Ipsos Mori survey of professional players in England.
- Member of RFU Player Safety and Welfare Task Group.

2007

- IRPA and IRB sign Memorandum of Understanding.
- PRA secure voting rights on newly former Professional Game Board (PGB).
- Puma announced as Official Sportswear of PRA.
- Sunday Times announced as Official Newspaper partner of the PRA.
- Appoint first Independent Medical Advisor to the PRA.

2008

- Reappointed Team England Exclusive commercial agents and renegotiate new 4 year team England deal.
- Appoint Independent Doctor to represent PRA on PGB Medical Advisory Group.
- Introduces Confidential Counseling Service for all members.
- Commissions Rugby Retirees Medical Research Project.
- PRA significantly improve central insurance cover for all members.
- HSBC sign as Official Banking partner of the PRA.

2009

- Lead negotiator in British & Irish Lions player contract.
- Fourth Player Development Manager appointed.
- PRA delivers inaugural Academy Induction Day for all first year contracted Premiership Academy Players.
- Deliver Social Awareness and Responsibility Seminars to Premiership squads.
- Appoint first PRA Benevolent Fund Ambassador: Matt Hampson.
- Member of RFU Core Values Group.
- Member of RFU Image of the game task group.
- RFU Agents Registration Scheme launched, PRA set scheme policy with RFU and PRL, and are a member of the Agents Review Board.
- PRA support Tom Williams in his successful appeal against ERC 12 month ban.
- PRA renamed the Rugby Players' Association (RPA).
- RPA opens membership to the Championship players.
- RPA Alumni Launched

Aim and Objectives

- To protect, promote and represent the interests of our members
- To establish and maintain better conditions of employment
- To provide members with representation at the highest level of the game
- To provide legal advice and assistance for our members in matters concerning their employment
- To negotiate and promote the settlement of disputes arising between our members and their employers
- To provide financial or other assistance to our members in respect of matters arising out of serious injury or illness
- To assist with career and educational training for our members
- To provide a voice through which the members may express their views on issues concerning their well being
- To provide a unified body able to protect and enhance players' interests on both an individual and collective basis
- To safeguard the rights of players both past and present
- To promote the sport of Rugby Union in England