The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) is a

trade union A trade union (British English) or labor union (American English), often simply referred to as a union, is an organization of workers whose purpose is to maintain or improve the conditions of their employment, such as attaining better wages ...

representing elite rugby

rugby union Rugby union football, commonly known simply as rugby union in English-speaking countries and rugby 15/XV in non-English-speaking world, Anglophone Europe, or often just rugby, is a Contact sport#Terminology, close-contact team sport that orig ...

players in England. The RPA is the representative body and collective voice of elite rugby players in England and represents more than 600 male and female current rugby players, as well as more than 100 former players.

Overview

RPA members qualify for a wide range of benefits, including: independent representation; legal advice; personal and professional development; playing insurance; education; confidential counselling; transition support; and more. Members can also access the support of a charity, Restart, in the event of serious illness, injury or hardship. The RPA was founded by professional player

Damian Hopley Damian Hopley (born 12 April 1970) is a former rugby union player for London Wasps and England. His position of choice was on the wing or in the centres. Background Born in South London, Hopley attended St Benedict's School in Ealing West ...

, who was forced to early retirement after an injury. The RPA announced that Hopley was to leave the organisation after 24 years in charge of the company. His last day was on Monday 15 August, with a visit to Wasps. On 16 January 2023, it was announced that

Christian Day Christian Day (born 24 June 1983) is a retired rugby union player who last played for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership. His position of choice was lock. Rugby Day played for Sale, and also had a short spell at French giants Stade F ...

, was elected the new General Secretary of the RPA, following an election to the membership. In September 2024, the RPA released its' first ever Impact Report. It showcased impact of the work that we have delivered for the rugby eco-system in support of our members.

Current board

The following rugby union professionals playing in England make up the current RPA Players' Board, as of the 2024-25 season.

Awards

The following have been recognised at the annual RPA Awards, as voted on by professional rugby union players in England, since 2010:

15 Under 23

The following teams represent the 15 Under 23, consisting of the top players in England aged 23 and under, as selected by voters, each year since 2022:

Hall of Fame

The following players, coaches, officials, administrators and commentators have been inducted into the RPA Hall of Fame:

References