RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 19
TURNING PLAYER INSIGHT INTO ACTION
The RPA has worked with the men’s elite game to introduce a
comprehensive package of welfare measures designed to improve
oversight of the training environment and better protect players.
MEASURE – UNDERSTAND – PROTECT
For the 2026-27 PREM season, the following measures are being
introduced as a global first in Rugby Union:
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A mandatory Graduated Return-to-Contact Framework for
every player.
Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) to be worn during all contact
training sessions* to capture head acceleration data.
Centralised video recording of every contact training session
to provide greater oversight and analysis.
Training and match concussions recommended as a Men’s
Professional Rugby Board KPI, placing player welfare at the heart
of performance monitoring.
New research into modern training load to build a stronger evidence
base for future player welfare decisions.
*Excludes players who have formally opted out of wearing iMGs
in matches or have approved medical or technical exemptions.
A STAGED RETURN TO CONTACT TRAINING
Players will now be expected to follow a structured
four-week progression:
WEEK
TRAINING FOCUS
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Non-contact training only
Highly controlled contact using pads and crash mats
Controlled contact using tackle suits or controlled
unprotected contact
Full contact, managed according to individual preparation
and readiness
Week 4
PROTECTING PERFORMANCE STARTS IN TRAINING
The training environment must prepare players for elite competition.
By combining player feedback, objective data and evidence-led
policy, the RPA is working with our game partners to create a training
environment that is safer, smarter and built for long-term performance.
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