RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 27

PLAYER INSIGHT
The long-term success of the elite game depends on more
than investment in playing squads. Players recognise and value
the importance of a sustainable game that also invests in their
development, wellbeing and welfare support beyond the playing field.
As the game continues to evolve, ensuring these services remain
protected is essential to creating an environment where players can
perform, develop and prepare for life after rugby.
RPA ACTION & IMPACT
The RPA continues to represent players in discussions shaping the
financial future of both the men’s and women’s game, ensuring that
players remain central to decision-making.
During the 2025-26 season, the RPA formally joined the Men’s
Professional Rugby Board Salary Cap Group for the first time, as part
of the RPA’s repositioning within the Professional Game Partnership,
giving players a direct voice in discussions around the future of the
salary cap.
Alongside advocating for continued investment in player support, the
RPA supported the introduction of a salary cap floor and welcomed
the increase in the Rookie minimum wage for the 2026-27 season,
strengthening minimum standards and protections for the next
generation of elite players.
The 2025-26 season marked an important step in the representation
of women’s players through the creation of the first Women’s Rugby
Board and its recognition by Premiership Women’s Rugby as the voice
of the players.
The RPA recognises that PWR is a developing competition operating
a dual-career model, with full-time, part-time and volunteer players. We
have therefore sought to support the league’s sustainable development
while being clear that financial sustainability cannot depend on players
carrying unreasonable personal, financial or employment costs.
Our next priority is to embed the Women’s Rugby Board as an effective
and independent representative body. This means maintaining regular
engagement with the wider playing group, establishing structured
dialogue with PWR and pursuing progressive improvement as the
competition grows.
A sustainable rugby environment and a fair deal for players should
be mutually reinforcing. The role of the Association is to help ensure
that the players who are building the competition are properly heard,
protected and able to share in its future success.
27
ROOKIE
1 WAGE
£19,747
ROOKIE
2 WAGE
£21,747

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