RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 4

INTRODUCTION
The need to continue to improve our rugby
ecosystem – with our players always at the
core – has been a driving force for us. As
recognised partners in the English game we
have continued to make advancements for
our members that will benefit all players;
from those starting out as rookies on their
professional journey, to retired members
looking to reconnect with the game to which
they gave so much.
On behalf of the Rugby Players Association,
it’s my pleasure to present our third edition
of the RPA Impact Report. This yearly
publication aims to share the collective voices,
perspectives, and stories of the players, as
well as to highlight the impact the RPA has in
providing vital support and adding value to the
game that our members love.
During the 2025-26 season we have seen
Rugby Union in England starting to show
promising signs of recovery. The Red Roses
World Cup winning performance was the
jewel in the crown for the English game
as PREM Rugby secured transformative
new investment and the PWR competition
continued to showcase the best women’s club
competition in the world.
RPA membership and engagement
have continued to rise in both the men’s
and women’s game, reflecting a growing
unity within the player group. Together we
are stronger:
• 92% of PREM Rugby men are now RPA
members in 2025-26, up from 77% in
the 2023-24 season.
We have witnessed a continued increase
in player participation and engagement,
signifying a growing trust and confidence in
our initiatives. At the RPA, we are privileged
to be entrusted by both our members and
the game’s stakeholders to engage on a
broad range of matters that guide the game
in England. Over this season the RPA placed
a strategic focus on gathering more in-depth
insights from our membership. The year’s
report adds these insights which help to frame
the focus of our work and the measurable
impact we have made for our members.
• Our women’s membership has grown
beyond 50% of PWR players, with
a continued focus to increase this
proportion in 2026-27.
• Membership across all categories has
nearly doubled since 2023-24, rapidly
closing in on our target of 1000 members
by 2028.
4

Paperturn flipbook system