RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 6

MESSAGES FROM
OUR LEADERSHIP
With the first
anniversary of
my appointment
fast approaching,
I thought I would offer
some early impressions.
their board induction day; and very recently,
listening to the RPA Team discussing
and developing their priorities and strategy
for 2026-27. A key priority will be reconnecting
with retired players, recognising their
legacy and providing support. The recent
appointments of Sue Day MBE and Danny
Care as our advisers will provide impetus
to this initiative and their willingness
to get involved is testament to our
growing reputation.
Looking at our vision
to have the players valued and respected as
partners in a united game, we are increasingly
listened to as the ‘players voice’ on the
Men’s Professional Rugby Board. This is
helped by our growing membership numbers
(approaching our 1000 target at the last
count) and the player surveys which give us
the data to substantiate player concerns.
Persuading the PREM to regulate contact
training, with a package of new measures
being approved for the 2026-27 season, is
a prime example of the impact we can have.
This progress is due in no small measure
to Christian Day’s leadership, backed up by
Rachael Burford and Lynsey Hyslop on the
Women’s side, and also the commitment of
our (small) head office team and our Player
Development Managers - all of whom work
hard to make English players (men, women
and retired) the best supported in the world.
Other highlights for me were the setting up
of the Women’s Rugby Board and attending
Mark Rawlinson OBE
Chair, RPA Board
6

Paperturn flipbook system