RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 76
INSIGHTS
RPA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SURVEY
2026 INSIGHTS
IMPORTANCE OF OFF-FIELD SUPPORT
92%
98%
80%
of players felt access to
independent support through
their RPA Player Development
Manager was beneficial to
them as an elite athlete.
of players said they would
feel comfortable speaking
to their PDM about their
personal wellbeing.
of players felt that they had
been supported by the RPA
towards their post-career
development.
The RPA’s Player Development Managers provide
independent support across wellbeing, education,
career development and transition planning.
MENTAL WELLBEING
99%
of players were neutral-positive regarding the importance of
access to the RPA’s 24/7 Confidential Counselling Service.
Delivered in partnership with Sporting Chance, who deliver mental
wellbeing support to all members.
“The counselling service is massive, there’s all sorts
of issues people come across in their day-to-day
lives, so to have that there and use it at any time is
massive and really important for us as a professional
rugby player.” Ted Hill
Mental wellbeing support remains a key part of the RPA’s player
welfare offering, both during and beyond a player’s career.
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