RPA, RFU & PWR: Supporting the Next Generation
On 15th August, the RPA, RFU and PWR came together at Rugby School for the very first Women’s Rugby U23s Induction Day, designed to help equip the next generation of talented female rugby players with the skills required to succeed at the highest level of domestic rugby in England.
We arrived at Rugby School to tea, coffee and blueberry muffins as the U23s players and coaches signed in, before getting underway with an introduction to the RPA, the RPA Thrive Programme, the RFU and the PWR.
Alongside the RPA team we were joined by Lions coach Jo Yapp, RFU Head of Women’s Performance Charlie Hayter and PWR League Operations Manager Amy Walmsley, before we headed into a series of four interactive workshops and discussions covering everything from wellbeing and dual careers, to contracts, salary caps, and social media safety.
SUPPORTING PLAYERS ON AND OFF THE PITCH
First up, we joined Jenny Maxwell and Lynsey Hyslop for a workshop on dual careers and wellbeing, exploring some of the experiences and challenges players are likely to face throughout their careers, as well as discussing what we can and can’t control within rugby.
Jenny shared her own experience of injury, explaining how frustrating it was to do everything ‘right’ and still not heal. Realising this wasn’t something she could control changed her perspective, and hearing her story helped us understand the importance of knowing what is and isn’t within our control.
UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS OF RUGBY
Next, Amy Walmsley gave the players and coaches valuable insight into some of the key operating standards within the PWR. We learnt more about the REM cap and EQP system, and how these can influence selection decisions, player signings and the offers clubs are able to make.
One point that really resonated with us was Amy's reminder that you are not your salary.
There is so much that goes into determining what a club may be able to offer a player. Things like the REM cap, a club's positional needs, existing contracts, and EQP status can all have an impact.
What we particularly liked about these first two sessions was that players and coaches attended them together. It meant coaches could gain a better understanding of the information and resources being provided to their players, while also contributing to the discussions and hearing the questions being raised.
We love this approach from the RPA, RFU and PWR - it's the kind of joined-up thinking and continuity that has the potential to remove unnecessary barriers from players' rugby journeys.
GETTING CLARITY ON CONTRACTS
After a break for lunch, it was time for the second half of the workshops, starting with a presentation from the RPA's Legal and Welfare Director, Richard Bryan, on contracts, agreements and agents.
The session focused on helping players understand what to look out for in their contracts, which clauses they should be aware of and whether they actually need an agent. It also gave the players a better understanding of the support available to them through the RPA when navigating these decisions.
For players at the beginning of their professional careers, understanding contracts can feel really overwhelming and having access to people who can explain the details and provide support is hugely valuable.
Huge shoutout to Richard for making what could have been a very dry topic incredibly helpful and engaging!
STAYING SAFE ONLINE
The final workshop focused on social media safety, with Matt Himsworth from B5 Consulting sharing advice on mental wellbeing online, the pros and cons of growing your online presence and how players can decide whether building a public profile is right for them.
There was plenty of practical advice too, including the importance of not posting while you're actually at a location and making use of Instagram's Hidden Words feature to help protect yourself online.
The feature allows users to block comments containing specific words or emojis, so that those comments are hidden from view and can only be seen by the person who posted them.
It was another example of the day focusing on practical tools that players can actually take away and use, rather than simply talking about the challenges they might face.
The players then had the opportunity to share what they'd learnt and give their feedback on the day.
LEARNING FROM THOSE WHO’VE BEEN THERE
We were then joined by Red Roses Lilli Ives Campion and Millie David, alongside Leicester Tigers player and dual-career athlete Grace Deane, for a player panel.
It's one thing to be told about the challenges you might face on your rugby journey, but hearing from people who have experienced them firsthand can sometimes resonate so much more. This made it even more helpful to hear Lilli, Grace and Millie reflect on their careers and experiences so far and share any advice they had.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE
The day provided an incredible opportunity for players to learn about the many aspects of their careers beyond what happens on the pitch - from wellbeing and dual careers to contracts, salary caps, player pathways and social media safety. It also helped raise awareness of the support available to them through the RPA.
The thing we loved most was just how much the day focused on supporting the players as whole people, not just as rugby players. For the next generation of women's rugby players, to have access to that kind of support early in their careers is huge, both for them as individuals and for the growth of the women's game. So if this first ever U23s Induction Day is anything to go by, there is a lot to be excited about!
