The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) is pleased to announce that Josh Frape has been appointed to the newly created role of Transition Manager. Reporting into the Head of the Personal Development Programme Ben McGregor, Josh will play an integral role supporting retired and transitioning players with their welfare, education, personal development and career transition. The appointment underlines the RPA’s commitment to not only supporting members when they are still playing but also once they’ve hung up their boots, ensuring their transition out of the game is a positive experience. As a player, Josh was part of the Gloucester side that topped the Premiership in 2003, before injury ended a promising career prematurely. Following his own retirement, Josh has spent the past nine years as an RPA Personal Development Manager, working with players from Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs.

Ben McGregor said: “The new Transition Manager role is an exciting development for the RPA and national Personal Development Programme. We are passionate about improving how we can best support our transitioning and former players, and Josh is the ideal person for taking our service to a new level. A former player himself, with nine successful years as an RPA Personal Development Manager, Josh has proven experience in delivering high quality player opportunities. We are delighted he has committed to creating something special for our members.”

Josh said: “After nine years helping our members prepare for a career away from rugby I am excited to be able to take on this new role. Having supported many players with transition from the game, as well as experiencing it first-hand myself, I am fully aware of the challenges they face. I want to make sure they are fully prepared and looking forward to what comes next.”