Barclays has today been named the official banking partner of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), signing a three-year partnership.

The multi-year deal will provide all RPA members with a dedicated banking service assisting with their retail banking needs. In addition, new members arriving from overseas will benefit from expert support and guidance to ensure their relocation to the UK is as smooth as possible. Players will also have access to Financial Wellbeing and LifeSkills programs, providing them with industry-leading insight and support to develop members financial awareness and prepare them to help make a successful transition from the game after retirement.

David Steer, Managing Director of Barclays Premier Relationships, said: "The RPA is one of the leading player organisations in professional sport, and has spent many years building up their offering for their members. Key to this is ensuring that the members get access to the best in financial services whilst they are playing, and also in helping plan for their future after they retire. We are delighted that the agreement we have come to will allow us to provide the support that the RPA and its members need and we are very much looking forward to the partnership we develop over the coming years."

Damian Hopley, Group CEO of the RPA, said: “Given Barclays’ reputation as a global leader in banking services, we are very excited to be working with them as an official RPA partner. This agreement not only gives RPA members past and present access to Barclays’ premium banking services, it also provides excellent opportunities for our players as they prepare to transition from the game.”

For more information please visit: www.barclays.co.uk