Friday 21st June 2019

The Rugby Players Association today announced that its Personal Development Programme (PDP) is to be renamed the RPA Gain Line programme ahead of the 2019/20 season, coinciding with the release of the programme’s latest annual report and the launch of a number of new initiatives.

Established in 2004, the programme is delivered by the Rugby Players Association (RPA) and supported by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby.

Through Gain Line, players are individually supported with their welfare, off-field personal development, education and career planning by a team of independent RPA Development Managers. Personal development initiatives not only benefit players by encouraging them to pursue a balanced lifestyle and prepare for life after rugby, they have also been proven to enhance on-field playing performance.

More than 800 players are supported by the programme, with senior academy players now required to pursue a ‘dual careers’ philosophy which ensures they will be preparing for their long-term future from the moment they enter the game.

New initiatives for the 2019/20 season include the launch of the RPA Career Insights Programme. Headlined by official RPA partner Sanlam and supported by companies from various industries, from property and finance to education, business start-ups and the military, the programme will offer players meaningful insight and experience into careers that interest them.

Players will be further supported in the upcoming season through the RPA’s first dedicated player app. Not only will the app provide players with personal and career development advice and opportunities, it will also contain useful resources and support information covering all aspects of their lives as professional rugby players.

Head of Gain Line Ben McGregor said: “The RPA Personal Development Programme has evolved and expanded significantly over the past 15 years, creating the need for a distinct and instantly recognisable identity that encompasses the philosophy, breadth and variety of the programme. The Gain Line brand reflects the cultural shift in the game to prioritise the development and wellbeing of the people who play the game professionally. The programme is an essential provision for our members, empowering them to be as successful off the field as they are on it."

RPA Chairman Mark Lambert said: “The Gain Line programme is at the heart of everything that is good about the RPA. It offers education, benefits and, perhaps most importantly, support in the full range of issues that can affect our members. The Development Manager also acts as a confidential, objective and impartial mentor for an individual whom they can call on with no fear of compromising their own professional standing or aspirations. As the game continues to grow, the support of the Development Manager remains invaluable.”

To find out more about Gain Line or how you can get involved, please contact Ben McGregor on 020 3053 6670 or bmcgregor@therpa.co.uk

Click here to read the latest Gain Line Annual Report.