Dear RPA Member

We write to you in the wake of the incredibly difficult news that Worcester Warriors’ players’ contracts have been terminated following the liquidation of WRFC Players Limited. The last couple of months have been incredibly difficult for everyone involved with the club but especially the players and staff. They have done everything within their power to keep the club going, in near impossible circumstances. The resilience they have demonstrated throughout has been remarkable. They could do no more than they have done.

Through every twist and turn of the last two months, and in the absence of communication or leadership from the ownership, the RPA has been on hand to support and provide guidance to its members. This has included providing regular legal and practical advice at every stage for players to enforce their rights, providing direct communication channels with the RFU and Premiership Rugby, and ensuring players have access to the RPA Confidential Counselling Service. The RPA has also successfully lobbied for academy compensation to be waived for academy players moving to another club, hopefully meaning there are more opportunities for young players to find opportunities elsewhere.

We will continue to fulfil our role as RPA members search for new employment. This will include, amongst other support:

• Further advice and guidance on their rights as former employees of WRFC Players Limited

• The provision of a Free Agent’s List to help players seek new playing contracts

• 1 to 1 support from dedicated RPA Development Managers and our Wellbeing and Transition Manager with CV support, job search and education opportunities

• Ongoing access to the 24/7 RPA Confidential Counselling Service

• Sourcing local access to gyms and physios

• Guidance on financial issues

It is abundantly clear that lessons need to be learnt from this desperate situation, we will do everything that we can to ensure a situation like this is never allowed to develop again.  We will work with whoever it takes from across the game, and with Government to achieve this objective. Players must be fully involved and consulted in any discussions regarding their future and the future direction and structure of the professional game. This includes the need for the RPA to become signatories of the next Professional Game Agreement, and always part of the broader stakeholder interactions.