Following on from the exciting news earlier this week of the five candidates standing to become the RPA's new General Secretary, the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) is also very pleased to announce the appointments of Nick Rappolt, Mike Bohndiek, Hannah Bruce and Helen Verwoert as new Non-Executive Directors (NED’s) of the RPA.

The four individuals, all of whom bring with them a wealth of different skills and experience, join the existing RPA Management Board, which consists of RPA Chair Judith Batchelar, Mark Campion, Mark Rider, Stuart Munday, Richard Bryan, Ethan Waller and Harry Elrington. The new look board will be concluded with the RPA’s new General Secretary once election has taken place in January.

Nick Rappolt has been a technology and marketing-services executive for over 20 years and founded several businesses such as Credo Communications and Beyond. He is currently founder of superStudios, a buy and build acquisition company focused on digital transformation in Europe and North America.

Hannah Bruce is currently the Head of Public Policy at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), where she combines her passion for sport and politics, advising the ECB on its relationship with the UK Government across a wide range of domestic and international policy areas. She had previously worked in several positions across Government.

Mike Bohndiek is an experienced Data, Digital and Technology Executive with a 17-year track record in the Sport & Entertainment industry. Leading his company, PTI Digital, he is a Digital Transformation thought leader in industry with direct experience in Premier League football, Premiership Rugby, County Cricket, Horse Racing and many more.

Helen Verwoert has 20 years’ experience driving transformational change with people and culture being at the centre. She has previously worked for Dr Martens as Chief People Officer, and at Praetura Ventures as an Operating Partner.

Judith Batchelar, Chair of the RPA Management Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nick, Mike, Hannah and Helen to the RPA Management Board. They are all highly regarded in their respective fields and will help us as we look to expand our activities, and to provide oversight and reassurance for our members.”

The new board members officially start with the RPA on the 3^rd January 2023 with the General Secretary following closely after and marks a hugely exciting time of change for the RPA.