The Rugby Players Association (RPA) have today announced Athletic Performance Education Company (APEC) as an Official Business Club Partner to become their Apprenticeship Provider on a three-year deal.

APEC is a human performance and fitness education company delivering a wide variety of health, fitness, and sports performance diplomas. APEC currently supports coaches, athletes, and the Armed Forces in reaching their potential through their unique blended learning technology platform. Their innovative digitalised and animated education content is designed to enhance students practical and theoretical understanding of the health, fitness, and sports performance industries.

The deal will see all RPA members and partners able to sign up to one of the diplomas that APEC have to offer.  The goal and mission of the education programme at APEC is to work in conjunction with professional athletes supporting them with their education needs across the health, fitness, and sport performance industries.

Shane Cahill, Director of Education and Operations at APEC said: “I am thrilled to see my company APEC working in conjunction with the RPA. Six years ago, I retired from professional rugby and the RPA was instrumental in facilitating that transition. I am only delighted to be back working so closely with such a great organisation and am looking forward to seeing the impact our education programs will have on professional rugby players across the country.”

Gaia Bursell, RPA Head of Commercial and Team England commented: “As an organisation, we pride ourselves on our ability to support and develop our members and staff. APEC provides both flexible and quality courses to help our members grow and develop their careers opportunities. It’s this shared drive that makes this educational partnership with APEC so well-aligned.”

For more information on the full range of health and fitness programs can be found at: http://www.apeccourses.com/.

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About the Rugby Players Association (RPA)

The Rugby Players Association is the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby players in England. We represent more than 800 male and female current rugby players, as well as more than 400 former players.

It is our mission to support, promote and protect the interests of our members, from the moment they sign their first professional contracts, throughout their playing careers, and beyond as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

Our members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including: independent representation; legal advice; personal and professional development; playing insurance; education; confidential counselling; transition support; and much more. Members can also access the support of our official charity, Restart, in the event of serious illness, injury or hardship.

The RPA has also acted as the exclusive commercial representative of the England Team since 2004 and performs the following duties on behalf of Team England: Negotiation of the Elite Players Squad Contract, England and Saxons match fees, England team win bonuses and Image Rights payments with the RFU.

For more information about the Rugby Players Association, please visit www.theRPA.co.uk