The Rugby Players Association (RPA) have today announced a new partnership with independent land agency Walter Cooper to become an Official Business Club Member on a one-year deal.

The company based in Hertfordshire, who act on both the disposal and acquisition of residential land and mixed-use development sites, not only have a huge passion for the game of rugby but also for player welfare.

Walter Cooper will work with all RPA members both current and retired, to educate them on the process of land and development transactions. In addition, they will also offer work experience opportunities in the development industry to those members who are keen to learn more about the industry.

Walter Cooper Managing Director, Simon Cox, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the RPA with a view to educating and assisting their membership in a better understanding of the development and land industry. We’re proud to be associated with RPA and their work in securing the futures of all players and members during and after their playing careers. This is something we’re passionate about and see lots of synergy in what we do and the wider rugby community. We’re keen to hear from all members, so if there is anything we can help with specifically do get in touch. We can’t wait to get started.”

Gaia Bursell, RPA Head of Commercial and Team England commented: "Walter Cooper are the first land agency business to partner with the RPA and we were delighted when Simon approached us to support our members via this partnership. We are confident this relationship will open up a new industry to the players, allowing them bespoke access to explore opportunities within land and development.”

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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

About Walter Cooper:

Set up in 2020, land agency Walter Cooper promise to provide a truly independent professional service designed to optimise and maximise the value of your land. With a head office located in Hertfordshire, alongside expertise spanning across the whole of the UK, the senior leadership team are perfectly positioned to help Housing Associations, SME’s and Housebuilders grow their portfolio, as well as see commercial businesses advance their logistic and industrial site outreach. Acting with flair and pragmatism, their unique and dynamic approach to putting land deals together whilst considering the interests of every single party have already produced significant success in their first year of trading, transacting on over 200 plots with a combined GDV of over £75m. For more information about Walter Cooper please visit waltercooper.co.uk.