The Rugby Players Association (RPA) have today announced St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy as an Official Business Club Member to become their  Transition Provider on a three-year deal.

The partnership will see St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy work alongside the RPA to support players with their transition away from the game. They will provide opportunities for players interested in pursuing a career in finance.

The St. James’s Place Academy offers fully funded industry-leading programmes that support and train new advisers to achieve the qualifications and skills they need for a successful career in financial advice.

Chris Jones, Associate Partner Swiftsure Wealth Management Limited, said: “After a 16 year rugby career playing for Sale Sharks and winning caps for England, I left feeling my strengths were only on the rugby field. Through the SJP Financial Adviser Academy I discovered many transferable skills which were highlighted and developed in the admission stages of the Academy process.  I found these skills make professionals of all sports ideal to join SJP. Once in the Academy, the training, although intense, is enjoyable and goes farther than just being knowledge based, it provides practical skills training too. The Academy's biggest strength is the support available to help you achieve the highest standards while training and beyond.”

Gee Foottit – SJP Financial Adviser Academy, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with the RPA. We have a proven track record of success with many ex-sports professionals successfully transitioning into financial advice. This is due to their many transferable skills such as personal impact, drive, commitment, resilience, communication and people skills. We provide access to gaining qualifications while candidates are still playing, making the transition away from sport when the time is right smoother, more timely, and providing peace of mind that their future is in safe hands.”

Gaia Bursell, RPA Head of Commercial and Team England, commented: “It’s well documented that the RPA encourages players to think about careers post-rugby whilst playing, so to partner with SJP Academy to specifically train players as financial advisers whilst supporting their career is a perfect fit.”

For more information on St James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, visit: https://academy.sjp.co.uk/academy. 

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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 Men’s and Women’s Teams 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