Statement from Christian Day on Jersey Reds:

Following the incredibly sad news regarding Jersey Reds yesterday members of RPA staff and the RFU legal team met with senior representatives of the playing squad. We have offered to utilise our resources towards supporting those affected.

This is again a failing of the current rugby eco-system and why we are pushing so hard for changes to be made to governance of the professional game. Players and staff have been left with their lives turned upside down overnight. Players and staff that have invested their lives into their club and community. These are talented people trying to forge their way in life, dependant on the club to pay their wages that they have earned and deserve. It is unacceptable that this has again happened with no prior notice to players.

Players should be valued as partners in the game that they love and invest so much of their lives into. It is clear that there must be a better support system in place for all elite players which must be rectified as a key part of any new funding agreement.

Currently the RPA does not fully represent Championship Players. The RPA has put forwards a model of player support where all elite players can be represented and where their voices can be heard and listened to as part of the new Professional Game Partnership.