The Rugby Players Association (RPA) is pleased to announce that Sporting Chance have been appointed the new provider of the RPA Confidential Counselling Service for its members.

Sporting Chance was founded over 20 years ago by former England and Arsenal captain, Tony Adams MBE, and provides mental health support to current and former professional athletes.

The organisation works with a number of high-profile sporting leagues and organisations including the English Premier League, the English Football Association and the Professional Cricketers Association.

The partnership will enhance the mental health services that the RPA offers to all its current and retired members and the treatment provided by Sporting Chance will be funded by Restart Rugby, the official charity of the RPA. Sporting Chance’s services to RPA members will include a 24/7 helpline staffed by trained professionals, the availability of confidential one-to-one talking therapy sessions with mental health practitioners for the treatment of common mental health conditions and access to expert support for elite sports people with addictive disorders.

Richard Bryan, RPA Player Welfare Director, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sporting Chance as the provider of the RPA Confidential Counselling Service. Sporting Chance have many years’ experience of supporting elite sportsmen and women and they come with an outstanding reputation. Our purpose is to support, promote and protect past, present and future elite rugby players in England. The appointment of Sporting Chance is further evidence of the RPA’s intention to pursue this purpose in all areas of our work.

Colin Bland MBE, Sporting Chance CEO, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Rugby Players Association to provide essential mental health services to their members. At Sporting Chance, we understand the unique pressures faced by professional athletes having worked in the space for over 20 years and remain committed to offering support that is confidential, accessible and effective. This collaboration allows us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that rugby players at all stages of their careers have the mental health support they need to thrive on and off the pitch.”

ENDS  -

About the RPA

The Rugby Players Association is the representative body and collective voice of elite rugby players in England. We represent more than 600 male and female current rugby players, as well as more than 100 former players.

It is our mission to support, promote and protect the interests of our members, from the moment they begin their elite careers, throughout their playing days  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.

About Sporting Chance

Founded by former Arsenal and England Captain Tony Adams in 2000, Sporting Chance provides a range of mental health services tailored specifically for sportspeople. This includes access to a 24/7 helpline, a counselling network comprising over 270 therapists, and a residential rehab facility designed to support athletes with addictive disorders related to substances and gambling.