Our Charity

Restart is the official charity of the RPA and we are dedicated to supporting elite men's and women's rugby players suffering from serious injury, illness or hardship.

We provide financial and practical support to players and their families during difficult times, including help with the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation equipment and disability support. We’re also there when players need emotional support to help with mental health issues, by providing a 24/7 Confidential Counselling Service.

We receive no government or lottery funding so the work we do is funded entirely through voluntary donations and fundraising activity. We completely rely on the support of businesses, rugby supporters, fundraisers, generous donors and the players themselves to raise funds each year for those in need.

Our Story

The charity was set up in 2001 by former RPA CEO Damian Hopley, following his early retirement from the sport. He discovered there was a lack of support available, which led him to found the charity.

We work simultaneously with the RPA to represent players, giving them the voice they deserve and also providing them with support when they have nowhere else to turn.