| Full name | Welsh Rugby Players Association |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 |
| Country | Wales |
| Key people | Neil Maclean-Smith & Rhys Williams |
| Website | wrpa.co.uk |
The Welsh Players Association (WRPA), founded in 2003, is the representative body for professional rugby union players in Wales. Its General Secretary is Neil Maclean-Smith, who succeeded previous General Secretary, Dean Sheehan and former Chief Executive, Richard Harry. Rhys Williams, former Wales and Cardiff Blues Fullback has been President since 2010. The association is part funded by the Welsh Rugby Union.[1]
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Membership of the WRPA is made up of players who play for the four professional regions; Cardiff Blues, Llanelli Scarlets, Ospreys and the Newport Gwent Dragons as well as current Welsh Internationals who play outside of Wales.[2]
The WRPA was established in 2003 in response to changes in the professional game. Its first task was to negotiate with the WRU to establish a proper insurance scheme for all professional players in Wales and also to set up a commercial arm for the Wales national team, Team Wales.[2] In 2011, the WRPA introduced the Player Development Programme to assist players with life off the rugby field. The PDP covers areas including, Personal & Professional Development, Welfare and Lifestyle and Planning for the future.
The purpose and objectives of the WRPA are:
These WRPA serve its members on both rugby related and personal matters, these include:[2]
The WRPA also presides over the Players Player of the Year Award. The 2010 winner was Irish International, Tommy Bowe of Ospreys. Bowe was also awarded the IRUPA Players Player of the Year Award.[4]