The RPA is the representative body and collective voice of elite rugby players in England, that represents more than 600 male and female current rugby players, as well as over 100 former players. Its mission is to support, promote and protect the interests of its 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.
The RPA and Podium Analytics are joining forces to continue the advancement of change in the professional game of rugby that will promote and improve player welfare. The plan for the partnership is to advocate for this through research into injury prevention and call for change to rules and regulations to reduce the risk of injury in rugby.
The RPA will work to promote research projects that are being undertaken by The Podium Institute for Sports Medicine and Technology at the University of Oxford and Podium’s partners and stakeholders. These projects have been formally endorsed by the RPA Board to drive maximum buy-in and participation in relevant studies from RPA members. One example of this is the multimodal head injury study, which aims to result in the development of a Head Injury Dose Model for Rugby Union.
The essential insights and learnings that are taken from the professional game will be pivotal in implementing effective change at the grassroots and youth level over time, so that the game of rugby can evolve to better protect players at all levels.