The Players' Annual 2023

T H E PL AYE R S’

2023

T H E PL AYE R S’ A N N UA L 2 0 2 3

A word of thanks....................................................................................................................................................... 10 About us ................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Organisational structure and meeting attendance .......................... 14 Financial overview ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Commercial division ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Commercial development ................................................................................................................... 21 Industrial affairs ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Player affairs ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Player development ......................................................................................................................................... 27 Communications .................................................................................................................................................... 32 Financial services ................................................................................................................................................... 34 Awards ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 38 The Players’ Charity ........................................................................................................................................... 40 International Rugby Players (IRP) ......................................................................................... 42

PUBLICATION DISCLAIMER: Please note that the content in this publication is intended for the recipient/organisation to whom the publication is distributed. The information contained herein is not authorised to be published on any public media platform unless the prior consent of the issuer of the publication is obtained.

MYPLAYERS

Jean de Villiers Being South African is exhilarating, and how awesome it is that our rugby players are often major contributors to this sense of togetherness, exuberance and epicness.

I’m also referring to Siya Kolisi and his Springbok squad’s most recent Rugby World Cup success story.

I’ve congratulated most of you in person, and I’m sure doctors and medical aids are still working tirelessly to get the nation’s blood pressure back to acceptable levels (not to mention the physical reparations you players are still undergoing). In hindsight, the trauma of watching the Springboks record three consecutive one-point victories was worth it. Thank you!

Epicness. When I chose this word, I was also thinking about someone else: John William Smit, known to some

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as the leader of Barney’s Army in the Cape Epic mountain bike multi-stage race, but also a true leader of men and the first Bok captain that the current generation of Springboks will be able to recall lifting the Webb Ellis Cup (Deon Fourie will also remember Francois Pienaar doing so …).

The day after Siya lifted the World Cup for the second time in four years, John received the IRP (International Rugby Players) Special Merit Award at the World Rugby Awards in Paris, and I can hardly think of a more deserving recipient. So, allow me a few paragraphs to tell you why.

JOHN SMIT John is a revered statesman of rugby, and if you exclude all his trophies and winning medals, this statement still rings just as true. Yes, he is the World Cup-winning captain from 2007. He also led the Springboks to victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and in the same year lifted the Tri-Nations trophy for the second time.

Yet, the reverence he enjoys among his former teammates, coaches and even his fiercest opponents is rooted in John the person and not merely in his rugby pedigree.

His service to the game on the field is well documented, but his service off the pitch is not as widely known, partly because John doesn’t broadcast how he spends his days.

He serves in humility and in the unseen trenches that determine the ebb and flow of professionalism.

After leaving Pretoria as an 18-year-old boy who could not possibly have imagined what pinnacles he’d reach as a Springbok, John represented the Sharks, Clermont and Saracens. He served as a trustee of the South African Players Trust from 2009 until 2012, which was instrumental in developing a collective commercial rights programme for South African men’s players.

Upon retiring in 2013, he courageously crossed the whitewash and became the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharks for three years. He remains a trustee of the Sharks Ex-Players’ Trust.

John subsequently entered the business world but remained involved in rugby, serving as a director of MyPlayers from 2018 to 2022. He accepted the players’ secondment to SA Rugby’s Executive Council, his tenure coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a strong player voice at the table during that time contributed

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

significantly to South Africa navigating those turbulent waters with an unprecedented show of solidarity among players, employers and administrators.

Today, he serves as the CEO of the South African Rugby Legends Association, dedicating his time to the organisation’s two complementary objectives: developing rugby at the grassroots level and supporting the needs and interests of retired players in South Africa. He’s also a trustee of The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, the official charity for South African rugby players who suffered a catastrophic injury.

Miraculously, besides cycling, he still finds time to work as a pundit for SuperSport, treating viewers to expert analyses offered with a touch of humour and a sensitivity for the hearts and minds of players, coaches and fans.

Upon reflection, it has always been John’s calm and considered servant leadership style that kept him involved in the game and that moulded his stature in the world of rugby. He truly is a more-than-worthy recipient of the IRP Special Merit Award for 2023, and on behalf of MyPlayers and its members, I congratulate him on an accolade he won’t boast about – so, allow us to do it on your behalf, Smitty.

BACK TO THE FUTURE By the time you’re reading this, the 2023/2024 European season will already be in full swing, and moving into this new season following the World Cup felt normal. That’s because South African teams competing abroad concluded their first full URC/EPCR cycle when two of my former teams – the Stormers and Munster – met in the URC final on 27 May 2023.

Unfortunately, no South African team progressed to the semi-finals of the European Rugby Champions Cup or the EPCR Challenge Cup. There are several lessons to be taken from this experience and in due course, we will understand what it takes to compete for the crown in each of these overlapping tournaments. Add the Currie Cup to the mix, and it’s not an easy recipe to master.

This schedule has not only caused South African players to forfeit their traditional summer off-season (read “family time”) in exchange for playing rugby in icycold European conditions. It has also had a significant impact on player and travel loads, which Eugene Henning discusses in more detail in his CEO report.

To contextualise this, think back to how things used to be: the South African rugby calendar had clear demarcations between one season and the next; almost like the open space that used to exist between Pretoria and Johannesburg before Centurion and Midrand practically merged them into what now feels like one never-ending metropolis.

The 2022/2023 Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup started on 9 September 2022, a week before the commencement of the new URC season and two weeks before The Rugby Championship even concluded.

Six weeks after the 2022/2023 URC final (27 May), the Springboks played their first TRC match against Argentina, and from TRC, they headed straight into World Cup warm-ups and the World Cup itself. Add one more Webb Ellis Cup to SARU’s cabinet in Plattekloof, and we’re already well into a new European club season (2023/2024).

What happened to Christmas, New Year’s, Hartenbos, Harties, Still Bay, Jeffrey’s, and Umhlanga, you ask?

That’s a fair question, and it’s the sort of challenge MyPlayers is constantly grappling with.

Greater collaboration within the industry is required if we are effectively going to deal with these changes and

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challenges. We are nowhere near the perfect balance yet but we are learning quickly – the lessons I alluded to earlier: How should we optimally balance player load and player rest? How should players’ services be shared between SARU and the provinces?

These are all novel topics that our industry has never had to contemplate as deeply as it is expected to now.

Locally, MyPlayers, SARU and the industry’s employers are working on finding answers. Up to now, the industry is doing okay, but there is significant room for improvement. Ironically, the joint fight for the industry’s survival during the COVID-19 pandemic probably prepared the respective stakeholders to work together more constructively than what used to characterise these sorts of conversations, and we are therefore optimistic but not naïve when raising the players’ voices at the table.

DOMESTIC GLORY The future of South African rugby does not only depend on our ability to perform in Europe and wearing the Green and Gold.

When the Cheetahs defeated defending champions, Pumas, to lift the Currie Cup on 24 June 2023, Bloemfontein immediately reminded us that when the Free State wins the Currie Cup, the Springboks win the World Cup … 2007, 2019, 2023. Deon Fourie will remind the current crop of players that Natal won the Currie Cup in 1995, but

let’s not let facts from the amateur era interfere with a beautiful local tale.

Because it turned out to be true again. Firstly, the Pumas deserve an honourable mention for qualifying for their second consecutive Currie Cup final, and the Cheetahs did their part for the national cause by ensuring the Springboks travel to France with winds of fortune blowing in their sails. Congratulations and thank you!

Still focussing on local legends, the Bulls Daisies are truly setting the standard for women’s rugby in South Africa. In 2023, the Pretoria-based team became the first fully professional women’s programme in the country, contracting 35 players. They concluded the regular season with a points difference of +651 from 12 matches. Western Province, who lost to the Daisies in the Premier Division’s final, had the second largest points difference, namely 93.

I’m not surprised at how well the Daisies performed and how far ahead they are of the other provincial teams.

My wife grew up in Blue Bulls country, and she is a formidable woman. Innate abilities aside, professionalism is the fertile soil that allowed this team to grow, and others will have to follow their example, not only to be able to compete against the Daisies but also to serve as a talent pipeline feeding the national women’s sides. They cannot solely depend on universities and one professional team to make them competitive on the global stage.

From MyPlayers’ perspective, women’s rugby remains a high priority and more work needs to be done to develop a strong feeding system. A more professional system will ultimately lead to greater commercial appeal for the women’s game and as a result, a commercial programme that also rewards women’s players for their collective marketable attributes.

The steps taken by the Blue Bulls Company to make women’s rugby professional should not be underestimated. While the following example only serves as anecdotal evidence for the programme’s success, it is telling that Springbok Women’s and Daisies flyhalf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, was named the University of Pretoria’s overall Rugby Player of the Year for 2023, the first woman in the Tuks Rugby Club’s history to be recognised for this award.

May the Daisies’ example inspire other unions to also allow their women to bloom where they are planted, and may they inspire a new generation of girls to play rugby in the same way the Springboks inspire a nation.

As we reflect on the past year, we recognise that the game is facing challenges, but the achievements of 2023 far outweigh its trials and tribulations. This has been a historically great year for professional rugby in South Africa. Let’s not lose sight of that, but let’s also not stop pushing ahead towards even greater heights.

Jean de Villiers Chairperson: MyPlayers Rugby

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

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MYPLAYERS Eugene Henning Amidst an array of socio-economic, political and other societal challenges faced by our fragile yet resilient country, the Springboks have once again united a nation – not merely by demonstrating what we are capable of achieving as elite athletes, but also by manifesting the very best of what it means to be South African.

This back-to-back World Cup-winning Springbok team understands the hearts and minds, the highest ideals, of the 62 million people it represents. Its members also know what their respective and collective responsibilities are in moulding hope into action and action into South Africa at its innate best.

The Springboks do not stand apart from its fans but are selected from among them. “One Team. One Nation” – a slogan selected by Edward Griffiths for the 1995 World Cup campaign that, in 2023, rings truer than ever before. This team embraces the country’s hopes, expectations and aspirations, and this is why the team and support staff were capable of challenging our collective energy into lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy for the second time in four years and the fourth time overall.

Achieving this unparalleled success on the sport’s greatest stage doesn’t come without extreme levels of sacrifice and as the Players Organisation, we want to laud the players and support staff for giving so much of themselves. You were on the road for 21 weeks, the last three of which were emotionally and physically more taxing than you might even have imagined. One-point victories are enough. Those are the small margins between success and failure, and you were capable of navigating your way through the most competitive World Cup in history.

Yet, it wasn’t only you who made sacrifices but also your families. Thank you to every wife, girlfriend, partner, parent and child who was there for the players and staff throughout this campaign and who also understood that at times, the players needed the solitude of a closed team environment geared for greatness. You, too, sacrificed much, and the team’s achievement is just as much yours as it is theirs.

AN INDUSTRY AT WORK For a long time, Western Province had a mural at their High-Performance Centre stating that “Impossible is nothing”. Achieving the impossible requires a high

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degree of cooperation and alignment of goals. In that regard, the provinces and URC teams deserve credit for how they worked together with SARU to ensure that the national players were available and ready for Springbok duty. It required the almost impossible task of balancing personal and national interests while still coming to grips with the requirements of the new URC/EPCR schedule.

Impressively, the Stormers played in their second successive URC final. Some observers remarked that South African teams experienced beginner’s luck in the first season of URC rugby, but the 2022/2023 tournament dispelled that notion. Again, meticulous planning and hard work underpinned our successful entry into European rugby.

PLAYER LOAD The ability and willingness to make sacrifices is not unique to South Africa. However, we are a distinctively adaptable bunch. In the rugby context, the URC/EPCR schedule has had a tangible impact on player loads and travel load has increased significantly from the Super Rugby era. We may not initially have anticipated the full implications of our new rugby reality given the palatable prospect of playing in similar time zones.

Yet, URC travel remains a major challenge the industry still needs to resolve. For Super Rugby, teams used direct business-class flights to and from Australasia and Japan/Singapore, and only one overseas trip per season was necessary. Now, players are travelling economy class – in many instances, indirectly and three times a year.

Is there any upside to this new reality? Well, yes. Our teams and players have sacrificed and adapted as much as could be expected of them during this teething phase.

This is reflected in the domestic industry’s commercial revival following the COVID-19 pandemic, which appears to be back to pre-pandemic levels. As players, you are entitled to be rewarded for your time and the use of your collective marketable attributes, whether on the playing field or for off-field commercial purposes. In 2023, we saw players achieving record commercial incomes, which can be put down to higher playing and travel loads.

However, adaptability and sacrifice should not only be measured in commercial terms but also in terms of the long-term sustainability of athletic output and as a result, the popular and commercial appeal of the

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

“It is, therefore, pleasing to note that International Rugby Players (IRP) and World Rugby are developing a standardised player-load framework that would guide the industry at large on how its most important assets – players – should be managed.” respective competitions and teams. Although initial research shows that there are no medical risks for players associated with travelling in this manner, it does impact players’ ability to perform and add even more to their increased load. Resolving this should remain a high priority for the industry.

It is, therefore, pleasing to note that International Rugby Players (IRP) and World Rugby are developing a standardised player-load framework that would guide the industry at large on how its most important assets – players – should be managed. At a high level, the following factors are being considered: Off-season recommendations; recommendations for maximum annual match involvements; guidance regarding recovery after international blocks; and club and country communication.

Managing player loads effectively is simultaneously a player- and industry-welfare endeavour. An asset is narrowly defined as a resource that adds value to a business and that is used to produce goods and services that should produce more value in the pursuit of a profit. Machines, as assets, lose their value over time and the annual depreciation is written off as an expense, decreasing profits.

Rugby and rugby players are different. Typically, a more experienced and decorated player increases in value, and if they get to retire on their terms, they do so close to or at the height of their commercial appeal, benefiting both themselves and the industry. Losing players due to unsustainable playing practices (load) not only compromises the athlete’s ability to earn an income through sport, but also negatively impacts the teams and competitions for and in which they play, hurting profits. You, as players, earn collective commercial income exactly because your commercial value appeals to sponsors and funders who profit from forming an association with you and/or your team. A new car costs more than a second-hand vehicle, but an experienced rugby player typically earns more than even the most gifted youngster because fans and sponsors pay to see you on the pitch.

This is one of the major differences between amateur sports and sports for business – maintaining and preferably increasing the value of its most important assets so that commercial partners can turn a profit through their association with you, your team, and the competitions you play in which, incidentally, are funded by those very fans and commercial partners.

Managing these interconnected interests in a collision sport is more difficult than in most others, and attempts to get this right ultimately create the platform from which a Springbok team can launch World Cupwinning campaigns.

THANK YOU A word of thanks is therefore reserved for the industry for its hard work, for fans who are unwavering in their support of all our teams, for the media who tell our stories and keep fans and commercial partners interested, and for commercial partners who enable players to do what they love and fans to remain engaged in the theatre of sports.

I am also grateful for and proud of the incredible team at MyPlayers. We are a behind-the-scenes organisation, and we don’t expect a tap on the back for the hard work we’re doing because we are doing it for the sake of the players who serve the game centre stage. But I know what goes into being a players’ organisation fully deserving of such a designation. Thank you to you, our Board, and the players serving in leadership positions within the organisation.

Lastly, the biggest thank you goes to the players for their enormous contribution to the industry. You have absorbed and adapted to much tougher and longer playing schedules and air-travel conditions that senior executives in rugby won’t agree to for themselves. Yet, you have remained highly competitive: back-to-back URC finals and Rugby World Cups are only the most visible examples. You are warriors, and we salute you.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation Eugene Henning CEO of MyPlayers

The MyPlayers Team with the Webb Ellis Cup.

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A WORD OF

TO THE PLAYERS As we reflect upon the pages of another thrilling chapter in our rugby journey, gratitude fills our hearts. The past year has been a testament to the passion, dedication, and sheer excellence that define our beloved sport. To the Springboks, whose relentless pursuit of greatness and perfect example of being Stronger Together has left our nation inspired.

A resounding thank you to all other teams: to the Springbok Women’s Sevens team who qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics and secured their spot on the HSBC World Rugby SVNS Series; to the Springbok Women who participated in a successful WXV2 campaign and will be competing in the competition again next year; to the Cheetahs who celebrated another Currie Cup victory; to the Valke who broke a 17-year trophy drought to win the First Division/Mzansi Challenge; to the Stormers who partook in another URC final in Cape Town and to the Blue Bulls Daisies who completed a perfect 2023 season by winning every one of their games and claimed the Women’s Premier Division title.

To every player who stepped onto the field, showcasing skill, resilience, and sportsmanship: Your unwavering commitment to the spirit of rugby has brought joy to

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fans and has left an indelible mark not only on the South African rugby community but globally.

Thank you, one and all, for being part of this incredible rugby journey. Here’s to another year of growth, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.

TO THE INDUSTRY To our key stakeholders, from seeing the industry through its most challenging year in 2020 to an incredible 2022/23 season - we thank you! To the dedicated coaches and support staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and a special acknowledgement to the high-performance divisions who dedicated their time to making sure players were ready to play and participate at the highest levels. To the commercial partners, your investment in the sport is a testament to the belief in its potential. Your collaboration fuels our ability to innovate, grow, and make a lasting impact on the global rugby landscape. To our media partners, thank you for capturing and sharing the essence of our rugby journey. Thank you to SARU, SAREO, SEU and every other role player.

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TO THE BENEFIT PARTNERS MyPlayers is fortunate to have partners who continue to enhance the service and product offerings we can extend to our players. We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to the following partners, who are still part of the MyPlayers family as we now conclude this reporting cycle. To those whose agreements with MyPlayers have already concluded, we thank you. A special thanks to Aramex and Automotion, who served as benefit partners, and to Werner Schmidt (Business Coach), Play Smart and Ctrl who have joined our growing list of partners.

TO THE FANS As we continue to bask in the glory of an extraordinary 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph, we extend our deepest gratitude to the best sports fans in the world – the heart and soul of our rugby journey. Thank you, South Africa, for standing behind our beloved Springboks throughout the exhilarating campaign. This triumph is not just a victory for the team but a tribute to the unity and strength that binds us as a nation of sports enthusiasts. Thank you to the fans for being the heartbeat of our successes.

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WHO WE ARE ➜ MyPlayers, founded in 1998, is the players’ organisation for all professional rugby players in South Africa.

➜ Players serve on various leadership structures in the organisation, including the MyPlayers Board, Players’ Trust, the Players’ Organisation (labour division) Executive Committee, and the Provincial Player Representative Group.

➜ We represent and look after the collective interests of all the professional rugby players in South Africa – both on and off the field.

OUR FOCUS

OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT

➜ Protect and manage the collective intellectual property rights of the professional rugby players. ➜ Assist players with career advice and personal development opportunities, while preparing them for life outside of rugby. ➜ Provide assistance and advice to the players on all their industrial matters. ➜ Manage and administrate the core financial services requirements of the players. ➜ Represent players on the various bodies such as the SARU Executive committee and the IRP board. ➜ Act as a constructive stakeholder in the South African rugby landscape to assist in growing the game and making it stronger.

We believe rugby is more than just a game.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT We provide player-driven solutions to improve the lives of our members.

OUR VALUES ➜ RESPECT For ourselves and the players we serve ➜ LOYALTY We serve and work for the players ➜ ACCOMMODATION Accommodate players at all cost and benefit to them ➜ INTEGRITY Underpins everything we are and do

CONTACT DETAILS 021 887 5786

✉ info@my-player.com WORKING HOURS Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00

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LOCATION Ground Floor, Table Bay Building Tygerberg Office Park 163 Uys Krige Drive Plattekloof Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE MYPLAYERS BOARD Responsible to direct and manage the operations of the group

Jean de Villiers (Chairperson)

Eugene Henning (CEO)

Pat Lambie (Non-executive Director)

Teboho ‘Oupa’ Mohojé (Non-executive Director)

MEMBER WHO HAS ALSO SERVED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD:

Marvin Orie (Non-executive Director) Nolusindiso Booi (Non-executive Director)

Siviwe Soyizwapi (Non-executive Director)

THE MYPLAYERS TEAM Responsible for the day-to-day operational execution

Eugene Henning Chief Executive Officer

Isma-eel Dollie National Players Affairs Manager

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David de Villiers General Manager: Financial Services

Hilana Claassens National Player Development Manager

Helga Esau Finance Manager

Laykin Rudolph Communications Manager

Welmarie van der Spuy Senior Financial Manager

Réghana Harneker General Manager: Legal, Compliance and Governance

Tracey Cable Office Manager

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

Mandisi Tshonti General Manager: Player Affairs

Lungi Kokose Office Assistant

PROVINCIAL PLAYER REPRESENTATIVES Serves as a MyPlayers representative within a specific team

Stedman Gans (Blue Bulls)

Thurlow Marsh (Boland)

Jeandré Rudolph (Cheetahs)

Reinhard Nothnagel (Golden Lions)

George Whitehead (Griquas)

Thato Mavundla (Griffons)

HP Swart (Leopards)

Francois Kleinhans (Pumas)

Werner Kok (Sharks)

Impi Visser (Springbok Men’s Sevens)

Eloise Webb (Springbok Women’s Sevens)

Neethling Fouché (Western Province)

Onke Dubase (Border)

Andre Manuel (SWD Eagles)

Valentino Wellman (Valke)

MEMBERS WHO HAVE ALSO SERVED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD:

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS

Hilana Claassens Blitzboks, Springbok Women (7’s & 15’s), Emerging and Non-Franchises

Anina Coetzee Pumas

Sally Joubert Cheetahs

Hendy Seerane Bulls

Kirsten van Heerden Sharks

Claus Kempen Griquas

Bronwyn Dodds Lions

Alastair Theys WP

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MYPLAYERS INDUSTRIAL BOARD Responsible to manage and direct all employment matters pertaining to the employment agreement

Mandisi Tshonti

Teboho ‘Oupa’ Mohojé (Vice President)

Eloise Webb

Francoise Kleinhans

Lizo Gqoboka

Siviwe Soyizwapi

Reinhard Nothnagel

Lukhanyo Am

Ruan Nortjé

Werner Kok

MEMBERS WHO HAVE ALSO SERVED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD:

Marvin Orie (President)

Thomas du Toit

MYPLAYERS COMMERCIAL BOARD Responsible to direct and manage all matters pertaining to the collective commercial rights of players

Eugene Henning

Siviwe Soyizwapi

Frans Malherbe

Oupa Mohojé

Marcell Coetzee

Impi Visser

Nolusindiso Booi

Babalwa Latsha

MEMBER WHO HAS ALSO SERVED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD:

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Ruan Dreyer

Thomas du Toit

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MYPLAYERS SUBCOMMITTEES ➜ Pension Fund Advisory Body › Francois Louw › Faffa Knoetze › Julian Redelinghuys › David de Villiers ➜ Investment Committee › Eugene Henning › Ande Vos › Welmarie van der Spuy › David de Villiers ➜ Social and Ethics Committee › Zenay Jordaan (resigned), replaced by Nolusindiso Booi › Siviwe Soyizwapi › Eugene Henning

➜ Finance Risk and Remuneration Committee › Patrick Lambie › Eugene Henning › Jean De Villiers ➜ Benevolent Fund › Eugene Henning › David De Villiers › Oupa Mohoje ➜ Financial Services Committee › David De Villiers › Isma-eel Dollie

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GROUP INCOME IS DERIVED FROM ➜ Investments ➜ Financial services ➜ Licensing programmes ➜ Membership fees ➜ Sponsorships ➜ Collective commercial rights

EXPENDITURE ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS: Industrial Division

(employment matters)

Financial Services Division (pension, insurance, medical and investment)

Shared Services and Admin Costs

8,1% 10%

Communications Division

29,3%

4,1% Player Affairs Division

7,5%

14,2% Player Development Division

19,4% 7,4% Commercial Division

Legal and Compliance Division

Percentage REVENUE towards ALLOCATION operations

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27%

Percentage towards distribution to the players

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73%

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The commercial division is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing the collective rights of the players.

MyPlayers oversees and manages the Commercial Board, which secures the collective commercial rights of the professional rugby players in South Africa and ensures that the players receive appropriate remuneration for the use of their commercial rights. The Players’ Organisation also ensures that the usage of rights is available for commercialisation within the industry and that external parties receive prior consent from the Commercial Board when using these rights.

TOTAL AMOUNT OF PLAYERS WHO RECEIVED PAYMENTS:

Players received payments for the use of their rights by the South African rugby industry for commercial gain (number includes Sevens players).

NATIONAL PLAYERS Total amount distributed between Springboks and Blitzboks: SPRINGBOKS Total distributions paid (incl licensing fees): R 24 978 274 ➜ Matches R49 244 Amount per player per match if part of the Springbok Test-day team ➜ Appearances R30 000 Amount per player for an appearance performed while in the Springbok squad (includes appearances for MyPlayers)

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799

BLITZBOKS Total distributions paid: R5 883 067 ➜ Tournaments R36 925 Amount per tournament played in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series ➜ Squad R125 016 Amount for being part of the senior national squad for six months or longer PROVINCIAL PLAYERS Total amount was distributed to the provincial players: R24 916 355 ➜ Matches › Amount per player for SA-A, URC, EPCR match: R4 935 › Amount per Currie Cup Premier Division match: R2 961 › Amount per Currie Cup First Division match: R1 974 › Amount per provincial appearance: R1 500

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MyPlayers forms commercial partnerships with external third parties to develop licensing products and programmes. These programmes are made up of player products or campaigns in which the overall objective is to promote the collective interest of the players within the market. Ultimately, players receive a collective share of the royalties earned through these products and programmes.

COMMERCIAL DEALS 1. Rugby World Cup game by NACON A brand new heart-pounding action and adrenaline-fueled Rugby World Cup game by NACON will be released in 2024.

2. Uzumba figurines The meticulously crafted and finely detailed figurines of the Springboks were made by Uzumba ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. They showcase the players in dynamic poses frozen in moments of athleticism and proudly display South Africa’s authentic jerseys, logos, and meticulously replicated rugby gear in celebration of the World Cup.

3. Against All Odds British and Irish Lions by Burnet Media Following the British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa in 2021, SuperSport commentator, Matthew Pearce and Burnet Media produced the official commemorative book, providing an insider’s account of a tour that went ahead against all odds. The book was sanctioned and licensed by MyPlayers, SA Rugby and The British & Irish Lions.

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The South African Rugby Players’ Association (SARPA) is the registered trade union for all the professional rugby players in South Africa, which enables this division of MyPlayers to look after players’ collective employment matters on a national and provincial level.

KEY EVENTS IN 2023 ➜ Representation for match officials › Match officials are officially members of the South African Rugby Players Organisation following the submission to the Department of Labour. › Match officials became official members on 30 August 2023. › The Trust registration has been completed and Collective Agreement negotiations are underway. › We welcome the opportunity to represent match officials and provide them with collective industrial and commercial support.

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➜ SARICA 2023 › We continued with the review of the South African Rugby Industry Collective Agreement and signed a new 2023 agreement on 14 December 2022. › Improved Contracting Model which presented the provinces with new limits in relation to the number of players contracted and available budgets for the teams.

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

➜ Addendum to SARICA › As a direct response to the needs of URC and EPCR, stakeholders and parties to the South African Industry Collective Agreement opened negotiations to further provide improvements to the Industry Contracting Model. › The following were new elements introduced to the Contracting Model and included in SARICA: o Introduced a new concept of Loyalty Players, to be contracted by International Franchises. o Separate budget provided for these players (currently set at R20m) o Increased number of players to be contracted by International Franchises during a season from 53 to 57 players including Loyalty Players. o Increased contracting budget for the International Franchises to R85m per year ➜ Addendum to Springbok Women Remuneration Agreement › Following the qualification of the Springbok Women 7s Team to play in the World Series Tournament, we concluded an addendum to include selection fees and bonuses to be paid to players during the competition.

AGREEMENTS THAT WERE REVIEWED OR CONCLUDED IN 2023 ➜ 2023 SARICA ➜ Addendum to SARICA (Contracting Model changes) ➜ Springboks Remuneration Agreement ➜ Women Springboks Remuneration Agreement ➜ SA A Team Remuneration Agreement ➜ SA Under 23 Remuneration Agreement

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This division is responsible for building and maintaining strong and proficient relationships between the organisation and the players. They endeavour to keep players informed about the latest developments within the organisation and industry.

2023 IN REVIEW PLAYERS ROADSHOWS AND VISITS The MyPlayers roadshow and union visits were conducted in-person by National Player Relationship Manager, Isma-eel Dollie. He travelled to the different unions to onboard development players as members of the Players’ Organisation and briefed all players on player-related matters.

The roadshow presentations covered these topics: ➜ Pension fund ➜ Players app ➜ MyPlayers benefits ➜ Membership

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CRAVEN WEEK ROADSHOW AND CAPTAINS’ DINNER National Player Relationship Manager, Isma-eel Dollie represented MyPlayers at the under-18 Craven Week hosted at Outeniqua Park, George from 3 to 8 July. The Captains’ Dinner took place on Thursday, 6 July at the Fancourt Hotel in George and introduced the players to the Players’ Organisation. Former Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner and former Sharks flanker, Tera Mtembu shared their stories and words of wisdom with the invited captains.

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

PLAYERS HAVE ACCESS TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR THE FOLLOWING: DOPING

CHRIS BURGER PETRO JACKSON PLAYERS FUND CHARITY FUNDRAISER IN LONDON In August, MyPlayers National Player Relationship Manager, Isma-eel Dollie joined the Chris Petro Jackson Players’ Fund in London. (Read more on page 40 under Players’ Charity)

MEMBERSHIP COVERAGE LEVELS For a player to receive the services and membership benefits provided by MyPlayers, they need to sign up for membership of MyPlayers and SARPA through the Players Affairs division.

AS OF SEPTEMBER 2023, MYPLAYERS IS REPRESENTING

686 469 217

PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS

SENIOR PLAYERS

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS

The annual roadshows to the different unions provide the organisation with the platform to create awareness amongst the players on doping and the negative consequences if they test positive. The organisation provides players who tested positive for banned substances with legal representation during their hearing as it forms part of the membership benefit.

Players represented

by MyPlayers in doping-related hearings in 2023

1

CASE

ON-FIELD CITINGS AND DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS MyPlayers provides players with legal representation when they face disciplinary hearings at their union or when they receive an on-field citing such as a red or yellow card during a match.

Players represented

by MyPlayers during on-field disciplinary hearings in 2023

22

CASES

MANDATORY DOPING EDUCATION SARU introduced its Professional Player and Team Management Illicit Drug Policy, effective from 1 January 2023. This policy was shared with all players and is designed to help prevent the uptake of illicit drug use and reduce drug-related harm to individuals and their families. We also added our anti-doping clause from the Industry Collective Agreement to the MyPlayers app. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned Tramadol in its new list of prohibited substances and methods.

This information and additional information on the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection method was communicated to all members.

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This division tends to the holistic development of MyPlayers’ members and is responsible for the implementation of the National Player Development Programme at the various franchises.

MAKING STRIDES IN PLAYER DEVELOPMENT The evolution of this development department has been truly remarkable. What was once a modest initiative has now burgeoned into a robust framework, boasting the establishment of seven Player Development Managers (PDM) across the semi-franchises and franchises.

Not only has this department expanded in human capital, but it has also augmented the investment in the bursary amounts offered to players, affirming MyPlayers’ commitment to nurturing off-the-field talent and fostering growth.

Further, the introduction of the PDM system stands as a testament to the dedication to data-

driven decision-making, providing the team with an efficient platform to log crucial player information and streamline our developmental strategies.

Moreover, the widened network of development benefit partners speaks volumes about the department’s concerted efforts to forge meaningful collaborations, paving the way for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to talent cultivation. It is evident that the unwavering focus on innovation and collaboration has laid a strong foundation for continued success and advancement in the realm of player development.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS Hilana Claassens, MyPlayers National Player Development Manager, leads a core team of six Player Development Managers (PDMs) stationed at different teams across South Africa.

Hilana Claassens Blitzboks, Springbok Women (7’s & 15’s), Emerging and Non-Franchises ✉ hilana@my-players.com ✆ +27 71 470 4901 Anina Coetzee Pumas ✉ admin@aninaip.co.za ✆ 082 454 1770 Sally Joubert Cheetahs ✉ sjoubert@cut.ac.za ✆ +27 81 305 8675 Hendy Seerane Vodacom Bulls ✉ hendy.seerane@puma.com ✆ +27 72 631 1269

Kirsten van Heerden Sharks ✉ kirsten@newtonagency.co.za ✆ +27 84 800 3322 Claus Kempen Griquas ✉ claus.kempen@gmail.com ✆ 082 555 9746 Bronwyn Dodds Lions ✉ bronwyn@bdoddsconsulting.co.za ✆ +27 83 274 1110 Alastair Theys WP ✉ alastairtheys@gmail.com ✆ 083 532 7730

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Through personal mastery, MyPlayers wants to ensure that each senior player has a game plan ready for life outside of rugby.

One-on-one sessions were scheduled with players where a personal development plan was drafted by exploring different facets of well-being. To ensure holistic development, the following areas are typically looked at:

WORKPLACE READINESS CAREER AND EDUCATION

VULNERABILITIES AND LIFE SKILLS

SIX AREAS OF FOCUS TRANSITION

PERSONAL MASTERY

MENTAL WELL-BEING

ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS

JULY 2022 - DECEMBER 2023

WHATSAPP

3 283 28

ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS

486

PHONE CALLS

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

The MyPlayers bursary programme was established in 2016, and players’ studies are funded and monitored by the Players’ Organisation. The aim is to help players develop and excel in other facets of their life. By providing an opportunity for players to further their education, MyPlayers also ensures that they are equipped for life after retirement from rugby.

THE 2023 RECIPIENTS NAME

STUDIES

PLACE

Lusanda Dumke Lindelwa Gwala Zintle Mphupha Paschal Ekeji Vincent Maruping Keketso Morabe Johan Grobbelaar Vernon Matongo Jurick Lewis Regan Izaks Thabang Mahlasi Ilunga Mukendi Mambo Mkhize Mthokozisi Mkhabela Jade Stighling Sango Xamlashe Alulutho Tshakweni Yaw Penxe Stedman Gans Nadine Roos Adrian Joubert Ruben Labuschagne

Diploma in Public Administration BSc in Strength and Conditioning BSc in Strength and Conditioning BAgric Business Management BCom Management Marketing BSc in Strength and Conditioning BCom Ondernemingsbestuur BAcc PGC in Education BSc in Strength and Conditioning Postgrad Diploma in Fin Planning LLB BTh Communication Science BSc Informatics BCom Informatics Marketing Certificate BComp Management Acc BSocSc in Psychology BSc in Strength and Conditioning BCom Ondernemingsbestuur Entrepreneurship Diploma

CPUT Setanta Setanta Stellenbosch University Boston City Campus Setanta Akademia Stellenbosch University Two Oceans Graduate Institute Setanta University of the Free State Unisa Stellenbosch University Unisa Unisa Unisa Unisa Unisa SACAP Setanta Akademia UCT

CAREER GUIDANCE Players can request career guidance which entails online psychometric assessments, after which they are provided with an integrated findings report about possible career paths. The findings of the report are also discussed with the players individually.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO RECEIVED CAREER GUIDANCE IN 2022/23 CAREER GUIDANCE

51

CAREER & EDUCATION GROUP SESSIONS: ➜ Creating a CV ➜ LinkedIn ➜ ChatGPT: Your Secret Weapon for Crafting CVs and Cover Letters ➜ Mastering the Interview: Your Ultimate Guide to Prepping Like a Pro!

2023 BURSARY BUDGET

R735 000 29

EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT PARTNERS

Lusanda Dumke (Springbok Women), CPUT Diploma in Public Administration graduate

“The MyPlayers bursary created the opportunity for me to broaden my skill set and to earn a degree creating a foundation for life after rugby. It took the financial pressure off my family.”

Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Stellenbosch University Industrial Engineering graduate

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

Group sessions were arranged with players to create awareness about day-to-day vulnerabilities they might face.

GROUP SESSIONS INCLUDED: ➜ Anti-doping ➜ Know your development world

4. mental health Players have access to their own 24/7 well-being helpline.

The service is conducted on an anonymous basis and gives players access to over 20 qualified psychologists around the country.

As part of the players’ MyPlayers membership benefits, they receive four free consultations with psychologists to be used when they are battling to cope with acute stress, anxiety, depression or any well-being-related issues.

Since June 2022, we have witnessed a striking surge in the utilisation of our mental health helpline services, underscoring a pressing need for comprehensive support in this domain. A staggering 20 individuals have sought solace and guidance through our helpline, shedding light on the profound impact of the challenges faced within our rugby community.

This pronounced escalation not only underscores the growing recognition of mental health as an essential aspect of overall well-being, but also emphasises the critical role our organisation plays in providing a safe space for individuals grappling with psychological distress. Our unwavering commitment to fostering mental well-being remains paramount, driving us to fortify our resources and expand our support network to better serve those in need.

14 PSYCHOLOGISTS HAVE SEEN 20 PLAYERS FOR A TOTAL OF

75 SESSIONS

Life skills sessions were facilitated and arranged with players on a senior and junior level to ensure that they effectively dealt with the demands and challenges of everyday life.

65 of the 75 sessions were in 2023 – a noticeable increase in the use of the service during this year.

LIFE SKILLS GROUP SESSIONS:

MENTAL HEALTH GROUP SESSIONS: ➜ Do hard things: A mental game plan for 2023 ➜ How to flourish in 2023: I am not afraid of storms because I am learning to sail my ship ➜ Creating flow in rugby and life ➜ Managing relationships & emotions ➜ Sport psychological fitness

➜ From Lab to Kitchen: Planning performance food (Nicki de Villiers); ➜ Building bodies for sport (N. De Villiers) ➜ Budgeting sessions presented by PSG; ➜ Tax sessions presented by BDO ➜ Credit management (presented by Momentum) ➜ MatchKit

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The Communications division ensures effective two-way communication between MyPlayers, the players, industry stakeholders, other stakeholders and the public. It is also responsible for managing the organisation’s digital communication platforms.

2023 COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW

➜ 2022 MYPLAYERS MAGAZINE In 2022, the digital MyPlayers magazine was published in September.

Some of the topics included in the magazine: › How squad and budget caps are determined in South Africa › Reboot joins MyPlayers as official career-transition partner › Book recommendations by players › A week in the life of… Currie Cup Final referee Cwengile Jadezweni › Shane Kirkwood reflects on his career and winning the Currie Cup › Entrepreneurship: Former Sharks utility back Nkululeko Marwana used Players’ Pension Fund savings to start a business

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

➜ MYPLAYERS APP The MyPlayers app was created in 2019 and continues to be an invaluable communications tool between the Players’ Organisation and its members. The app continues to be the primary point of call to upload, review and manage commercial payments to players.

In 2023, the app underwent further development and enhancements to include more functionalities. These additions include: › You can now check your games and minutes played in a season › You can log your off days on the MyPlayers app › You can make use of the Play Smart financial tool ➜ 2023 MYPLAYERS MAGAZINE In 2023, MyPlayers published its digital magazine in July.

Some of the topics included in the magazine: › Cheetahs crowned Currie Cup champions › Rugby wife Zonica Dreyer shares her story › Blitzboks star James Murphy chats business success › Entrepreneurship advice from new Benefit Partner, Werner Schmidt › Q&A: Thurlow Marsh, Ntsikayomzi Daka & Arnold Kleyn on juggling work and rugby › Retirement: Navigating retirement after rugby and retiring from an athlete’s body › Getting to know the stars of Varsity Rugby 2023 › Feature: Local heroes of the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship

➜ OTHER PUBLICATIONS IN 2022/23 › Annual Report (2021/22) › Craven Week Brochure (2022 and 2023) › Springbok Starter Pack (2022 and 2023) › Players’ Guide 2023/24 (Men) › Players’ Guide 2023/24 (Women)

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORMS @myplayersrugby FOLLOWERS: 15 152 @MyPlayersRugby FOLLOWERS: 5113 MyPlayersRugby MyPlayers Rugby FOLLOWERS: 30 742 MyPlayers Rugby FOLLOWERS: 393 WhatsApp Communications +27 72 875 5671 www.myplayers.co.za

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This division provides and assists with independent advice on the core group financial products available to South Africa’s professional rugby players. Product development, reviews, day-to-day administration and the management of these products form part of this function within the organisation.

MyPlayers Financial Services has been up and running since 2014 and has shown tremendous growth and expansion in the services offered to players.

KEY INITIATIVES IN 2023 INTRODUCING PLAY SMART FINANCIAL WELLNESS TOOL Professional sports contracts have become increasingly complex and lucrative in recent years. Managing large amounts of money associated with these contracts becomes very difficult for athletes, from a technical as well as a lifestyle aspect. They have found that athletes need education not only on how to manage their cash flow needs, budgets, investments, etc., but also the lifestyle changes that come with large amounts of money. Play Smart is a financial wellness tool for professional athletes in the world including rugby players. This financial tool can be found on the MyPlayers app to help players navigate their financial world.

INTRODUCING NEW CAR AND HOME INSURER CTRL MyPlayers teamed up with Ctrl, an award-winning digital insurance provider, to help rugby players take care of their car and home insurance needs. Ctrl provides real quotes from SA’s top insurers for players to compare side-by-side. Their algorithm makes it easy to see which insurer is best suited to a players’ unique needs.

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

THE PLAYERS’ CORE FINANCIAL PRODUCTS FOR 2022/23 IN REVIEW INJURY BENEFIT: MOMENTUM

This benefit is set up to protect the players’ income while they are unable to play rugby for a certain period of time due to an injury, illness or accident.

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF PLAYERS COVERED BY THE INJURY BENEFIT

799

NUMBER OF INJURIES COVERED THROUGH INJURY INSURANCE INJURIES REPORTED

55

NUMBER OF SERIOUS INJURIES IN 2022/23 (> 3 MONTHS REHAB PERIOD)

90

MEDICAL AID AND GAP COVER: SIMEKA

All of South Africa’s professional rugby players must be a member of a medical aid scheme and gap cover before they are allowed to participate in professional rugby training and competitions at their respective employers. MyPlayers has built strong relationships with various service providers and negotiated no underwriting requirements and free concessions for players. Simeka is our appointed specialist advisor. They continue to provide the players with advice regarding which schemes would be best suited to their needs as professional rugby players as well as for their individual needs.

AVERAGE REHAB PERIOD FOR SERIOUS INJURIES

7 MONTHS MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

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THE PLAYERS’ PENSION FUND The professional rugby players have their own retirement savings mechanism, the Players’ Pension Fund.

Players contribute to the fund on a monthly basis. This fund allows players to benefit from additional tax deductions on contributions, performance reviews, and a lower investment cost structure.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PLAYERS’ PENSION FUND

800

TOTAL APPROXIMATE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PLAYERS’ PENSION FUND IN 2022/23

R80 MILLION TOTAL PLAYERS’ PENSION FUND VALUE

R345 MILLION GRAYSWAN APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF PLAYERS ADVISED IN 2022/23 ON MEDICAL AID SELECTION

The players appointed independent investment specialist, Grayswan, to analyse and review the performance and cost of the Players’ Fund during 2022. In addition to this, the Players’ Pension Fund’s structure and administration were also reviewed and were found to still be the optimal and most cost-effective pre-tax savings model for professional rugby players.

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515

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON GAP COVER 2022/23

858

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

SHORT-TERM INSURANCE: SANTAM MyPlayers provided professional rugby players with a short-term insurance benefit in partnership with Santam. Players were covered in the event of losses of personal belongings suffered due to burglary or theft, damage or accidents and natural disasters.

Our partnership has since come to an end, and we thank Santam for their contribution over the years.

FINANCIAL SECTOR CONDUCT AUTHORITY: FSCA The MyPlayers Financial Services division is an authorised financial services provider with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSP46999).

For any comments or complaints about our service, members are invited to contact us on comments@my-players.com. We also provide contact details for the FAIS Ombud:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 2nd Floor, Orange Building, Kasteel Park Office Park Cnr of Nossob and Jochemus Streets, Erasmuskloof Pretoria

✆ +27 12 762 5000 / +27 12 470 9080 ✆ +27 12 470 9097 / +27 12 348 3447 P.O. Box 74571, Lynwood Ridge, 0040 ✉ info@faisombud.co.za / www.faisombud.co.za

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2022 WINNERS ➜ Men’s Fifteens Players’ Player of the Year: › LUKHANYO AM (other nominees: Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx, Evan Roos, Damian Willemse) ➜ Men’s Sevens Players’ Player of the Year: › ZAIN DAVIDS (other nominees: Selvyn Davids, JC Pretorius) ➜ Women Players’ Player of the Year: › NADINE ROOS (other nominees: Ayanda Malinga, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sizophila Solontsi)

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

2023 WINNERS The conclusion of 2023 marked a momentous occasion for MyPlayers as we proudly unveiled the winners of this year’s awards.

These exceptional individuals, hailing from various categories (Men’s Fifteens, Springbok Sevens and Springbok Women), were not just acknowledged—they were celebrated by their peers for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the game this past year. The winners of the MyPlayers Awards were announced via media release and social media in December 2023.

Men’s Fifteens Players’ Player of the Year: › EBEN ETZEBETH (other nominees: Frans Malherbe, Kurt-lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse) Men’s Sevens Players’ Player of the Year: › SHILTON VAN WYK (other nominees: Christie Grobbelaar, Ricardo Duarttee)

Women Players’ Player of the Year: › RIGHTS MKHARI (other nominees: Babalwa Latshe, Nadine Roos)

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In 2013, the players identified the need to establish their own registered benefit organisation. The Players’ Charity makes funding available for charitable causes on an annual basis. MyPlayers manages the Players’ Charity on behalf of the professional rugby players to ensure that the funds are donated in line with their mandate and is also governed by the Public Benefit Organisation Act.

ACTIVATIONS IN 2023 CHRIS PETRO JACKSON PLAYERS’ FUND The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund is a non-profit organisation. In 2021, the players made a substantial contribution of R464 000 which was donated to this fund. On 25 April 2023, Springbok Eben Etzebeth handed over the cheque to chairman of the fund, former Springbok captain, Jean de Villiers.

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MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

CHRIS PETRO JACKSON PLAYERS’ FUND - LONDON ACTIVATION In August, MyPlayers National Player Relationship Manager, Isma-eel Dollie joined the Chris Petro Jackson Players’ Fund in London. During his week in London, he played a key role in bridging connections between the Players’ Fund and the Springbok players and coaches, as well as some of the Saracens and Harlequins players, all of whom are valuable for the future of the Players’ Fund. In addition to helping with the preparation and set-up of the event in London, Isma-eel worked the room during the evening by introducing the Bok coaches, current and former players and guest speaker to the paying guests and was a huge asset for the Fund.

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International Rugby Players (IRP) is the global representative body regarding issues of importance to professional rugby players. Its membership is currently made up of the national Professional Rugby Players’ Associations from South Africa, England, Australia, Ireland, Wales, France and New Zealand.

IRP PRIORITIES DURING 2023 ➜ General Executive meeting in Bordeaux, France The International Rugby Players General Executive met in Bordeaux from 11 to 13 October 2023. General Manager for Player Affairs, Mandisi Tshonti, attended the meeting as a representative of MyPlayers. The gathering coincided with the World Rugby Medical Commission Conference, also held at the same venue.

The General Executive meeting had a busy agenda with members discussing issues such as player rights, the global calendar, concussion management, player support along with the needs of members and IRP governance. Some great discussions took place, creating the opportunity to debate major issues facing the game with several key members of World Rugby management. ➜ Nations Cup and Regulation 9 Ahead of the Rugby World Cup final, World Rugby announced the Nations Cup which, after almost four years of debate and discussion, was ratified by the World

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Rugby council. Starting in 2026, the Elite and Challenger competitions will have 12 teams each, with promotion/ relegation matches being played from 2030. IRP issued a statement which highlighted their involvement as a key stakeholder and stressed the positives around the new structure. However, they did point out that it was not a perfect model and that further improvement needs to be made in key areas. As part of the Regulation 9 / Nations Cup discussions, IRP made significant progress ensuring player welfare and the implementation of player load guidelines. They had wide stakeholder support for their approach around guaranteeing minimum rest periods, a maximum game threshold, and mandatory rest periods following international matches.

Not surprisingly, they faced the most considerable resistance from the Leagues, particularly the LNR. While these are a work in progress and more detail needs to be agreed, IRP is happy that they’ve reached a very important milestone in the area of player welfare.

Regarding the Women’s game, the main issues centred around the alignment of the regional release period, in which challenges have primarily arisen from the significant number of overseas players participating in leagues in the northern hemisphere. IRP ensured that there will be as little overlap as possible between club and country commitments. ➜ Smart mouth guards to become mandatory Instrumented mouth guards (iMG) will become mandatory in the game from 1 January 2024. Players who suffer a head acceleration event that meets or exceeds a defined force threshold (55 g in the women’s game and 65 g in the men’s game), will be required to leave the pitch and undergo a head-injury assessment irrespective of symptoms or signs of concussion.

International Rugby Players consulted with its members and they raised a number of questions about how the

MyPlayers | The Rugby Players’ Organisation | Annual Report | 2023

player images for a fantasy game during Rugby World Cup. We look forward to working closely with our members very shortly on this important piece of work.

change would be rolled out in practice and also about the lack of advance notice and information for players. Certain members also expressed strong opposition to the effective mandating of iMGs by way of HIA and suggested that comprehensive education and a voluntary opt-in would be a better way of achieving the desired level of uptake from players. Discussions are continuing between the members opposed to the change to the HIA.

➜ Global Rugby Players Foundation

➜ Image rights One of the notable outcomes from the General Executive meeting in Bordeaux was the mandate they received from members to explore the potential of using player image rights in order to create a fairer and more equitable situation for players in the modern environment. This would also aim to provide greater clarity in relation to ownership of image rights and data. With a lack of consultation on several Terms of Participation (ToPs) in recent months, the topic is arguably more relevant now than ever. It comes as World Rugby plans to film a Netflix-like documentary around the upcoming Sevens Series, as well as using

The GPRF was due to be launched in Paris during the Rugby World Cup, with much preparation carried out in advance of the launch.

However, in late September the decision was made to postpone the launch until a CEO was appointed, allowing the GRPF to make an immediate impact for players once launched. On a positive note, the Foundation has been formally established and has achieved charity status with the Charity Commission in England and Wales.

➜ World Rugby Awards International Rugby Players were well represented at the annual World Rugby Awards, which took place in Paris the night after the RWC 2023 final. Duhan van der Merwe took home the International Rugby Players’ “Try of the Year” award while South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup winner, Eben Etzebeth, was named in the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.

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Tygerberg Business Park 163 Uys Krige Drive Plattekloof Cape Town South Africa WORKING HOURS Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00 info@my-players.com

066 307 5474