2024RUPAMembers
ACTBRUMBIES
AllanAlaalatoa
AndyMuirhead
AustinAnderson
BenO'Donnell
BillyPollard
BlakeSchoupp
CadeyrnNeville
CharlieCale
ConnalMcInerney
CoreyToole
DarcySwain
DavidFeliuai
DeclanMeredith
EdKennedy
FeaoFotuaika
FredKaihea
HarrisonGoddard
HarryVella
HudsonCreighton
JackDebreczeni
JahromeBrown
JamesSlipper
KadinPritchard
KlaytonThorn
LachieLonergan
LachlanHooper
LachlanShaw
LenIkitau
LiamBowron
LukeReimer
NickFrost
NoahLolesio
OllieSapsford
RhysVanNek
RobValetini
RoryScott
RyanLonergan
SefoKautai
ShaneWilcox
TamatiTua
TevitaAlatini
TomHooper
TomWright
TuainaTualima
QUEENSLANDREDS
AlexHodgman
AngusBlyth
ConnorAnderson
ConnorVest
CormacDaly
DrePakeho
FilipoDaugunu
FloydAubrey
FrankGoldsborough
FraserMcReight
HarryMcLaughlin-Phillips
HarryWilson
HeremaiaMurray
HunterPaisami
IsaacHenry
JamesO'Connor
JefferyToomaga-Allen
JockCampbell
JoeBrial JordanPetaia
JoshCanham
JoshFlook
JoshNasser
KalaniThomas
LawsonCreighton
LiamWright
LouisWerchon
LukhanSalakaia-Loto
MacGrealy
MasonGordon
MassimodeLutiis
MattFaessler
MattGibbon
PeniRavai
RichieAsiata
RyanSmith
SefFa'agase
SeruUru
SuliasiVunivalu
TaineRoiri
TajAnnan TateMcDermott
TimRyan
TomLynagh
ZaneNonggorr
MELBOURNEREBELS AlexMafi
NSWWARATAHS
AdrianBrown AndrewKellaway
DavePorecki
FelixKalapu
FergusLee-Warner
HarryJohnson-Holmes HarryWilson
HaydenThompson-Stringer
HenryO'Donnell
HughSinclair IsaacKailea
IzaiaPerese
JackBarrett
JackBowen
JackGrant
JakeGordon
JamieAdamson
JedHolloway
JoeyWalton
Joseph-AukusoSuaalii
JulianHeaven
LachlanSwinton
LalakaiFoketi
LangiGleeson
LawsonCreighton
LeafiTalataina
MaheVailanu
MarkNawaqanitawase
MaxJorgensen
MesuKunavula
MilesAmatosero
MoseseTuipulotu
NedHanigan
NedSlack-Smith
RobLeota
SiosifaAmone
TheoFourie
ThomasLambert TomRoss
TristonReilly
VuateKarawalevu
WillHarrison
WESTERNFORCE
AngusWagner
AtuMoli
BayleyKuenzel BenDonaldson
CarloTizzano
ChaseTia-Tia
DivadPalu
FeletiKaiutu
FelixKalapu
GeorgePoolman
HamishStewart
HarryHoopert
HarryPotter
IanPrior
IssakFines-Leilawasa
IzackRodda
JeremyWilliams
KaneKoteka
MichaelWells
NicDolly NicWhite
OllieCallan
ReesjanPasitoa
SamSpink
SantiagoMedrano
TimAnstee
TomHorton
TomRobertson
VaioliniEkuasi
WillHarris
WOMEN’SSEVENS
AlysiaLefau-Fakaosilea
DemiHayes
DomDuToit
FaithNathan
HeidiDennis
IsabellaNasser
SharniWilliams
MEN’SSEVENS
BenDowling
DallyBird
DietrichRoache
HadleyTonga
HaydenSargeant
HenryHutchison HenryPaterson
JamesTurner
JoshTurner
MattGonzalez
MauriceLongbottom
MichaelHooper
MichaelIcely
NathanLawson
NickMalouf TimClements
2024AssociateRUPAMembers-
Women’sXV
WALLAROOSMANAGED PLAYINGGROUP
AdianaTalakai
AlapetaNgauamo
AnnabelleCodey
ArabellaMcKenzie
AshleyMarsters
AtasiLafai
Bree-annaCheatham
BridieO'Gorman
BriannaHoy
BrittMerlo
CaitlynHalse
CarysDallinger
CeciliaSmith
DesireeMiller
EmilyChancellor
EmilyRobinson
GeorginaFriedrichs IvaniaWong
LeilaniNathan
LoriCramer
LucyDinnen
LydiaKavoa
MayaStewart
MelanieWilks
MichaelaLeonard
NatalieWright
PiperDuck
SallyFuesaina
SeraNaiqama
SiokapesiPalu
TabuaTuinakauvadra
TaniaNaden
TiarnaMolloy
TrilleenPomare
WESTERNFORCE
AiyshaWigley AlanisToia
AlapetaNgauamo AneekaStephens
ArianaRuru-Hinaki BraxtonWalker
BrooklynTeki-Joyce
DallysTini
EmilyaByrne
HannahPalelei
HaronoTeIringa
HayleeHifo
HeraBarbMalcolmHeke
HinataKomaki
KendraFell
KeiraMacAskill
LibyaTeepa
SenetiKilisimasi ShereeHume
TrilleenPomare
ZoeGillard
QUEENSLANDREDS
AlanaElisaia
AleenaGreenhalgh
AprilNgatupuna
AshleeKnight
AvaWereta
BrianaDascombe
CaitlinUrwin
CarolaKreis
CarysDallinger
CeciliaSmith
CharliJacoby
DeniRoss
DianneWaight
DoreenNarokete
GraceBaker
HaideeHead
IsabelleRobinson
IvaniaWong
JanitaKareta
JemmaBemrose
LoriCramer
LucyThorpe
MadisonSchuck
MaletinaBrown
MelanieWilks
MercedezTaulelei-Siala
NatalieWright
SarahDougherty
ShalomSauaso
TheresaSoloai
TiarnaMolloy
LizPatu
NSWWARATAHS
AdianaTalakai
AnnabelleCodey
ArabellaMcKenzie
Asoiva(Eva)Karpani
AtasiLafai
BriannaHoy
BridieO'Gorman
BrittanyMerlo
CaitlynHalse
DesireeMiller
EmilyChancellor
EmilyRobinson
GeorginaFriedrichs
GeorgiaChapple
HollieCameron
JacintaWindsor
JadeSheridan
KaitlanLeaney
KatrinaBarker
LayneMorgan
LeilaniNathan
MarthaHarvey
MayaStewart
MillieParker
PiperDuck
RosieFerguson
SeraNaiqama
Siusiuosalafai
Volkman
SkyeChurchill
TatumBird
WaiariaEllis
MELBOURNEREBELS
AnaMamea
AshleyMarsters
CassieSiataga
ChanelleKohika-Skipper
CrystalMayes
EasterSavelio
FapiolaUoifalelahi
GeorgieFowler
GraceFreeman
GraceHamilton
HalleyDerera
HarmonyVatau
HayleyGlass
HollieTwidale
JaymeNuku
JiowanaSauto
LaetitiaBobo
LaiemaBosenavulagi
LucyBrown
MaryTuaana
MelKawa
Mia-RaeClifford
MillieScutt
PaulaIoane
SarahHogan
SuiPauaraisa
SydneyNiupulusu
TamsinBarber
TeuilaPritchard
TiarahMinns
TyraBoysen-Auimatagi
ACTBRUMBIES
AllanaSikimeti
AnastasiaMartin
AshleaBishop
AshleyFernandez
BeckaMarsters
BenitaEseSale
BiolaDawa
BonnieBrewer
ChiomaEnyi
ErikaMaslen
FaitalaMoleka
GabriellePetersen
HannahStewart
HarmonyIoane
IrisVerebalavu
JaimieStuddy
JasminHuriwai
JemimaMcCalman
JessGrant
JoanneButler
KateHolland
KatalinaAmosa
KaylaSauvao
KoloraLomani
KyahLittle
LilyBone
LorettaMailangi
LydiaKavoa
MarthaFua
NeomaiVunga
SallyFuesaina
SiokapesiPalu
TabuaTuinakauvadra
TaniaNaden
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CAMPBELLFISHER
ITISWITHGREATPRIDETHATI PRESENTTHISYEAR’SCHAIRMAN’S REPORT,REFLECTINGONAPERIODOF TRANSFORMATION,RESILIENCE,AND PROGRESSFORTHERUGBYUNION PLAYERS’ASSOCIATION(RUPA). THROUGHOUTTHEYEAR,WEHAVE NAVIGATEDSIGNIFICANT MILESTONESANDSTRATEGIC ADVANCEMENTS,ALLWHILE REMAININGSTEADFASTINOUR COMMITMENTTOADVOCATINGFOR ANDSUPPORTINGAUSTRALIA’S PROFESSIONALRUGBYPLAYERS.I WOULDLIKETOPARTICULARLY THANKTHEMEMBERSOFTHEBOARD ANDEXECUTIVETEAMFORTHEIR COMMITMENTINWHATCANONLYBE DESCRIBEDASBOTHAPOSITIVEAND CHALLENGINGYEAR.
RUPAaimstofosteraprofessionalrugby environmentthatprioritisesthe empowerment,wellbeing,andlong-term securityofitsplayers Wearecommitted toensuringthateveryplayerhasaccess totheresources,support,andadvocacy neededtoexcelbothonandoffthefield RUPA’smissioniscentredon championingtherightsofourmembers, advocatingforfairandsustainable professionalconditions,andfosteringa sportthatcontinuestogrowanddevelop inalignmentwiththeinterestsofits players Weremaindedicatedtosecuring meaningfulopportunitiesforpersonal andprofessionalgrowth,ensuringthat rugbyremainsanattractiveandviable careerpathforcurrentandfuture generations
AustralianProfessionalRugbyBusiness ModelandEcosystem
Acrossthe2024year,thecommercial challengescarryingoverfromtheCOVID eraimpactingprofessionalrugbyin Australia,remain Thisresultedina structuralchangeandamovetoahybrid federatedmodel,perhapsamodelyou wouldnotchooseabsentexisting constraints Thisstructuralchange resultedin:
TheclosureoftheMelbourneRebels andassociatedlossofthemen’sand women’s15steams
RugbyAustralia(RA)assuming fundingobligationsforthe2024 season
RAassumingfundingobligationsfor theNSWWaratahsandACTBrumbies.
Attheendofthe2024year,RAsuffered significantlosses($36.8m)andalsohad achallengedbalancesheet(loansdrawn downcirca$60m) TheLionsTourin2025 providesanopportunitytoremediatethe balancesheetandbringfinancialstability tothegame
RUPAParticipationinAustralianRugby Summit
InMarch2024,RAinitiatedanAustralian RugbySummitprocesswhereallmember unionsandRUPAwereconsultedandhad inputinrelationtothestrategicfutureof thegame DanHerbert,RAChairman,and PhilWaugh,RACEO,calledforunityof directionfromrugbystakeholderstobring alignmenttothefuturestrategicdirection “FromGreentoGold”.
RUPAhavecontinuedtoprovideinput andfeedbackinrelationtotheformation ofthiswhole-of-gamestrategy,which focusesonthreemainpillars:
1 Performanceexcellence
2 Participationgrowth
3 Promotioneffectiveness
OnFieldPerformances
Allplayersaretobecongratulatedfor theironfieldperformancesacrossthe 2024season TheWallabiesimproved theirwinperformanceto6from13tests, includingasuccessfulnorthern hemispheretourwithwinsoverEngland andWales
TheWallarooswontheirfirstinternational silverware,theWXV2trophy,toguarantee participationinthe2025worldcup
TheAustralianwomen’ssevenswere crownedworldchampionsafter defeatingFranceinthefinalinMadrid, whiletheAustralianmen’ssevens achievedtheirhighesteverOlympics resultfinishingfourth
CongratulationstotheBrumbiesfor againmakingthesemifinalsofsuper rugbyin2024.Congratulationsalsotothe Waratahswomen’s15sfortheir comprehensivevictoryintheSuperW final.
Recognitionmustalsobegiventoour playerswhosufferedinjuriesinthe2024 season,fortheirhardworkand dedicationthroughrehabilitation processes.
TheclosureoftheMelbourneRebels
TheforcedclosureoftheMelbourne Rebelswasachallengingeventin Australianrugby.Theimpactofthis decisionextendsfarbeyondthefield, affectingplayers,staff,andthe broaderrugbycommunityinVictoria.
RUPAhassuccessfullyexpanded resourcesavailabletoplayersfor careertransition,mentalhealthand financialplanningsupport;delivered throughastrongnetworkofpartners
BoardUpdates
In2024,wefarewelledPennyRansom,whohad servedasadedicatedRUPABoardDirectorsince 2022 Penny’scontributionhasbeeninvaluablein shapingthestrategicdirectionoftheRUPABoard, particularlyinprovidingguidancetoplayersin discussionswithRAregardingPrivateEquity On behalfoftheBoardandourmembers,Iextend ourdeepestgratitudeforherserviceand unwaveringsupport
InAugust2024,wewelcomedTomRobertsonas RUPA’snewPresident,whoseleadershipand experiencehavesinceplayedacrucialrolein providingacollectiveplayervoiceinRUPA’s decisionmaking RUPAthanksformerPresident DavePoreckiforhisleadershipontheRUPA Board Inaddition,wewelcomeBennRobinsonto theBoardasaDirector,bringingwithhima wealthofexperienceandanintimate understandingofplayeradvocacyand development Wearealsodelightedtointroduce Dr NatalieFlattandCatherineMcDonaldasnew BoardDirectors,whosediverseexpertisewill furtherstrengthenourgovernanceandstrategic vision
RUPAhasremainedactivelyengaged insupportingtheaffectedplayers, providingguidance,careertransition assistance,andadvocacytoensure theyhaveaccesstofutureplaying opportunitiesandprofessional pathways Specialrecognitionmust gotoMoanaLeilua,formerPDMofthe Rebels,forherdedicationin supportingtheplayersandtheir familiesduringthistoughtime.
Specialthanksshouldalsobegivento AndrewKellaway,theRebelsplayer directorfortheleadershiphe displayedatsuchachallengingtime WhiledisappointingthattheRebels havelefttheprofessionalrugby ecosystem,itispleasingthatsomany playersfoundredeployment opportunities
KeyAchievementsandMilestones
Despitethechallengesofthepast year,RUPAhasachievedsignificant milestonesthathavestrengthened ourabilitytoserveandadvocatefor players.
RUPAplayerdevelopmentinitiatives havecontinuedtogrow,offering tailorededucationalprograms designedtoequipplayerswithskills andqualificationsthatextendbeyond theirplayingcareers.
InparticulartheofferingofTraining andEducationalgrantstothe Wallaroosplayinggroupin2025isa significantmilestoneinthe developmentofRUPA’ssuitesupport servicesintheWomen’sgame
Additionally,RUPAhasmade significantprogressinfostering greaterengagementbetweenRUPA andtheplayinggroup,ensuringthat playervoicesremaincentraltoour advocacyefforts
RUPAParticipationintheHighPerformanceReviewofthe2023 worldcup
JustinHarrisoninhiscapacityasCEO participatedintheHigh-Performance ReviewoftheWallabyworldcup campaign,ensuringRUPAwas centrallyconsultedandhadinputto theHigh-Performancereportand recommendations RUPAhas continuedtomonitorthe implementationofthereviewand recommendationsacrossthe2024 year
WorldRugby’smen’shigh-performance committeeandshapeofgamecommittee
ThanksgoestoDeanMummforhiscontinued participationontheinternationalhigh-performance committeeandshapeofgamecommittee We acknowledgeDean’scontributiontotheshapeof gameplanningaroundsafety,entertainmentand laws
WallabiesPDM/NationalCulturalLeadership managementrole
RUPAhascontinueditscommitmenttoplayer developmentandwelfareaswellasour commitmenttoculturalinclusivenessthroughthe creationofanewexecutiveroleheldbyMoana Leilua,whohassteppedintothedualrolesof WallabiesPlayerDevelopmentManagerand NationalCulturalLeadershipManager
StrategicPlanfortheYearAhead
Lookingforward,RUPA’sstrategicprioritieswill continuetofocusonstrengtheningtheplayer experience,ensuringfinancialsustainability,and championingtheinterestsofplayerswithinthe evolvingrugbylandscape Theimplementationof thelatestCollectiveBargainingAgreement(CBAVI) hasprovidedastrongframeworkforimproving playerwelfare,securingcontractualstability,and ensuringequitableremunerationacrossallformats ofthegame Whilefinancialchallengespersistwithin thebroaderrugbyecosystem,wehavemade tangibleprogressinsecuringbetterconditionsand resourcesforplayers
ASWEMOVEINTOTHENEXT PHASEOFOURSTRATEGIC PLAN,IEXTENDMYSINCERE APPRECIATIONTOTHERUPA BOARD,OUREXECUTIVETEAM, RUPASTAFFANDMOST IMPORTANTLY,THEPLAYERS WHOCONTINUETODRIVETHE ASSOCIATIONFORWARD. THROUGHRESILIENCE, COLLABORATION,ANDA SHAREDVISIONFORTHE FUTURE,WEREMAIN COMMITTEDTOSHAPING BETTERLIVESFORAUSTRALIAN RUGBYUNIONPLAYERS.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
TOMROBERTSON(WALLABY#898)
IWOULDLIKETOBEGINBY EXPRESSINGMYDEEPESTGRATITUDE TOMYFELLOWPLAYERSFOR ELECTINGMETOSERVEAS PRESIDENTOFRUPA.ITISAN INCREDIBLEHONOURTOREPRESENT OURPLAYINGGROUP.ITAKETHIS RESPONSIBILITYSERIOUSLYANDAM COMMITTEDTOIMPROVINGTHE RIGHTSANDCONDITIONSOF PROFESSIONALRUGBYPLAYERSIN AUSTRALIA.
IbelieveinRUPAasaninstitutionandits vitalroleinshapingtherightsand conditionsofprofessionalrugbyplayers inAustralia Icansaywithcertaintythat withoutthesupportofRUPA,myjourney inthegameandthoseofmanyothers bothonandoffthefield wouldnot havebeenpossible
Iwouldliketoacknowledgethe contributionsofmypredecessor,Dave Porecki,whonavigatedtheclosing stagesofthelastCBAandlaidthe platformforasuccessfulperiodforthe playersassociationandtheplayers
In2024wewelcomedbrilliantadditionsto theRUPAboardinDrNatalieFlattand CatherineMcDonald Theircontributionsin thepsychologyandfinancialsectors, respectively,willbeinvaluabletoRUPA movingforward FormerRUPAPresident, NSWWaratahandWallaby#814Benn RobinsonalsojoinedtheboardasaDirector andwillprovideinsightfrombothhistime asarugbyplayerandinhiscurrent capacityintheinsuranceindustry
ManythanksalsotoourPlayerDirectors, AndrewKellaway(Waratahs),Cadeyrn Neville(Brumbies),FraserMcReight(Reds), SamCarter(Force),EmilyChancellor (Wallaroos),HenryHutchinson(Men’s Sevens),andallplayerswhohaveadded valuetoRUPAoverthepastyear Additionally,Iwanttoextendmythanksto alltheRUPABoard,staff,andourdedicated PlayerDevelopmentManagers,whose unwaveringsupportcontinuestobethe backboneofourassociation
TheRugbyLandscapein2024
The2024seasonwasoneofboth challengesandtriumphforAustralian rugby OurMen’sandWomen’sSeven’s sidescompetedontheworldstageatthe ParisOlympics
Whilstbothteamsultimatelycamejust shortofearningmedals,theycanbe proudoftheireffortandtheincredible supportthattherugbycommunityand broaderAustralianpublicshowedtheir teamsduringtheircampaigns Both teamsplayedsomegreatrugby,and withanemergenceofnewandexciting talent,itbodeswellfortheupcoming OlympicgamesinLosAngelesin2028 andBrisbaneOlympicsin2032
InSuperRugbywewitnessedsome thrillingmatcheswith3ofthe5 AustralianSuperRugbysidescompeting inthefinalsandhistorybeingmade The MelbourneRebelsmadetheirfirstfinals appearance TheQueenslandRedsare gainingmomentumandbuildingnicely underLesKiss,whiletheACTBrumbies onceagainprovedtobethe benchmark,goingdowninthesemifinalatEdenParktoeventualchampions TheBlues TheaxingoftheMelbourne Rebelswasadifficultperiodforboth pastandcurrentplayers,andforthe broaderrugbycommunityinMelbourne andaroundAustralia Fortunately,RUPA wasabletonegotiatewithRugby Australiatoensureallplayercontracts werehonouredandplayersweregiven assistancetorelocate
Whilstitisadisappointingsituationforall involved,theassistancefromRUPAwas criticaltoensuretheplayersaffected weresupportedintheirtransitiontoother clubsandopportunities.
Asforournationalteams,theWallabies andWallaroosbothshowedsomegreat performancesandaregaining momentum TheWallaroos,captainedby theWesternForce’sMichaelaLeonard, competedinWXV2inSouthAfricaand wereeventuallycrownedchampionsafter beatingatoughScottishside.
FortheWallabies,therewere19debutants inJoeSchmidt’sfirstyearasheadcoach. Agreatstarttotheyearagainstthe WelshandGeorgiansideswasfollowed byclosematchesagainstLosPumas,The AllBlacks,andtheSpringboks TheSpring Tourwasasuccess,highlightedbycrosscodestarJoseph-AukusoSua'ali’imaking hisdebutinafantasticwinagainst England
RUPAAwards
The2024BDORUPAAwardsLunchwasa celebrationofexcellence,dedication,and servicewithinAustralianrugby Blake SchouppwasawardedtheCommunity ServiceAwardforhisoutstanding contributionsoffthefield,demonstrating adeepcommitmenttomakinga differenceinthecommunity Blakewas rewardedforhisworkwithyouth mentorshipprograms,mentalhealth initiativesandrugbyclinics
AndyMuirheadandEdKennedyjointly receivedtheAcademicExcellenceAward, recognizingtheirdedicationtobalancing rugbywithacademicachievement.Andy wasrewardedafterfoundingYara,which providestrainingandcareer opportunitiesincivilconstructionfor AboriginalandTorresStraitIslander individuals EdKennedywasalso recognisedforcompletingaBachelorof CommerceandGraduateDiplomain FinancialPlanningforwhichhewas inductedintotheUniversityofTasmania’s RollofExcellence
IntheSevensformat,andonthebackof impressiveindividualperformancesat theParisOlympics,MaddisonLeviwas namedWomen’sSevensPlayerofthe Year,whileNickMalouftookhomeMen’s SevensPlayeroftheYearhonours
RisingstarCharlieCalewasawarded NewcomeroftheYear Aftermakinghis Brumbiesdebutin2023,thepowerful backrowercontinuedhisstrongformand wasrewardedwithhismaidentestcapin 2024
TheprestigiousMedalforExcellence,which recognisesexcellencebothonandoffthe field,wasawardedtoFraserMcReightforthe Men’scompetitionandAtasiLafaiforthe Women’scompetition.
LookingAhead
Lookingahead,thenextfewyearsaresetto besomeofthemostexcitinginAustralian rugby.Thisisanextraordinarytimeforour game,andallofushaveaparttoplayin makingitthemostsignificantdecadein Australianrugbyhistory.
Toseizetheseopportunitiesandensurethe long-termsuccessofourgame,wemustbe unified Unityamongtheplayinggroupis crucial,andtodothisit’sessentialthatwe democratisetheflowofinformationwithin thegame Bydoingso,we’llensurethat thereisgreaterbuy-inandownershipfrom players,andthatRUPA’svoiceremains strong,representativeandrelevantin shapingourfuture
AsIlookforwardtomytimeservingthe players,IbelievethereareafewkeyareasI wanttofocuson:
Firstly,afocusonthepromotionofthe playersandtheenvironmentinthe professionalgame RUPAhasdonean incrediblejobinprotectingtherightsof playersandtheplayingenvironmentover recentyears However,lookingtothefuture, itisimperativethatwestrivetowards enhancingandprogressingtheinterestsof individualplayersandtheplayinggroupas awhole
Secondly,thedevelopmentofthewomen’s game We’veseenincrediblegrowthin women’srugbyinAustralia,inboth7sand 15s,andit’sanareawhereIbelievewecan dosomuchmore Thereisawealthof untappedpotentialinourfemaleathletes, andwemustdoeverythinginourpowerto supportthemontheirjourneytofull professionalism.Whetherit’sthroughmore investment,strongeradvocacy,orgreater educationandwellbeing,thefutureof women’srugbyisbright,andwemust ensurethatwe’repartofthatmomentum
Lastly,theplayingenvironment Myvisionis forprofessionalrugbyinAustraliatobe regardedasthebestinAustraliansportand oneofthebestintheworld Theenvironment inwhichourplayerstrain,play,anddevelop needstobesecondtonone Wewantevery player,regardlessoftheirbackground,to feelthattheyhavetheresources,the support,andtheopportunitytothriveintheir currentcareerasprofessionalathletesand beyond
CEO’s REPORT
Aswereflectonthepastyear,2024has beenachallenginganddefiningperiod forrugbyplayersinAustralia.AtRUPA,we remainunwaveringinourcommitment toadvocatingfor,supporting,and empoweringplayersateverystageof theircareers onandoffthefield The strengthofourgameliesinthe resilience,engagementandpassionof itspeople Thankyoutothededicated RUPAteam,bothintheadministrative officeandourPlayerDevelopment Managersforcontinuingtosupport playersthroughsportandlife
Rugbycontinuestonavigateadynamic andevolvinglandscape,throughitall, RUPAhasstoodasthecollectivevoiceof professionalplayers,ensuringthattheir interestsareprotectedandenhanced A centralfocusin2024hasbeen strengtheningandenhancingwell-being programsandreinforcingour commitmenttocareertransition support Thegamedemandsmuchfrom itsplayers,anditisvitaltoprovide resources,knowledge,andsupportfor playerstothrivebeyondtheirplaying days
Oneoftheyear’smilestoneswasthe continuedevolutionofourPlayer DevelopmentProgram,TheAdvantage Line Theprogramhassupported playersactivelypursuingfurther education,vocationaltraining,and businessventures Ourworkwiththe Wallabies,Wallaroos,AustralianSevens andSuperRugbysquadshas reinforcedtheimportanceofholistic development,ensuringthatplayersare notjustpreparedfortheperformance ofelitesportbutalsoformeaningful opportunitiesbeyondrugby
RUPAhasalsoremainedattheforefront ofadvocatingforplayerwelfareand contractualsecurity Ourongoing collaborationwithRugbyAustraliaand keystakeholdershasledtosignificant advancementsinworkplaceconditions, medicalcareprovisions,andfinancial sustainabilityforplayers
Theseconversationsareimportantin safeguardingthewell-beingofthe athletesandensuringthattheir contributionstothegameare recognizedandvalued Iwouldliketo sincerelythankRUPA’smanypartners whonotonlyassistusasan organisation,butprovidedtheirown envelopeofcaretocurrentandpast players Wearegratefulforthetireless effortandgenuinecareforplayer welfare
PLAYERSARETHEHEARTBEATOFTHE GAME,ANDTHEIRCOLLECTIVEVOICE ISWHATDRIVESMEANINGFUL, POSITIVECHANGE.IEXTENDMY GRATITUDETOOURMEMBERSFOR THEIRTRUST,ENGAGEMENT,AND LEADERSHIPINSHAPINGTHEFUTURE OFOURSPORT.
Thenext5yearspresentanincredible opportunityforAustralianrugby With theBritish&IrishLionsTourin2025,a homeRugbyWorldCupin2027,anda Women’sRugbyWorldCupin2029,we haveauniquemomenttonotonly competeontheworldstagebutto strengthentheveryfoundationofour game
AtRUPA,weseethisperiodasa definingmomentnotjustforour teams,butforthefutureofAustralian rugbyasawhole Playeradvocacyhas neverbeenmoreimportant Ourfocus isonensuringthatplayersare supported,protected,andempowered sotheycanperformattheirbest, knowingtheirvoicesareheardand theircareersaresecure
Thismeanscontinuingtofightforfair conditions,mentalhealthsupport,and developmentpathwaysthatset playersupforsuccess onandoffthe field Itmeansworkingwith stakeholderstoensureourgame remainscompetitive,sustainable,and attractiveforthenextgeneration And mostimportantly,itmeansensuring thateveryplayer,fromSuperRugby, AustralianSevenstotheWallabiesand Wallaroos,hasthebackingtheyneed tothrive
Australianrugbyhasagoldenrunway ahead It’suptoallofus players, administrators,andfans tomakethe mostofit.
AtRUPA,we’llcontinuedoingwhatwe dobest:standingshouldertoshoulder withourplayers,makingsurethey’re readyforwhat’snext,andbuildinga gamethatwillinspiregenerationsto come
TOTHEBROADERRUGBY COMMUNITY,THANKYOUFORYOUR CONTINUEDSUPPORTAND ENGAGEMENTFORTHEGAME.
ASWELOOKTOTHEFUTURE,WEDO SOWITHASENSEOFDETERMINATION ANDOPTIMISM.RUPAWILLCONTINUE TOBEACHAMPIONFORPLAYERS, ENSURINGTHATRUGBYREMAINSA VEHICLEFOROPPORTUNITY,GROWTH, ANDEXCELLENCE.
KEEPWELLALL.
GOOG
COMMERCIAL REPORT
ANANYABHINDI
WEAREGRATEFULFORTHE OUTSTANDINGEFFORTSAND COMMITMENTFROMOURPARTNERSIN SUPPORTINGPLAYERSINTHEIROFFFIELDDEVELOPMENT.THE PROFESSIONALSPORTENVIRONMENT HASMANYCHALLENGESHOWEVER, WITHTHESUPPORTOFRUPA’S PARTNERS,PLAYERSAREGIVENTHE CHANCETOLEARNCORELIFESKILLS ANDGROWASHUMANBEINGS.
Overthepast2years,RUPA’spartnership networkhasseensignificantgrowthwith manyneworganizationsjoiningthe envelopeofcarethroughTheAdvantage LineProgram Eachpartnershipisdesigned toprovideauniquesupportserviceto players,subsequentlyproviding opportunitiesandadvantagesintheir personalgrowthoffthefield Ineach partnershipagreement,weusetheplayers’ coreneedsasaframeworktoensurethat eachpartnershipdeliversmeaningfuland beneficialsupportservices.Thisinvolves havingadeepunderstandingofwhatit meanstobethepersoninsidetheathlete, andthecoreskillsforliferequiredto navigatetheprofessionalplayingjourney RUPA’splayerdirectorsanddelegatesare anessentialpieceinthisprocess,asthey communicatethecollectivevoiceofall playerneedsbackintoRUPA
RUPAhasastrongnetworkofpartnerswho areinterestedinnotonlyhelpingplayers duringtheircareer,butalsobeyond.Almost allplayersstrugglewithtransitioningoutof rugbyintonewcareers Knowingthatthey haveaccesstoanetworkoflike-minded mentors,canassistthisprocess
2024sawthereintroductionofRUPA’s NetworkingGroupwhereindustryleaders providedtheirtimeandassistancetohelp playerscreateoptionsforlifeafterrugby
Since2022,RUPAhasonboarded6new partners Theseinclude:
RobertWalters-OfficialRecruitment Partner
RobertWaltersjoinedRUPAinNovember 2023andhavebeeninstrumentalin providingtransitioningplayerswithcareer opportunitiesforlifeafterRugby Since partneringwithRUPA,RobertWaltershave providedplayerswithcorevocationaland networkingskills,newcareeropportunities andconnections Throughthispartnership, pastandcurrentplayershaveaccessto specialisedone-on-oneorgroup appointmentswithRobertWalters’ RecruitmentSpecialistsforthepurposeof developingCVwritingskills,interviewskills, identifyingtransferableskillsandidentifying careeropportunities Eachyear,Robert WalteralsopresentstheAcademic AchievementawardattheAnnualBDO RugbyPlayersLunch,heldinDecember eachyear.
PaxAnimi®-OfficialEstatePlanning Partner
PaxAnimi®providescurrentandpast players,aswellastheirfamilies,witha comprehensiveonlineestateplanning serviceatVIPcosting.ThePaxAnimi®service includesalllegaladviceandguidanceto generateandexecutewills(including testamentarytrusts),powersofattorney andguardianshipdocuments,alldelivered online
Thisinnovativeproductallowsplayersto havepeaceofmindthattheirassetsand wealthareprotectedbyatrustedpartnerof RUPA
GallagherInsurance
GallagherInsuranceareresponsiblefor providinginsuranceschemesand protectiontoRUPAmembers Particularly aroundtheimportanceofcareerending insurance,whichsafeguardsaplayerinthe eventofacareer-endinginjury Eachyear, GallagheralsopresentstheMen’sRugby SevensPlayers’PlayerawardattheAnnual BDORugbyPlayersLunch
LondonAcademyofTrading
LATisanaward-winning,triple-accredited providerofafinancialtradingeducationin coursessuchascryptocurrency,trading psychology,equityinvesting,wealth managementetc.Throughthispartnership, playershaveaccesstoVIPpricingona varietyofeducationalshortcourses, diplomasandadvancedcertifications.
EverythingMentalToughness
EverythingMentalToughnessisaleading providerofpsychologicalassessmenttools todevelopmentalskillsforlife.TheMTQPlus Assessmentisarobustpsychometrictool designedtomeasurementaltoughness, across4keyareasincludingControl, Commitment,Challenge,andConfidence Oncecompleted,aresultsoverviewis producedandtheplayercanusethisasa resourcewiththeirPDMtooutlinesstrategies inenhancingmentalskillsforlife
TelusHealth-RugbyAUPartner
InSeptember2024,RUPAwasinvolvedin thereaffirmationofTelusHealthandthe continuationoftheircomprehensive EmployeeAssistanceProgram TELUS Health,formerlyknownasBenestar,is theleadingproviderofhealthand wellbeingservicesinAustralia,providing memberswithresourcesandspecialised servicestosupportmentalhealthand wellbeingthroughtheTELUSHEALTHONE app.
Aspartofthisassociation,players,staff andfamiliesoftheRugbyCommunity canreceivesixprivateandconfidential sessionswithaclinicalspecialist,per wellbeingissue.
CARVEEyewear
CarveEyewearprovidesRUPAmembers, pastandpresent,aswellastheir familieswithdiscountedpricingontheir products
MoleMapSkinChecks
RUPAprovideallplayerswith complementaryskincancerchecks, deliveredbyMoleMapprofessionals Througharenewedpartnership developedin2024,pastplayersandtheir familieshavediscountedaccesstothis service
RUPAisfortunatetohavemanylong-term partnerswhohaveremainedheavilyinvolved intheplayerdevelopmentprogram
BDO-OfficialAccountingandAuditPartner
BDOhasbeenaproudpartnerofRUPAsince 2017astheOfficialAuditandAccounting Partner BDOareacorepieceinRUPA’sPlayer DevelopmentPrograminprovidingplayers withfinancialliteracysupporttohelpthem makebetterinformeddecisionsaroundtheir personalfinances.Everyyear,BDOpresentto firstyearplayersattheProfessionalBuildcorp RugbyPlayerInductionCamp,equipping themwithfundamentaltoolstosafeguardthe longevityoftheirsavings,taxationoffsets, athletebenefitsandinvesting BDOarealso themajornamingrightssponsoratthe AnnualBDORugbyPlayersLunch,heldaround Decembereachyear TheAnnualLunchisone ofthemostanticipatedeventsontherugby calendar,andisacelebrationofplayers’offfieldachievements,aswellasrecognisingthe effortsofRUPA’spartnersinsupportingthem alongthisjourney
Buildcorp
Partneringsince2016,Buildcorphasbeena longstandingpartnerofnotonlyRUPA,but AustralianRugbyformanyyears Through initiativesliketheAnnualBuildcorpRugby PlayerInductionCampandcareernetworking programs,Buildcorparecommittedto helpingplayersgrowonandoffthefield,build meaningfulconnections,andprepareforlife beyondrugby Buildcorpalsoprovideplayers withpotentialcareeropportunitiesin construction,facilitatedthroughvisitstotheir sites Eachyear,Buildcorppresentsthe Women’sMedalforExcellenceawardatthe AnnualBDORugbyPlayersLunch.
CitationLegal
CitationLegalarealongstanding partnerandprovideRUPAwith specialisedlegaladviceinindustrial relations,employmentlaw,player contractingandrights.Inaddition, CitationLegalprovideRUPAwitha secondeewhodedicatestimein assistingRUPAwithplayerand organizationalrelatedlegalmatters, whilstensuringthatplayersrights remainsteadfastinallnegotiations.
TaylorsWine
TaylorsWinehasbeenalong standingpartnerofbothRUPAand AustralianRugby AsRUPA’sOfficial WinePartner,Taylorsprovidetheir winesattheAnnualBDORugby PlayersLunchaswellasother networkingeveningsthroughoutthe year.Eachyear,Taylorsalsopresents theWomen’sRugbySevensPlayers’ PlayerawardattheAnnualBDO RugbyPlayersLunch.
PARTNERS
WORLDRUGBYBRAIN HEALTHSERVICE
INAPRIL2024,WORLDRUGBYAND RUPALAUNCHEDTHEBRAIN HEALTHSERVICETOSUPPORT FORMERRUGBYUNIONPLAYERS TOUNDERGOAHEALTH SCREENINGPROCESSPROVIDINGA HEALTHREPORTTORECOMMEND MODIFIABLELIFESTYLEHABITS WITHAVIEWTOIMPROVING QUALITYOFLIFEORPROVIDING REFERRALSFORFURTHERTESTING IFREQUIRED
In2021,WorldRugbylaunchedasixpointplantocontinuetobea progressivesportonplayerwelfare.A keypillarofthatplantosupport formerplayersistheestablishmentof theBrainHealthService.
TheBrainHealthService,fundedby WorldRugby,hasbeendesignedusing independent,scientificallyproven examinationtechniques Former playersfilloutaninitialquestionnaire andthenhaveanonlineconsultation withatrainedbrainhealthpractitioner whowillidentifyanysignsthatthe individualmayrequireareferral towardsspecialistcare
WorldRugbyDeputyChiefMedical Officer,ProfMartinRafterywelcomed thelaunchoftheBrainHealthService saying:
RUPAChair,CampbellFisher,commended thebenefitsofthisinitiativeand encouragespastplayerstotake advantageofthesespecialisedservices
“MENTALANDOVERALLPHYSICAL HEALTHAREANIMPORTANTFOCUS FORBOTHOURPRESENTANDPAST PLAYERS.RUPACERTAINLYJOINSIN THANKINGWORLDRUGBYFOR SECURINGTHISVALUABLESERVICETO CONTRIBUTETOTHECONTINUED WELLBEINGOFOURPLAYERSONCE THEYHAVELEFTTHEFIELD.”
“TOHAVETHISFACILITYNOW AVAILABLEONAGLOBALSCALEINTHE INTERESTSOFTHEPLAYERSANDTHE GAMEISGRATIFYINGINDEED.”
TheBrainHealthServiceinAustraliais administeredbyRUPAandwillsit alongsidethesuiteofsupportservices RUPAofferstoformerplayers
THESERVICEISAVAILABLETOANY MALEANDFEMALERETIRED PLAYERSWHOHAVECOMPETEDAT ANINTERNATIONALORSUPER RUGBYLEVEL.
“FORMERPLAYERSREADTHENEWS ANDHEARTHESTORIESABOUT THEIRPEERSACROSSALLCODES WHOARESTRUGGLING.THEREISNO DOUBTTHATTHESESTORIES GENERATEALOTOFANXIETY, NERVOUSNESSANDWORRY.THE BRAINHEALTHSERVICEGIVES PLAYERSAPLACETOGOWHICH CANPUTTHEIRMINDSATEASEORIF REQUIRED,PUTTHEMINTOUCH WITHMEDICALEXPERTSWHOCAN FURTHERINVESTIGATEANY WARNINGSIGNS. PLAYERWELFARE ISWORLDRUGBY’SNUMBERONE PRIORITYANDTHATAPPLIES EQUALLYTOCURRENTANDFORMER PLAYERS.
“THISPARTNERSHIPWITH WORLDRUGBYISA VALUABLESUPPORT RESOURCE,AVAILABLETO ANYMALEANDFEMALE RETIREDPLAYERSWHO HAVECOMPETEDATAN INTERNATIONALORSUPER RUGBYLEVEL,THATIS EASILYACCESSIBLEAND IMPORTANTLY,AWAY FORPASTPLAYERSTO REMAINCONNECTEDAND SUPPORTEDBYTHEGAME.
TOBEABLETOACCESSA FREE,HEALTHCHECK SERVICETHATWILL PROVIDEGUIDANCEFOR PASTPLAYERSONBRAIN HEALTHISANIMPORTANT RECOGNITIONTHATALL PLAYERSAREVALUED, ANDTHATASSISTANCEIS AVAILABLE.”
JUSTINHARRISON
TOACCESSTHIS
SERVICECLICKHERE
THEADVANTAGE LINE
JAMESHOLBECK(WALLABY#737)
TheAdvantageLineprogram:Key Highlights
Thewholestaffcaughtupinlate FebruaryinMelbourne,whereweinvited internationallyrenownedwellbeing expert,AssociateProfessorAaron Jarden,toworkwithususingthelatest researchtobetterinformourpractices Wealsoworkedonhowwecanbetter workwithinjuredplayers&discussed playerfeedbackfromtheprevious season Wedecidedtofocuson improvingtwokeymetricsforthe2024 season;improvingplayersatisfaction withinthePlayerDevelopmentProgram andincreasinghowmanyplayershad IndividualDevelopmentPlans(IDP’s)
AttheSydneymeetingweheardfrom PaulLyonsofEverythingMental ToughnessontheMentalToughness scale,calledtheMTQPlus,whichisa moreroundedconceptualisation,and trialledthemeasurementatthe InductionCamp ScottHanock presentedonthecareerreadiness competencieshehadadaptedtodeliver totheWesternforceplayers Wealso invitedAmyThorp,theHeadofIntegrity atRA,tojoinusforoneofthedays
DuringtheyearPDM’swerealso fortunatetohaveProfessorCatherine Haslam,aleadresearcheratthe UniversityofQueensland,shareonthe MorethanSportinterventioninto workingwithtransitioningathleteson theirsocialidentity RugbyAustraliaalso invitedPDM’stoatwo-dayworkshopin BrisbanewhereweworkedwiththeChief MedicalOfficer&TeamDoctorson providingamorecoordinatedapproach toplayers
Charlottefacilitatedapsychologist-led awarenesssessionforplayerpartners, focusingonrecognizingsignsofdistressin theirpartnerandchildren,alongwithself-care strategiesduringabsences Shehostedthe familyandpartners'boxatgames,organized careermentorconnections,andledaCareer NetworkingEvent Charlottealsoran workshopsonbudgetingandtime management,coordinatedskincheckswith RUPApartners,Molemap,andorganizeda PasifikaDaytocelebrateculturaldiversity Theseinitiativessupportedplayersandtheir families,enhancingwellbeingandprofessional developmentthroughouttheyear Withlimited opportunitiesduringtheplayingseasonto driveindividualdevelopmentplans,Charlotte wasabletoincreasehernumbercloseto95% byyearsend
ACTBrumbies–RobinDuff
Robincelebratedher10thyearattheBrumbies withthehighestplayersatisfactioninany program Sheconductedshortseminarsand workshopsontopicssuchasunhealthy thinkingstyles,resilience,mindfulness,and othercalmingstrategies TheannualBDO Lunchfurtherunderscoredthequalityofthe program,withtwoBrumbiesplayersbeing recognizedasjointwinnersofthe2024 AcademicAward Additionally,Robinpursued herownprofessionaldevelopmentthrough variousshortcoursesandworkshops, includingAlcoholBriefInterventiontraining (whichshepresentedtootherPDMsin Melbourne),aresumewritingmasterclass, self-injury,domesticandfamilyviolence, trauma-responsivepractice,recognizingand reframinganxiety,andAI Theprogramhad 86%ofplayerswithanoff-fielddevelopment plan
QueenslandReds-HayleyCronin
Hayleywassuchanintegralpartof theLesKissmanagementstaffthatat theendofDecember2024,shewas offeredanin-housepsychological positionfortheteam Wewishherwell inthenewrole,duetostartinJanuary, 2025andreflectontheamazingwork shehasdoneinhertimeintherole Hayleyranworkshopsonvisualisation, copingskillsandhealthymindsets, workingwithcoachesonrecognising thesignsandsymptomsofmental health HayleyalsousedBDOtodeliver afinancialpresentation Theprogram had86%ofplayerswithanoff-field developmentplan
Women’sXV-DavidKing
RUPAandRugbyAustraliawelcomed DavidKingasthenewNationalPlayer DevelopmentManager(PDM)forthe WallaroosandSuperRugbyWomen’s players Withabackgroundin performancepsychologyand education,David’sfocushasbeenon deliveringone-on-onedevelopment plansandholisticsupportforWallaroo players Hismissiontoenhanceofffieldgrowthacrossthewomen’sgame isalreadydrivingprogressthrough tailoredplayerdevelopmentinitiatives, whichwillextendtoSuperWteamsin 2025
NSWWaratahs–CharlotteAnneveld
AussieSevens–AlishaReber
Alishaworkedtosponsortwoofthe AussieWomen’sSevenscookingnights, featuringtwodietician-ledchallenges. Onechallengeresultedinmealprepping 250meals,whichwenttowardsthosein needforaprograminSydney.Robert WaltersalsohostedaMen’snetworking eventwhichwasahighlysuccessful night.TheMen’steamalsoaskedtobe providedwithfurtherfinancialskills workshopsforbothbeginnersandmore advancedplayerswhichweredelivered byBDO HenryHutchinson,asthePlayer Director,participatedintheRUPABoard Governanceprogramandwasthen electedtotheOlympicCommittee Alisha alsocontributedtotheAISminimum standardsworkinggrouponPlayer Development Additionally,shewas studyingaCertIVinCareerDevelopment andattendedtheAISSummit.
WesternForce–ScottHancock
Scottwasthedriveroftheplayer onboardingprogramandwasincludedin roundtablediscussionsforinjuredplayers withotherkeyHPStaff Hewaspartofa pilotprogramwithRugbyAustralia's IntegrityManagercoveringalcohol,code ofconduct,scenarioactivities,andsocial media Healsoledaseriesofworkshops, includingasocialconnectednesssession aimedatcombatinglonelinessfor playerstransitioningtoWesternAustralia, basedonUniversityofQueensland research Additionalworkshopsfocused onmentalhealthawareness,career readinesscompetencies,individual developmentplansforathletes,and exploringvaluesandstrengths,all contributingtotheoverallwellbeing educationforplayers
MelbourneRebels-MoanaLeilua
Despitethedifficultdecisionto discontinuetheRebels'licence,theteam madehistoryin2024bysecuringtheir first-everfinalscampaign.PDMMoana Leiluaemphasizedtheimportanceof connection,culture,andcommunity throughouttheseason Herleadership andsupport,alongsideoutstanding playeradvocacybyAndrewKellawayand JamesTuttle,contributedtotheteam’s collectivesuccessandunity RUPAplayed avitalroleinguidingplayersthrougha challengingyear,providing comprehensivesupportacrossboth welfareandcontractingmatters
RUPABOARD
CAMPBELLFISHER CHAIRMAN
CATHERINEMCDONALD DIRECTOR
EMILYCHANCELLOR WOMEN’SXVPLAYERDIRECTOR
JUSTINHARRISON CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER
BENNROBINSON DIRECTOR
TOMROBERTSON PRESIDENT
DRNATALIEFLATTPHD DIRECTOR
HENRYHUTCHISON MEN’SRUGBYSEVENS PLAYERDIRECTOR
KAHLIHENWOOD WOMEN’SRUGBYSEVENS PLAYERDIRECTOR
CADEYRNNEVILLE
ACTBRUMBIES PLAYERDIRECTOR
RUPASTAFF
JUSTINHARRISON CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER
MOANALEILUA NATIONALCULTURALLEADERSHIPMANAGER& WALLABIESPDM
ALEXGRYGIEL GENERALMANAGER PLAYERSERVICES
JAMESHOLBECK GENERALMANAGER PLAYERDEVELIOPMENT
ROBINDUFF BRUMBIESPDM
CHARLOTTEANNEVELD WARATAHSPDM
SCOTTHANCOCK WESTERNFORCEPDM
ALISHAREBER RUGBY7'SPDM
DAVIDKING WALLAROOSANDWOMENSXV PDM
ANANYABHINDI COMMERCIALANDCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ZAYNABALY LEGAL
HAYLEYCRONIN REDSPDM
STEVIECROUCH LEGAL
PLAYERSERVICES &ENGAGEMENT
ALEXGRYGIEL
PlayerServices&Engagement
Inearly2024,RUPAconductedanational roadshow,visitingeachSuperRugbyclub andSevensteamtoengagedirectlywith players Thesesessionsprovided educationandcollectedfeedbackonkey issues,includingtheintroductionof instrumentedmouthguards,careerendinginjuryinsurance,membership benefits,RA’sproposedprivateequity investment,andtheevolvingcentralised governancemodelforprofessionalrugby Whiletheannouncementofthe MelbourneRebels’exitfromtheSuper Rugbyattheendofthe2025seasonwas deeplydisappointing,RUPAplayeda crucialroleinsupportingaffectedplayers Asaparticipantintheliquidationprocess, RUPAsuccessfullyadvocatedtoensure thatallcontractedplayersreceivedtheir fullentitlements,includingsalaryand benefits,throughthedurationoftheir agreementsinaccordancewiththeCBA
Inasignificantdevelopment,2024also markedtheexpansionofthePlayer DevelopmentProgramtoincludethe women’sgame.DavidKingwas appointedasPlayerDevelopment Manager–Women’sXV,overseeing supportforSuperWandWallaroos players
RUPAcontinuestochampiontheplayer voiceindiscussionswithclubsand stakeholders,adaptingtoevolvingneeds andfeedback.Off-fieldsupportand activeplayerengagementremainatthe heartofRUPA’sapproachtobuilding stronger,moreconnectedteamsforthe future
RUPAextendsitssincerethankstoall players,Boardmembers, committees, partners,andserviceprovidersfortheir ongoingsupportandcontribution throughout2024 ClickheretoviewRUPA’s Committees
SuperRugbyPlayerSurvey
The2024AnnualPlayerSurveyprovided invaluableinsightsintotheexperiencesand prioritiesofourplayinggroup With123 playersparticipatingacross4clubs,this year’ssurveyrevealedencouraging progressacrossseveralkeyareas,while alsohighlightingimportantopportunitiesfor futuregrowth
Aclearlinkwasfoundbetweenstrongofffielddevelopmentprogramsandoverall clubsatisfaction Thebest-performingclubs hadthehighestnumberofplayerswith personalisedoff-fielddevelopmentplans, underliningtheimportanceofinvestingin players'livesbeyondthefield
PlayerDevelopmentManagers(PDMs) continuetoplayapivotalroleintheplayer experience,emergingastheprimarypoint ofcontactforpersonaldevelopmentand mentalhealthsupport High-performing clubswerecharacterisedbythestrong presenceandinfluenceoftheirPDMs,with playersfeelingaclearsenseofsupportand guidancethroughtheirinitiatives
Playersreportedanimprovementin balancingfamilycommitmentswithofffieldpursuits Notably,therewasariseinthe timeplayersdedicatedtostudyand additionalworkplacements,signallinga broaderculturalshifttowardpreparingfor lifebeyondprofessionalsport.Supportfor network-buildinghasalsoseenmarked improvement,withplayersacknowledging increasedaccesstoopportunitiesand connectionsviaTheAdvantageLine
Encouragingly,allclubshavemade meaningfulprogressincreatinginclusive environmentsthatrespectandembrace diversityacrossrace,religion,andsexuality. Playersalsoacknowledgedanincreasein mentalhealthawarenessandsupport acrossclubs.
Thisculturalshiftreflectsagrowing commitmentacrosstheAustralian rugbytobuildingwelcoming,safe spacesforallplayers
Overall,the2024surveyshowsthat off-fielddevelopment,inclusivity,and strongerplayervoicearekeydrivers ofgrowingsatisfactionanda connected,supportiveprofessional environment RUPAlookforwardto workingwithplayersin2025and continuetoprovideavoicetoplayers tofurtherstrengthentheirposition
SuperWPlayerSurvey
The2024Women’sPlayerSurveysaw 117playersparticipatingacrossfive clubs,providingfeedbackontheir experiencesbothonandoffthefield, highlightingstrongprogressandkey opportunitiesforgrowthinthe Women’sgame Playersnotedthe improvedpre-seasonprogramsand professionalism,butcalledfora longerSuperWseasontobetter supportdevelopment
Clubfacilitiesandservicesreceived largelypositivefeedback,reflecting ongoinginvestmentintheWomen’s game,thoughmediacoverageand commercialopportunitieswererated poorly,pointingtotheneedfor greatervisibility.Playersstrongly supporteddoubleheaderfixtureswith men’steams,valuingtheincreased exposureandclubunity.
Amajorityofplayershaveexpressed thattheirwork-lifebalancehas improved,yetmanyplayersstill requiremoresupportbalancingrugby withemployment.
Playersalsoexpressedsatisfactionatagreater focusonthelevelofsupportavailableattheir clubsformentalhealthissues,althoughbut concernspersistaboutstigma
Encouragingly,91%ofplayersintendtoreturnfor the2025season,andclubrugbypathways, particularlyfromQueenslandandNewSouth Wales,continuetobecrucial Thesurveyshows clearmomentumforthewomen’sgame,witha focusnowonextendingtheseason,boosting mediapresence,andstrengtheningplayer wellbeinginitiatives RUPAlooksforwardto increasingourrangeofsupportservicesforSuper WandWallaroosplayersin2025andbeyond
PlayerInsurance
RUPAcontinuestoprovideasafeguardtoplayers withtheCareerEndingInsurancePolicythat providesplayerswithworldwide24/7coverage, andnotonlycoverstheriskofinjurywhilsttraining orplaying,butalsoincludesfull-timecoverforany illnessesoraccidentsoutsideofrugby
TheRUPAmembershipcontinuedtocommitto makingacontributiontowardsfundingthepolicy throughadeductionof25%oftheirtotalannual basesalary
Whilstthepolicydidnotreceiveaclaimduringthe 2024season,RUPAareproudtobeabletodeliver anindustry-leadingpolicyforourmembers RUPAhaveworkedtoapplydownwardpressureon thepolicypremiums,andispleasedtoannounce thattheplayercontributionswillbereducedto 20%oftheirtotalannualbasesalaryfrom2025 onwards.
RUPAcontinuestomanagetheadministrationand placementofthepolicythroughourinsurance partner,Gallagher,whowethankfortheir continuedsupporttotheorganisation
Training&EducationGrant
RUPAisexceptionallyproudoftheTrainingand EducationGrant,whichsupportsfull-time professionallycontractedplayersinAustraliaby reimbursingcostsrelatedtofurtherstudyand preparationfortheircareerspost-rugby
Recognisingthelimitedcareerspanofprofessional athletes,theGrantplaysavitalroleinsupporting players’prepareforthepost-rugbycareersviathe PlayerDevelopmentProgram.RUPAremains committedtofosteringtheongoingeducationand futureambitionsofourmembers Sinceits introductionin2001,theGranthasprovidedover$6 millionworthofeducationgrantstoplayers
RUPAareproudtosupporttheongoingeducation andfutureaspirationsofourmembers,with57 playersclaimingundertheGrantin2024,totalling $200,000inreimbursementpaidtoplayers. Wearealsodelightedtoannouncethat,from2025, theTrainingandEducationGrantwillbeexpanded toincludeWallarooManagedSquadplayers.
AgentAccreditation
TheAustralianRugbyPlayerAgentAccreditation Scheme(PAAS)wasintroducedin2007,with RUPAactingastheadministratorsofthe Scheme,ensuringthatindividualsand organisationsrepresentingAustralia’s professionalplayersdemonstratean appropriatelevelofunderstandingofAustralian Rugbycontracting;withtheCBAmandating thatRugbyBodiesmustonlydealwithAgents whoareaccreditedundertheSchemeand boundbyaCodeofConductandRegulations
In2024,RUPAandRAengagedIanPrendergast ofSportsAdvisoryPartnersAustraliato undertakeareviewofthePAAS Theaimofthe reviewistoexaminethedesignandoperation ofthecurrentSchemeandprovide recommendationsonwaystointegrate benchmarksfromsimilarschemesofother codes RUPAlookforwardtoincorporatingthe recommendationsintotheoperationsofthe Schemein2025todeliveraSchemethatbest protectsplayersandupskillsAgents
Inordertomaintainaccreditation,allAgents mustattendtheAnnualAccreditation Conference,withthe2024Conferencehosted byRUPAattheRugbyAustraliaBuildingin November,withAgentsalsoattendingvia teleconferenceattheBallymoreBoardroom Theconferencewasattendedbymorethan50 AccreditedAgentswhoreceivedpresentations on:
StateoftheGamefromDanielHerbert, RugbyAUChair
RUPAUpdatefromJustinHarrison,RUPACEO
SchemeReviewfromIanPrendergast,Sports AdvisoryPartnersAustralia
PlayerContractingfromTobyDuncan&Rich Gardham,RugbyAU
SchemeAdministrationfromAlexGrygiel, RUPAGM
HighPerformancefromBenWhitaker,Rugby AU
RUPAandtheAccreditationBoardrecognise AccreditedAgentsasvitalstakeholdersinthe game,upholdinghighstandardsin representingandadvocatingforplayers We acknowledgeandthankallAccreditedAgents fortheirongoingsupportoftheSchemeand theirinvaluableservicetoplayersthroughout 2024.
RUPAwouldliketothankRichardBreden,whoat theendof2023,stooddownfromhisroleas IndependentChairofthePlayerAgent AccreditationBoard,havingservedonthe Boardforover10years.WethankRichardforthe directionhehasprovidedtheBoard,andhis outstandingcontributioninimprovingthePAAS forplayersandagentsalike.
PLAYERINDUCTIONCAMP
BUILDCORP INDUCTIONCAMP
clubs,todaywasallaboutequipping playerswiththetoolstonavigatethe challengesoftransitioningintotheelite sportingenvironment,whilstfostering personalandprofessionalgrowth The daykickedoffwithlunchatTheHoliday InnPottsPointwhereplayersgota chancetomeeteachotheranddevelop connections ThankyoutoMichael IngreyforacknowledgingtheGadigal landinwhichwegatheronforthe InductionCamp
FollowingLunch,theplayersheardfrom RUPAPresidentandWallaby#898,Tom Robertson,whoprovidedaplayer testimonialhighlightingtheroleofRUPA insupportingmembersalongtheir journeyofprofessionalsportaswellas hiscareerandeducationexperience Tomencouragedtheplayerstoengage atthecamp,andutiliseRUPA’ssuiteof supportservices
RUPA'sPlayerDevelopmentManagers thensatdownwithplayersandinitiated anopenandhonestsessionwhere participantsdiscussedtherealitiesof steppingintothehigh-performance arena.Keychallengeswereidentified, sparkinginsightfulconversationsabout strategiesformanagingpressure, balancingcommitments,and maintainingmentalhealth
ThisledintotheMTQPlusAssessment,a psychometricassessmentthat measuresmentalskillsforlife,delivered byRUPA’sPartner,PaulLyonsfrom EverythingMentalToughness Players learntaboutthefoundationsofmental toughness,whatitisandwhatitisn’t, andgainingadeeperunderstanding intohowtheycanharnessresilienceto thriveunderpressure.
Thesessionpavedthewayforinspiring ResilienceStories,whereexperienced playerssharedpersonalinsightsinto overcomingsetbacksandadaptingto challenges,creatingaspacefor connectionandlearning Intheafternoon,playersdelvedinto strengthvirtuesanddeveloping personalcopingstrategiesandlearning frompreviousexperiencestogrow& planforfutureevents.
Followingthis,theplayersheadedover todinnerhostedbyRUPA'sproudpartner Buildcorp Theplayershadthe opportunitytoconnectwithmanypast playersandBuildcorpstaffinarelaxed setting Thankyoutoallthosepast playerswhoattendedtheeventand providedplayerswithadviceand personalinsight Buildcorp'sMarketing andPartnershipLeadandWallaby#865, JamesHanson,alsosharedhisinsights intohisplayingjourneyandtransitioning outofthegameintootherfieldsofwork
Thedinneralsoincludedanengaging workshoponMediaandInterviewSkills fromStanSportExecutiveproducer, JamesHarrison,andCommentator andProducer,AndrewSwain.They providedpracticaladviceandhandsonexperiencesinmanagingthemedia spotlight.Playershonedtheir communicationskills,preparingthem torepresentthemselvesandtheir teamswithprofessionalismand authenticity
SpecialthankstoTony,Jordanand JosephineSukkarfromBuildcorpfor theirhospitalityandcontinuedsupport forRUPAandTheAdvantageLine Program
Day2
Theplayersbegantheirdaywitha 6amgymsessionatRugbyAustralia, followedbybreakfast RugbyAU GeneralManagerofMen’sHigh PerformancePathwaysand Competitions,BenWhittaker, welcomedtheplayersand emphasizedtheimportanceofthe ‘personinsidetheathlete’andthe personalgrowththroughoutaplayer’s career.
FinancialLiteracywithBDO
WillTuffleyandKellyKennedyfrom RUPA’spartners,BDO,introduced playerstostrategiesformanaging theirearningswisely Topicsincluded professionalathletecentrictaxadvice, budgeting,understandinginvestments, andplanningforfinancialstability Playersgainedactionableinsightsinto howtomakethemostoftheircurrent incomewhilepreparingforthefuture
MentalHealthandWellbeing
BrumbiesPDM,RobinDuff,ledanimpactful sessionaddressingmentalhealth challengesoftenfacedbyathletes Players wereprovidedwithtoolstorecognizesigns ofdistressinthemselvesandteammates. ToolsincludedaccessingTelusHealthOne App(partnerofRugbyAU),awellbeing healthhubprovidingplayerswith complimentarycounsellingsessions The sessionalsoincludedstrategiesforfostering acultureofopennessandsupport,along withresourcesforseekingprofessionalhelp whenneeded
BuildingNetworksandPersonalResilience
AndrewHansonfromRUPA’spartner,Robert Walters,encouragedplayertothinkbeyond thepitchandstartbuildingprofessional networksinotherindustries.Keytakeaways includedtheimportanceofnetworkingfor careertransitions,leveragingrelationships, andidentifyingtransferableskillsthatcan opendoorsindiverseindustries
TheBuildingBlocksofPropertyOwnership
ReubenWayfromFlintMortgageBrokers guidedplayersthroughthecomplexitiesof buyingproperty Thesessioncovered essentialtopicssuchassecuringloans, understandingmarkettrends,andplanning forlong-termfinancialgrowththroughreal estateinvestments
ResilienceThroughGratitudeandMindfulness
Robinreturnedwithaworkshopon developingresiliencethroughpracticessuch asgratitude,generosity,andmindfulness Playersengagedinreflectiveexercisesand discussions,learninghowthesehabitscan enhancefocus,reducestress,andbuild emotionalstrengthduringchallengingtimes.
BrandBuildingwithTheBrandBuilders
VickieSaundersfromTheBrandBuilders, deliveredaninsightfulworkshopdelvinginto theartofpresentingoneselfauthentically andfindingapersonalsenseofbrandand identity Playerslearnedhowtocrafta compellingpersonalnarrative,leveragetheir uniquequalities,andestablishalasting impressioninboththeirprofessionaland socialcircles.
TheArtoftheSideHustle
Formerplayer,CameronOrr,isthecofounderofElitePerformanceJournalsand providesRUPAandtheplayerswithInduction CampDevelopmentbookletseachyear Cam sharedpersonalinsightsintohowhebuilthis sidehustleoffthefield,andtheimportance ofcreatingoptionsforlifeafterrugby Camerondiscussedtimemanagement, leveragingtheiruniqueskills,andidentifying opportunitiesforpassionprojectsor entrepreneurialventures
ReflectionandInspiration
OverdinneratPenny’sHotelinPottsPoint, playersheardfromGaryFahey,aformer bodyguardandAmbassadorforthe Australian&NewZealandMentalHealth Association Garysharedhisdeeply personalstoryofresilience,detailinghow heovercamelife’sadversitiestorebuilda fulfillingandpurpose-drivenlife Histalk underscoredtheimportanceofmental strength,adaptability,andmaintaininga positiveoutlookeveninthefaceof challenges
Day3
ThefirstsessionfocusedonutilizingSkills forLifedatafromtheMTQPlusassessment onday1 Thisgaveplayersa comprehensiveoutlineofhowtoleverage theiruniquestrengthseffectivelyand buildmentalskillsforlife Nextwasa PersonalIntegritysession,ledbyRugbyAU HeadofIntegrity,AmyThorp,andLegal Counsel,Community&Integrity,Danielle Hodgson,whichunderscoredthe importanceofmaintainingvalueswithin personalandprofessionalenvironments Playersrole-playedsituationswheretheir integritycouldbetested,anddeveloped safeandwell-thoughtresponses
Thedayconcludedwithafeedback survey,providingplayersanopportunity toreflectontheirexperience,anda farewelllunchtowrapupthecamp
LAYERSLUNCH
RUPAMEDALFOREXCELLENCE
PresentedbyBDO
Winner FRASERMCREIGHT
Finalists:
JakeGordon
TomWright
FilipoDaugunu
LiamWright
BenDonaldson
RobValetini
RUPAWOMEN’SMEDALFOREXCELLENCE
PresentedbyBuildcorp
Winner ATASILAFAI
Finalists: CarolaKreis
BioalaDawa
LeilaniNathan
LydiaKavoa
ShalomSauaso
MEN’SRUGBYSEVENSPLAYERS’PLAYER
PresentedbyGallagher
Winner NICKMALOUF
Finalists: NathanLawson
DietrichRoache
BenDowling
MauriceLongbottom
HenryHutchison
WOMEN’SRUGBYSEVENSPLAYERS’PLAYER
PresentedbyTaylorsWine Winner MADDISONLEVI
Finalists: SariahPaki
MadisonHiggins-Ashby
BellaNasser
TeaganLevi
FaithNathan
NEWCOMEROFTHEYEAR
PresentedbyStoneandWood
Winner CHARLIECALE
Finalists:
ShalomSauaso
TimRyan
KaitlinShave
WaiariaEllis
AllanaSikimeti
ACADEMICEXCELLENCEAWARD
PresentedbyRobertWalters
JointWinner ANDYMUIRHEAD
Finalists: LiamWright
IanPrior
TiarahMinns
EthanDobbins
COMMUNITYSERVICEAWARD
PresentedbyCitationLegal
Winner BLAKESCHOUPP
Finalists:
HarryMcLaughlin-Phillips
SarahHogan
RyanLouwrens
SamTalakai
ACADEMICEXCELLENCEAWARD
PresentedbyRobertWalters
JointWinner EDKENNEDY
Finalists: LiamWright IanPrior
TiarahMinns
EthanDobbins
