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2025 ANNUAL REPORT

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

CAMPBELLFISHER (CHAIRMAN)

ITISWITHGREATPRIDETHATI PRESENTTHISYEAR’SCHAIRMAN’S REPORT,REFLECTINGONAPERIODOF PROGRESSANDMODERNISATIONFOR THERUGBYUNIONPLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION(RUPA)WHEREWE HAVEFOCUSEDONREINFORCINGOUR COREDEMOCRATICPRINCIPLES. THROUGHOUTTHEYEAR,WEHAVE NAVIGATEDSIGNIFICANT MILESTONESANDSTRATEGIC ADVANCEMENTS,ALLWHILE REMAININGSTEADFASTINOUR COMMITMENTTOADVOCATINGFOR ANDSUPPORTINGAUSTRALIA’S PROFESSIONALRUGBYPLAYERS.

Iwouldliketoparticularlythankthe membersoftheBoardandExecutive teamfortheircommitmentinwhat canonlybedescribedasbotha positiveandchallengingyear.

RUPAaimstofosteraprofessional rugbyenvironmentthatprioritises theempowerment,wellbeing,and long-termsecurityofitsplayers.We arecommittedtoensuringthatevery playerhasaccesstotheresources, support,andadvocacyneededto excelbothonandoffthefield.RUPA’s missioniscentredonchampioning therightsofourmembers, advocatingforfairandsustainable professionalconditions,andfostering asportthatcontinuestogrowand developinalignmentwiththe interestsofitsplayers

Weremaindedicatedtosecuring meaningfulopportunitiesfor personalandprofessionalgrowth, ensuringthatrugbyremainsan attractiveandviablecareerpath forcurrentandfuturegenerations

AustralianProfessionalRugby BusinessModelandEcosystem

Acrossthe2025year,muchofthe commercialchallengescarrying overfromtheCOVIDera impactingprofessionalrugbyin Australia,wereremediated followingthesuccessfulLion’sTour andthecirca$20milsurplus generatedfromthattourfor RugbyAustralia(RA) Thisresulted intheabilityofRAtoretire significantdebt.Thebalance sheetremediationprovides financialsecuritynecessaryto consolidatethegainsandgrow thegameforthefuture.The2027 homeworldcupfortheWallabies givesRAtheabilitytolockin strategiccommercialoutcomes, leadingtocommercial sustainability.

GovernanceReview

AspartofRUPA’sdesireto moderniseourapproachto servicedeliveryandadvocacy,the RUPABoardcommissioneditsfirst independentgovernancereview sinceRUPAwasformedin1995

TheBoardappointedTorch Advisorytoundertakethe reviewandfollowingextensive consultationwithrelevant stakeholders,TorchAdvisory producedareportwhich containedintotal28 recommendationsfor considerationbytheRUPA Board Those recommendationsweremade inthefollowingareas:

Governanceframework Boardstructureand function

Operationofcommittees Strategyandperformance Stakeholderengagement Operatingmodel

Aspartoftheconsultationthat ledtothedevelopmentofthe recommendations,a comprehensivemember surveywasundertakenwhich providedinsightintowhere membersthoughtRUPAwas performingwell,andwhere thereweregapsbetween membersexpectationand delivery.

TheBoardhasconsideredthe recommendationsandcategorised themintothingsthattheBoardcan implementnow,thingstheBoard canimplementduringthe2026 year,andrecommendationsthatwill requirelongertermstrategic thinkingandresourcingandare likelytobeimplementedinthe2027 year.

Akeyreflectionderivedfromthe governancereviewwastheneedto formaliseRUPA’slongtermstrategic intentanddevelopanoperational planthatwillsupportitsexecution Partofthisassessmentidentified thatthereweregapsinourexisting resourcingwhichneedtobe remediedaspartofthe implementationofamoremodern anddynamicoperatingmodel

OnFieldPerformances

Congratulationstoallplayersfor their2025season,themodernera requiressuchintensededication andprofessionalismwhichoften requiressignificantsacrificethat canoftengounnoticed.

ThehighlightoftheWallabies seasonwastheclosenessofthe Lion’sTourwheretheWallabies ledfor78minutesinMelbourne onlytobepippedonfulltime, andinsomewhatcontroversial circumstances InSydney,the Wallabieshadacomprehensive wintocapoffahighly competitiveandentertaining series Thehighlightofthetest matchseasonwasanhistoric andcomprehensivewinagainst theSpringboksinSouthAfrica, scoring38unansweredpoints

TheWallaroostravelledto EnglandfortheWorldCup, finishingtheircampaigninthe quarterfinalsagainstastrong Canadiansideaftera competitivetournamentthat highlightedthecontinuedgrowth anddepthoftheprogram.Earlier intheseason,theteamrecorded importantwinsthroughthe PacificFourSeriesandlead-up Tests,withseveralemerging playerscementingregular startingroles

AustralianRugbySevensenjoyed anotherstrongseason,withboth programssecuringmultipleHSBC SVNSSeriespodiumfinishes

TheWomen’steamwonthePerth SVNStitleandfinishedrunners-up attheSVNSWorldChampionship FinalinLosAngeles,whilethe Men’ssideclaimedbronzeinHong Kongandrunner-uphonoursin Dubai Theseasonalso showcasedtheemergenceof excitingyoungtalentalongside standoutperformancesacross theteams

TheAdvantageLineProgram In2025,theRUPAAdvantageLine Programcontinuedtostrengthen itsimpactacrosstheprofessional game,deliveringhigh engagementthroughitsAnnual InductionCamp,club-based networkingevents,andongoing playerdevelopmentinitiatives. The2025InductionCampwas successfullydelivered,setting strongfoundationsfornew playersenteringtheprofessional environment,whileclub networkingeveningsreinforced connectionandcareer developmentopportunities throughouttheseason

Akeymilestonefortheyearwas RUPA’ssuccessfulsecuringof fundingfromtheGlobalRugby UnionPlayersFoundation

Thisfundingwenttowardsdelivering theinauguralBeyondtheGame Camp,expandingtargetedsupportfor pastplayerstransitioningoutofthe game.Collectively,theseinitiatives furtherembeddedtheAdvantageLine Programasacriticalpillarofplayer support,strengtheningbothcurrent playerpathwaysandlong-term transitionoutcomes.

RUPAparticipationincommitteesand thebroaderrugbyecosystem

RUPAcontinuedtoadvocatefor playersthroughparticipationina rangeofcommitteeandBoard structures,including: PlayerHealth,Safety&Integrity (PHSI)Committee

NationalPlayerDevelopment ProgramCommittee

PlayerDevelopmentProgram Committee

PlayerAgentAccreditationBoard SuperRugbyPacificJointVenture Board

Women’sAdvisoryCommittee Women’sHighPerformancePlayer RepresentativeGroup InternationalRugbyPlayers(IRP) Executive

Changeinexecutiveleadership

InDecember2025,JustinHarrison tenderedhisresignationasCEOof RUPA,bringingtoanendhis6year tenureleadingtheorganisation. JustinjoinedRUPAin2019,notlong beforeCOVIDhitAustralia,withits correspondingimpactondomestic andinternationalrugby.Justin helpedsteerRUPAandprofessional playersthroughverychallenging negotiationsassociatedwithplayer salarycutswhenprofessionalrugby wassuspendedandhiscontribution andadvocacyforplayersthrough thisperiodwasinvaluable RUPAisa strongerorganisationforJustin’s contribution,wethankhimforhis passionandleadershipoverthelast 6years

TheRUPABoardappointedHAYS employmentagencytoconducta recruitmentassignmenttoreplace Justin Wereceivedmany outstandingcandidateapplications andultimatelyappointedAdrian TurnerasournewCEO,who commencedwithusinApril2026 Adrianbringsafreshsetofeyesand skillstotheCEOrole,withpriorsport experienceinbothRUPAandRLPA, aswellasastronglegaland commercialbackground.

StrategicPlanfortheYearAhead

The2026yearprovidesanumberof opportunitiesandchallenges, highestamongstthoseisrenegotiatingtheCBA,whichisdueto expireattheendofOctober2026. Wehaveestablishedastrong consultationframeworktoputusin thebestpositiontonegotiate improvedoutcomesforplayers,with thosenegotiationscommencingin June2026

Lookingforward,RUPA’sstrategic prioritieswillcontinuetofocuson strengtheningtheplayerexperience, ensuringfinancialsustainability,and championingtheinterestsofplayers acrosstherugbylandscape

ASWEMOVEINTOTHENEXT PHASEOFOURSTRATEGIC PLAN,IEXTENDMYSINCERE APPRECIATIONTOTHERUPA BOARD,OUREXECUTIVE TEAM,RUPASTAFFANDMOST IMPORTANTLY,THEPLAYERS WHOCONTINUETODRIVETHE ASSOCIATIONFORWARD. THROUGHRESILIENCE, COLLABORATION,ANDA SHAREDVISIONFORTHE FUTURE,WEREMAIN COMMITTEDTOSHAPING BETTERLIVESFOR AUSTRALIANRUGBYUNION PLAYERS.

CEO’s REPORT

JUSTINHARRISON(CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER&WALLABY#770)

2025HASBEENAYEAROF PROGRESS,CLARITYOFPURPOSE ANDSUPPORT,WHILEALSO MARKINGTHECONCLUSIONOFMY SEVEN-YEARTENUREASCEOOF RUPA.

Theyearsawthecompletionof RUPA’sgovernancereview This workisessentialinensuringthe organisationpositionsitselfforthe future,withcleardecision-making frameworks,andstrongalignment betweentheBoard,management, andmembership

ThereviewreinforcedRUPA’srole asatrustedrepresentativebody, thechallengesofnavigating complexstakeholder relationshipswhileremaining focusedontheinterestsof players Importantly,itprovidesa strongfoundationforthenext phaseofleadershipandgrowth

2025alsomarkedtheinaugural yearoftheBeyondtheGame Camp,aprogramthatreflects RUPA’scommitmentto supportingplayersbeyondtheir on-fieldcareers

Thecampcreatedaspacefor currentandformerplayersto engageinhonestand meaningfulconversations aroundidentityandlifeafter thegame Theoverwhelmingly positivefeedbackreinforced theimportanceofinvestingin programsthatrecognise playersaspeoplefirst Beyond theGamerepresentsalegacy initiative,andonethatwill continuetoevolveandsupport currentplayersasthey transitionoffthedirtwellinto thefuture

Anotherdefiningmomentofthe yearwashostingthelargestRUPA AnnualPlayers’Lunchinovera decade.Bringingtogetherplayers, stakeholders,partners,and supportersinsuchnumbersto celebrateplayerachievementand theirjourneywasbothhumbling andenergising,andservedasa reminderofthecollectivepridein ourgameandtheimportanceof connection

Positioningandpresenceinthe Rugbyeco-systemhasprovideda frameworktobeinvolvedinthe flowofinformation,ensuringthe Playersvoicesareheard,allowing fortransparentandmeaningful engagementasallpartiesseekto growtheGame

AsRUPAlookstothefuture,the foundationslaidwillcontinueto provideaplatformforinformed advocacyandengagement, enablingtheorganisationtostrive forcontinuedsuccess.Whilethe challengesfacingRugbywill,and are,evolving,RUPA’spurpose remainsclearandwillcontinueto recognisePlayersasinformed, robustpartnersintheGame

ITHASBEENAPRIVILEGETO REPRESENTTHEPLAYERSASCEO OFTHERUGBYUNIONPLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.THANKSTOTHE PLAYERS,BOARD,STAFF, PARTNERS,ANDSTAKEHOLDERS FORTHEIRSUPPORT,CHALLENGE ANDLEADERSHIPOVERTHEPAST SEVENYEARS.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Atinternationallevel,weexperienced ahistoricmen’sLionsSeries,a record-breakingWomen’sRugby WorldCupintheUK,andastrong starttotheseasonforboththe men’sandwomen’ssevensteams Bothsquadsfinishedrunners-upin Dubai,withthewomengoingonto claimvictoryinCapeTown.

Asalways,thecloseofaseason bringstheopportunitytofarewell thosewhohavegivensomuchto oursport Thisyear,anumberof outstandingplayerschosetohang uptheboots,anditisimportantthat weacknowledgetheircontributions.

Inthemen’sgame,werecognise SamCarter,MattGibbon,Mason Gordon,AlexHodgman,Cameron Orr,HughSinclair,ConnorVest,Nic White,andformerRUPAPresident DavePorecki.WealsosawJames Slipperretirefrominternational rugbyafterarecord-breaking151 Tests

Theseindividualshavenotonly representedtheirclubsandcountry withdistinction,buthavealsoset standardsforprofessionalism, leadership,andresiliencethatwill continuetoinfluenceourgamelong aftertheirplayingdays

Inthewomen’sgame,we acknowledgetheretirementsof KatrinaBarkerandLydiaKavoa,aswell astheinternationalretirementsof AlapetaNgauamoandTrilleenPomare playerswhohavebeencentralto thegrowthofwomen’srugbyin Australia Theircontributions,bothon andoffthefield,havehelpedshape thenextgenerationofWallaroosand remindusofthesignificantprogress thewomen’sprogramhasmade,and theimportanceofcontinuingto elevateandsupportourfemale athletes

AtRUPA,wecompletedourfirst GovernanceReviewsincethe Associationwasincorporatedin1995

Thiswasamajorpieceofworkandan importantmomentfortheorganisation.The reviewdelivered28recommendations, providingaclearroadmaptostrengthen ourgovernanceandensureRUPAcontinues toservetheplayinggroupeffectivelyinto thefuture

ThisyearalsosawthelaunchofRUPA’s inauguralBeyondtheGamecamp.Twentysixplayerswhoareeitherinthelatter stagesoftheircareersortransitioningout ofprofessionalrugbycametogetherto shareexperiencesandlearnpractical strategiestoprepareforlifeafterthegame Thefeedbackfromparticipantswas overwhelminglypositive,andwelook forwardtocontinuingthisinitiativeinthe future

Wewerealsopleasedtowelcometwonew PlayerDirectorstotheRUPABoard:Kahli Henwood,representingthewomen’ssevens program,andNickChampiondeCrespigny, representingtheWesternForce.Bothbring valuableexperience,integrity,anda genuinepassionforadvancingtheinterests ofplayers

Inaddition,wewelcomedthreenewPlayer DevelopmentManagersthisyear:Caitlin BassettwiththeWesternForce,EllaSquires withtheQueenslandReds,andAshleigh Fong,whojoinedthesevensprogramin earlyJanuary Theirexperienceandenergy havealreadyhadapositiveimpacton playerswithintheirprograms.

Intermsofplayersupport,82members receivedTrainingandEducationgrantsthis year,totallingmorethan$225,000.Training andEducationfundingwasalsomade availabletoWallaroosplayers,representing asignificantmilestoneandreflectingour ongoingcommitmenttoensuringfemale playershaveequalaccesstoopportunities throughRUPA

On4December,RUPAhelditsannualBDO RugbyPlayersLunch Arecord470 attendeesmarkedanincredibleconclusion toabigyearofrugby AllanAlaalatoawon theprestigiousBDOMen’sMedalfor Excellenceforhisleadershipandconsistent performance,whileSiokapesiPaluclaimed theBuildcorpWomen’sMedalforExcellence asastandoutperformerandcaptaininthe women’sgame TatumBirdreceivedthe RobertWaltersAcademicAchievement Awardforbalancingeliterugbywithher studiesinCommunicationsandLaw.

JeremyWilliamswashonouredwith theLionCommunityServiceAwardfor hismeaningfulengagementin charityworkwithRio’sLegacy EmergingtalentDrePakehowas namedCitationLegalNewcomerof theYear,andConnorVestwonthe inauguralVocationalAchievement Awardforhiscommitmenttocareer developmentoutsiderugby.The inauguralLeadershipAwardswere sharedbyJamesSlipperand SiokapesiPalufortheirexceptional leadershipcontributions.Inthe sevensgame,JamesTurnerwas namedtheGallagherMen’sRugby SevensPlayers’Player,whileFaith NathanandMackenzieDavisjointly wontheTaylorsWineWomen’sRugby SevensPlayers’PlayerAward

WealsosawtheresignationofRUPA CEOJustinHarrison Justinhasbeen withRUPAsince2019andguidedthe organisation,andallprofessional rugbyplayersinAustralia,throughthe COVID-19pandemicandbeyond We thankJustinforhisservicetoRUPA andwishhimallthebestinhisnew role.

Lookingahead,2026loomsasa pivotalyearfortheplayinggroup, withwhatwillbethemostimportant CollectiveBargainingAgreementwe haveevernegotiated ThePlayer Directorshaveworkedcloselyto compilealistofprioritiestopursuein thesenegotiations Achieving meaningfuloutcomeswillrequirethe engagementandunityoftheentire playinggroup,andthatcollective strengthwillbeessentialinsecuringa CBAthatreflectsourtruevalueand needsasplayers.

NoneofwhatIhavespokenabout todaywouldbepossiblewithoutthe dedicationofRUPAstaff,thesupport ofoursponsors,thecollaborationof RugbyAustraliaandourSuperRugby clubs,andaboveall,thestrengthand solidarityoftheplayersthemselves.

Thankyouforyoursupport,yourtrust, andyourbeliefintheworkwedo Itis anhonourtorepresenttheplayers, andIlookforwardtocontinuingthis importantworktogetherintheyear ahead

Thankyou

COMMERCIAL REPORT

ANANYABHINDI(COMMERCIALANDCOMMUNICATIONSMANAGER)

RUPA'SCOMMERCIALPARTNERSHIP NETWORKDELIVEREDASTRONG PERFORMANCEIN2025,THREEKEY NEWPARTNERS,ANDCONTINUED EXPANSIONACROSSTHE

ADVANTAGELINEPROGRAM.EACH PARTNERSHIPISPURPOSE-BUILTTO PROVIDEMEANINGFULSUPPORTTO PLAYERSANDEQUIPPINGTHEMWITH THESKILLS,NETWORKSAND CONFIDENCETOSUCCEEDBOTH INSIDEANDBEYONDTHEGAME.

In2025,RUPAdeliveredfivenational networkingevents,creating opportunitiesforplayerstoengage withindustryleadersandexplore careerpathways Networking activationswereheldwiththe Waratahs,Reds,Brumbiesandpast players,withadditional engagementplannedwiththe WesternForcefor2026.Astandout momentoftheyearwastheFriends ofRUPAeveningatTattersallsClub, whichbroughttogetherRUPA partnersandformerplayersin supportoftheBritish&IrishLions series

LionAustralia

RUPAwelcomedLionAustraliaas OfficialBeveragePartnerinJune 2025,withthepartnershipplayinga centralroleattheAnnualBDO RugbyPlayersLunchandmany otherRUPAevents.Specialthanksto ManagingDirectorJamesBrindley forhisunwaveringsupportacross theyear Lionholdsthenaming rightstotheCommunityService Award.

Buildcorp

RUPAreneweditspartnershipwith Buildcorpinearly2025,continuinga relationshipestablishedin2016 ThroughtheAnnualBuildcorp RugbyPlayerInductionCampand year-roundnetworkingand leadershipprograms,Buildcorp supportsearly-careerplayersin buildingprofessionalidentityand workplacereadiness,with meaningfulpathwaysintomany careers RUPAextendsitssincere thankstoTonySukkarAMand JosephineSukkarAMfortheir continuedadvocacyand investmentinplayersacrossall stagesoftheircareers.Buildcorp holdsthenamingrightstothe Women’sMedalforExcellence

BDO

BDOcontinuedasOfficialAuditand AccountingPartnerin2025, deliveringfinancialwellbeing presentationstotheBrumbies, QueenslandRedsandRUPA Inductees.Theycoveredtaxation, superannuation,investingand long-termfinancialplanning As namingrightspartneroftheAnnual BDORugbyPlayersLunch,BDO's supportwasinstrumentalinmaking the2025eventthemostsuccessful todate RUPAextendsitsgratitude fortheircontinuedcommitment. BDOholdsthenamingrightstothe Men’sMedalforExcellence

TaylorsWines

TaylorsWinescontinueditspartnership withRUPA,providingpremiumwine supportattheAnnualBDORugby PlayersLunchandotherflagship events ChairmanMitchellTaylorhas remainedavaluedsupporterofnot onlyRUPAbutAustralianrugby,playing animportantroleinfostering engagementbetweencorporate partners.Taylorsholdsthenaming rightstotheWomen’sRugbySevens PlayersPlayerAward

GallagherInsurance

GallagherInsurancecontinuedto provideessentialinsuranceschemes andriskprotectionforRUPAmembers in2025,includingcareer-endinginjury coverage acriticalpillarofplayer welfareandfinancialsecurity Each year,Gallagheralsocontributevalued fundingtosupporttherunningofthe AnnualBDORugbyPlayersLunch Gallagherholdsthenamingrightsto theMen’sRugbySevensPlayersPlayer Award

CitationLegal

CitationLegalcontinuedtoprovide RUPAwithexpertlegalcounselin2025, supportingplayersacrossarangeof mattersincludingcontractadvice, employmentrightsanddispute resolution TheirexpertiseensuresRUPA iswell-informedandreinforcing commitmenttoadvocatingforthe rightsandinterestsofitsmembersat everylevelofthegame Citationholds thenamingrightstotheNewcomerof theYearAward.

LondonAcademyofTrading

LondonAcademyofTrading(LAT) continuedtoprovideplayerswith accesstoaccreditedfinancial educationintrading,investment, cryptocurrency,wealthmanagement andfinancialpsychology.Discounted courses enhanceplayerfinancial capabilityandbroadenpost-career pathwaysacrossfinancialservicesand relatedindustries LATalsoprovided RUPAwithvaluablefunding, contributingtothedeliveryofthe AdvantageLineProgram.

EverythingMentalToughness

EverythingMentalToughnessdelivered theMTQPluspsychometricassessment attheBuildcorpInductionCamp,giving playersinsightintotheirmental resilienceacrossconfidence,control, commitmentandchallenge Results wereintegratedintoindividual developmentplanningtosupportgoal settingandpersonalgrowth.

RobertWalters

RobertWaltersdeliveredthreenational careerdevelopmentworkshops,two networkingeveningsandnumerous one-on-oneconsultations,coveringCV writing,interviewpreparationand transferableskills Thepartnership continuestoprovideplayerswithdirect accesstorecruitmentspecialistsand industrynetworks,supportingboth immediateandlong-termcareer transitions RobertWaltersholdsthe namingrightstotheAcademic AchievementAward.

TelusHealth

ThroughRugbyAustralia'spartnership withTelusHealth,RUPAmembersand theirfamiliescontinuedtoaccessa comprehensiveEmployeeAssistance Program offeringuptosix confidentialsessionsperpresenting issuewithclinicalprofessionals.This serviceremainsakeypillarofthe wellbeingandsupportframeworkfor professionalrugby

WorldRugby–BrainHealthService

InpartnershipwithWorldRugby,RUPA continuedtoadministertheBrain HealthService,afreescreening programforformerplayerswho competedatinternationalorSuper Rugbylevel.Formerplayerscomplete anonlineconsultationwithatrained practitioner,receivingapersonalised healthreportandreferralswhere required.Sinceitslaunchin2024,46 playershaveregisteredwithover25 screeningscompleted,reflecting growingdemandfordedicatedpostcareerhealthsupport.

MoleMap

RUPA'spartnershipwithMoleMap continuedtoprovideplayerswith complimentaryskincancer screenings,withformerplayersand familiesalsoabletoaccess discountedfollow-upservices In 2025,45playersreceived complimentaryskincancerchecks Theprogramremainsanimportant preventativehealthinitiativewithin theplayerwelfareframework

TOGETHER,THESEPARTNERSHIPS CONTRIBUTEDTOAYEAROFSTRONG COMMERCIALPERFORMANCEAND EXPANDEDPLAYERENGAGEMENT ACROSSALLLEVELSOFTHEGAME. RUPA'SGROWINGPARTNERSHIP NETWORKCONTINUESTOSTRENGTHEN ITSCAPACITYTODELIVERMEANINGFUL, SUSTAINEDSUPPORTANDENSURING PLAYERSAREEQUIPPEDWITHTHESKILLS, NETWORKSANDOPPORTUNITIESTO SUCCEEDDURINGANDBEYONDTHEIR RUGBYCAREERS.

2025COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

INAUGURALBEYOND THEGAMEPROGRAM

ANANYABHINDI(COMMERCIALANDCOMMUNICATIONSMANAGER) &JAMESHOLBECK(GENERALMANAGER,PLAYERDEVELOPMENTAND WALLABY#737)

INJULY2025,RUPAWAS SUCCESSFULINGAININGGRANT FUNDINGFROMTHEGLOBALRUGBY PLAYERS’FOUNDATION(GRPF)TO DEVELOPAPROGRAMDESIGNEDTO ASSISTPASTPLAYERSASTHEY NAVIGATEMAJORLIFECHANGES ANDIDENTITYLOSSASTHEY TRANSITIONINTOLIFEOFFTHEFIELD.

TheconceptoftheBeyondtheGame programbeganwithaclearrecognition ofthemanychallengesfacedby playersatallstagesoftheirpost-rugby transition.Auniversalfeelingthatmost pastplayersexperienceisastrong senseofidentitylossastheytransition outofrugby Thisisduetofacingthe challengeofredefiningthemselves outsidethestructureandcamaraderie thatrugbyprovided Additionally,many pastplayersexperiencephysicalhealth issueswithprolongedinjury.

Tocombatthesechallengesandbetter understandthecoreneedsofpast players,RUPAconductedasurveyto over1000formerprofessionalAustralian playersfromallerasofthegame Commonthemesincludedthe importanceofremainingconnectedto thegame,hearingotherpastplayer stories,mentoringsupportand actioningtransferableskills Findings fromthisdatadirectlyinfluencedthe creationofRUPA’sBeyondtheGame PastPlayerCamp

Initsinauguralyear,theBeyondthe Gamecampbroughttogether26 pastplayersfromvariouserasof thegametotheSofitelHotelin Sydneyfortwodaysofstorytelling, collaboration,supportand professionaldevelopment Across thecamp,playersrepeatedlynoted howmeaningfulitwastospend timetogetherandbeinaroomfull ofindividualswhounderstoodthe journeyofprofessionalsport, experiencedsimilarchallenges,and couldrelateopenlytothecomplex transitionintolifebeyondthegame Oneofthekeymessages throughoutthecampwasthe importanceofrecognisingand validatingtheidentitylossand reinforcingthatyouarenotalone.

Theprogramopenedwitha welcomefromRUPACEOand Wallaby770,JustinHarrison,who framedthecamp’spurpose:to reconnectpastplayers,provide practicalsupportservices,create professionaldevelopment opportunitiesandhearfromeach other Heemphasisedthe importanceofstayingconnected post-rugbyandencouraged participantstoengagefullyand supportoneanotherthroughoutthe twodays

PerspectiveBeyondtheGame–WherePlayersAreNow

LedbyJamesHolbeck,thistwopartsessioninvitedplayersto sharetheirtransitionexperiences openly Jamesprovideda frameworktomappersonal journeysandcomparethemwith peers,highlightingcommon challengessuchasadjusting fitnessroutinesandcopingwith thelossofsportingidentity The discussionalsoacknowledged positiveaspectsoflifebeyond rugby,includingmorefamilytime, reducedpressure,andgreater personalautonomy.

UnderstandingtheGriefCycle

BrumbiesPlayerDevelopment Manager,RobinDuff,exploredthe griefprocessasitrelatesto retirementfromeliterugby Playersreflectedontheirown experiences,identifyingstagesof lossanddevelopingstrategiesto navigatetheemotionalaspectsof leavingprofessionalsport.

iSportProjectManagement Certification

DrDaveArthurguidedplayersin translatingelitesportskills mindset,disciplineandleadership intoprofessionalandpersonal contexts

DayOne

Participantslearnedfoundationalproject managementprinciplesand,throughoneon-oneguidance,couldintegratetheir competenciesintogoal-drivenpathways, ultimatelyearningaglobalproject managementcertification,whichwasakey componentofthecamp Thesession emphasisedreinventionratherthan retirement,leveragingexistingskillsfornew opportunities

Sincethecamp,20pastplayershave engagedwithDaveArthur’sGlobalProject ManagementCertificationCourseandhave attendedregularone-on-oneappointments tobuildtheirtransferableskillsacrossmany facetsofprofessionaldevelopment

Identity&SocialConnection

MentalStrengthandPerformanceSpecialist GaryFaheyledareflectivesessionon identity,encouragingplayerstoconsider valuesandpassionsbeyondrugby.This promptedintrospectiononpersonalgrowth andhowtoconstructfulfillinglivesafter professionalsport.

LandEd–AdamLeach

AdamLeachintroducedparticipantsto LandEd,hisorganisationsupportingplayers inpropertyinvestmentanddevelopment The sessionofferedtoolsandstrategiesfor financialgrowthandlong-termplanning, directlyconnectingtheskillslearnedinsport totangiblepost-careeropportunities

FinancialLiteracy

FormerWallabyAdamWallaceHarrisonprovidedaninformative sessiononmortgageconsiderations, givingplayersaclearunderstanding ofapproachingpropertyfinance confidently.Drawingonhis experienceinlendingandproperty, Adamexplainedkeyconcepts includingborrowingcapacity, intereststructures,repayment strategies,refinancingandthe importanceofmaintainingstrong financialdocumentation

DayTwo

AnnualBDORugbyPlayersLunch Daytwobeganwithone-on-one sessionswithJimmyHolbeckand DaveArthur,whereplayers developedstrategiesfornextsteps andexploredhowtheymight connectwithRUPAmovingforward, whilstprovidingoverallfeedbackon thecamp.

Next,theplayersheadedovertothe FullertonHotelfortheAnnualBDO RugbyPlayersLunch,which welcomedover460attendees, includingRUPApartners,industry leaders,currentplayers,and supportersfromacrossthe Australianrugbycommunity.This eventwasRUPA’slargestlunchto date

HostedbyMorganTurinui (Wallaby#782)thelunch providedpastplayersavaluable opportunitytoconnectnotonly withindustryleadersbutalso withcurrentplayersandthe widerrugbynetwork Itoffereda real-worldchancetoapply personaldevelopmentinsights, engageinmeaningful conversations,andstrengthen transitionpathways.

COLLECTIVELY,THEINAUGURAL BEYONDTHEGAMECAMP PROVIDEDAPOWERFUL PLATFORMFORRECONNECTION, REFLECTIONANDREINVENTION, EQUIPPINGFORMERPLAYERS WITHPRACTICALTOOLSAND RENEWEDCONFIDENCEASTHEY NAVIGATELIFEAFTERRUGBY.THE PROGRAMREINFORCEDRUPA’S LONG-TERMCOMMITMENTTO SUPPORTINGPLAYERSBEYOND THEIRPLAYINGCAREERS, FOSTERINGCOMMUNITY, CAPABILITYANDCLARITYFORTHE NEXTCHAPTER.

THEADVANTAGE LINEPROGRAM

JAMESHOLBECK(GENERALMANAGER,PLAYERDEVELOPMENT &WALLABY#737)

THREEWONDERFULNEWPLAYERDEVELOPMENTMANAGERS(PDM’S)WERERECRUITED IN2025WITHTHEPROCESSUTILISINGTHEINPUTOFCURRENTPLAYERSANDTEAM STAFF.THEPDM’SWORKEDHARDIN2025TODELIVERAPROGRAMTHATADDRESSES THERUPAPILLARS&INCREASEDTHEIROWNPROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT,INCLUDING ATTENDINGTWOPROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTWORKSHOPS.

ThisincludedtheWorldPlayersConferenceinAuckland,whichinvolvedaone-day InternationalRugbyPlayersAssociation(IRPA)session,providinginvaluableopportunitiesto shareinsightsandchallengeswithothersportsandrugbyprogramsacrossNewZealand, Japan,andthePacificIslands.Additionally,aSydney-basedworkshopwherePDMs presentedideastoadvancetheirindividualprograms,exploredprofessionaldevelopment opportunities

ACTBRUMBIES-ROBINDUFF

AttheACTBrumbies,RobinDuffdelivereda diverseandhighlyengagedprogramacross boththeMen’sandWomen’ssquads.ACareer NetworkingEventwashostedatBrumbiesHQ forallSuperRugbyMen’splayers,providing directexposuretobusinessleadersand industryprofessionals.Theeventwasmetwith strongpositivefeedback,withplayers highlightingthevalueofface-to-face connectionandtheopportunitytobroaden professionalnetworksbeyondrugby.

ACelebrationofCulturesDaywasalso deliveredforbothsquads,fosteringdeeper culturalawareness,sharedunderstandingand inclusionwithinthehigh-performance environment

Professionalskillacquisitionremainedakey focus Playersundertookabarberstraining course,professionalbaristacertificationand rugbycoachingaccreditation allpractical qualificationsdesignedtobuildcapability, confidenceandalternativeincomepathways

Communityengagementwasequally prominent,withplayerspreparingmealsfor familiesstayingatRonaldMcDonaldHouse Fourplayerstookonambassadorroles, strengtheningtheconnectionbetweentheclub andthebroaderACTcommunity.

RobinalsodeliveredYouthMentalHealthFirst Aidtraining,withtwoplayersandelevenstaff completingthecourse.Thistrainingequips participantswithpracticaltoolstorecognise, respondtoandsupportyoungpeople experiencingmentalhealthchallenges an importantskillsetwithinbothsportingand communitycontexts

Additionalworkshopsaddressedanxietyand stressmanagement,identifyingandmanaging thoughttraps,andnavigatingthetransitionto becominganewfather recognisingthe growingnumberofplayersbalancingelite performancewithfamilylife.

Complementingthesewellbeinginitiatives, KellyKennedyfromBDOdeliveredadetailed InvestmentOptionssession,enhancingplayers’ understandingofwealthmanagement principlesandlong-termfinancialplanning

NSWWARATAHS-CHARLOTTEANNEVELD

AttheNSWWaratahs,CharlotteAnneveld deliveredprogrammingthatcombined culturalidentity,financialcapabilityand careertransitionsupport APasifikaDaywas deliveredforboththeMen’sandWomen’s squads,reinforcingculturalconnection, belongingandidentity Theinitiativecreated spaceforplayerstocelebrateheritage,share livedexperiencesandstrengthencultural pridewithintheteamenvironment, contributingtopsychologicalsafetyand cohesion

PlayersalsoparticipatedinaNetworkingEvent deliveredinpartnershipwithRobertWalters Theeventprovidedstructuredaccessto industryexpertsandrecruitmentprofessionals, offeringpracticalinsightsintoCVpreparation, interviewtechniquesandcareermapping beyondrugby Thisinitiativesupported proactivetransitionplanningandencouraged playerstoengageearlyinbuilding professionalnetworksoutsidethesporting bubble

Charlottefurtherstrengthenedfinancial capabilityacrosstheorganisationthroughthe designandimplementationofanew“Money Matters”half-dayworkshopseriesforplayers andallstaff.Theprogramaddressed superannuationstructures,taxation obligations,investmentfundamentalsand mortgageeducation Byextendingthe sessionstostaff,theinitiativefostereda sharedcultureoffinancialliteracyandlongtermplanningwithintheorganisation

End-of-yearPlayerDevelopmentsessions weredirectlyinformedbyannualplayer surveyfeedback,ensuringcontentwas responsivetoidentifiedneeds Apowerful featurewasalived-experiencepresentation fromretiringNRLplayerKierenForan,who candidlysharedpersonalexperiencesrelating togamblingchallenges Hispresentation promotedawareness,resilienceand responsibledecision-making,andgenerated meaningfulreflectionanddiscussionamong players

Recognisingthecentralroleoffamilyin athletewellbeingandperformance,Charlotte coordinatedtheWaratahsMother’sand Father’sDaylunches.Theseeventsformally acknowledgedthecontributionoffamily supportnetworksandreinforcedtheholistic philosophyunderpinningthePlayer DevelopmentProgram.

WESTERNFORCE-CAITLIN BASSETT

AttheWesternForce,CaitlinBassett deliveredacareer-focusedand culturallyinformedprogram In collaborationwithWesternForcemajor sponsorFortescue,Caitlinorganiseda careerexplorationandnetworking experienceatFortescue’sPerthhead office Thisinitiativeextendedbeyonda standardcorporatevisit,witheight currentplayersandtwoformerplayers travellingtoChristmasCreektogain firsthandexposuretominingoperations andpotentialemploymentpathways withintheresourcessector.The immersiveexperiencebroadenedplayer awarenessofpost-rugbyopportunities inWesternAustralia’skeyindustries

Culturalcapabilitywasstrengthened throughworkshopsdeliveredbyNational CulturalLeadershipManagerMoana LeiluatoSuperRugbyMen’sand Women’ssquadsandForcestaff These sessionsdeepenedunderstandingof culturalidentity,inclusionandleadership withintherugbyenvironment.

Integrityandbehaviouralstandards werereinforcedthroughaHealthy RelationshipsandRespectfulBehaviours workshopfacilitatedbyJanaGomesas partoftheIntegrityandObligations pillar Theworkshopaddressed expectationsaroundconduct,consent andaccountability Pre-season educationsessionsalsofocusedon high-performancebehaviours,sleep optimisation,mentalhealthawareness andconcussioneducation,ensuring playersenteredthecompetitiveseason equippedwithbothperformanceand wellbeingknowledge.

QUEENSLANDREDS-ELLASQUIRES

AttheQueenslandReds,Ellaadvanced bothaccessibilityandinnovationinplayer support ThelaunchoftheRedsPlayer DevelopmentPortalmarkedasignificant milestone,providingplayerswith24/7 accesstocentralisedwellbeing,education andcareerresources Theportalenhances consistencyofinformationdeliveryand empowersplayerstoengagewithsupport materialsattheirconvenience.

Acorporatenetworkingeventhostedat Ballymoreconnectedplayerswith professionalsacrossdiverseindustries, strengtheningprofessionalnetworksand exposingplayerstopotentialcareer pathways Entrepreneurshipandbusiness educationworkshopsdeliveredbyBDO enhancedcommercialliteracy,equipping playerswithfoundationalknowledgein businessoperationsandfinancial management.

Weeklyin-seasonperformance psychologysessions,complementedby targetedguestworkshops,focusedon buildingmentalskillsforperformingunder pressure Ellaalsoremainedclosely involvedinsupportingplayersthrough periodsofillnessandinjury,ensuring continuityofcareandstructured engagementduringrehabilitationphases

Practicallifeskillsdevelopmentcontinued withahands-onbarbertrainingcourse deliveredbyTheBarberAcademy, reinforcingtheprogram’scommitmentto tangibleskillacquisition.

RUGBYSEVENS-ALISHAREBER ANDASHLEIGHFONG

During2025,AlishaReber transitionedintoanewrolewiththe NSWWomen’sCricketsquad.We thankAlishaforherdedicationto bothRUPAandtheSevensprogram. Herreplacement,AshFong,was appointedinDecember2025 followingarecruitmentprocessthat includedplayerinputthroughRUPA PlayerDirectorsKahliHenwoodand HenryHutchison,ensuringathlete voiceremainedcentraltodecisionmaking.

Playerswerealsosurveyedto identifypreferrednetworkingevent themes;however,duetocalendar constraints,theeventwillnowbe deliveredin2026

Duringtheyear,HenryHutchison becamethefirstRUPAPlayer DirectortocompletetheRUPASports GovernanceEducationProgram throughDrDaveArthur’siSport, strengtheningplayerrepresentation capacityatgovernancelevel.

WALLAROOS&SUPERW-DAVIDKING

Throughouttheyear,DavidKingplayeda pivotalroleinadvancingthedevelopment, wellbeing,andprofessionalgrowthofthe Wallaroos,deliveringinitiativesthat connectedplayerswithindustryleaders, enhancedperformanceskills,and supportedlifebeyondrugby.

DavidKingfacilitatedaMinervaworkshop tostrengthenWallaroos’connectionswith high-profilefemaleindustryleaders, providingmentoringopportunities alongsidemasterclassesinadvancedHudl capabilities,elite-levelnutrition,andthe performanceimpactsofsleep

Acomprehensivepersonaland professionaldevelopmentstream broadenedplayers’perspectivesbeyond rugby,includingaMiningAustraliacareer pathwayspresentationledbyfemale industryleaders,guestsessionsfrommore thanadozenformerWallarooson internationalrugbyandtransferableskills, andtalksfromMegLanningandBonnie Hancock,whosestoriesinspiredand empoweredthegroup

IncollaborationwithWorldRugby,aMental Healthworkshopsupportedplayersin managingthepressuresofaRugbyWorld Cupcampaign,complementedbysessions onlifebalance,stressmanagement,time management,anda“CoachingtheFemale Athlete”sessionwithallSuperWcoaches. Connectionandbelongingwereprioritised throughcommunityvisitstoschoolsand localrugbyclubsinAustraliaandEngland, andaWorldCupFamilyFunction celebratedthesharedsacrificesand supportofplayers,staff,andfamilies.

TheWomen’sRugbyPlayerHubwas launchedasadedicatedonlineplatformto support,educate,andempowerplayers, alongsidestrengthenedpartnershipswith multipleuniversitiestohelpathletes balanceacademiccommitments,Elite AthleteProgramrequirements,and internationalrugbyresponsibilities

CULTURALLEADERSHIPMANAGERAND WALLABIESPLAYERDEVELOPMENT

MANAGER-MOANALEILUA

MoanaLeiluafulfilledthedual responsibilitiesofWallabiesPlayer DevelopmentManagerandRUPA’s NationalCulturalLeadershipManager

SheensuredcontinuitybetweenSuper Rugbyandinternationalrepresentationby managingtheAdvantageLine, maintainingoff-fielddevelopment engagementthroughouttheTestseason MoanaworkedcloselywiththeWallabies medicalteamtooptimiseholisticplayer wellbeingandtravelledtoSouthAfrica (CapeTown),NewZealandandIrelandto provideconsistentsupportontour She developedandmanagedtheWallabies FamilyConnectionProgrammeand associatedeventsacrossAustralia, AucklandandDublin,recognisingthe stabilisinginfluenceoffamilyengagement duringextendedinternationalcampaigns

Moanaalsodesignedandfacilitated Pacificculturalcompetencyworkshopsfor theU20s,NationalIntegrityLeadsandACT Brumbiesstaff Asignificanthighlightwas herco-leadershipoftheculturalprogram fortheFirstNations&PasifikaXVduring theBritish&IrishLionsTour,adeeply meaningfulinitiativethatsuccessfully balancedculturalconnectionwithhighperformancepreparation

Inadditiontooperationaldelivery,Moana servedasamemberofRUPA’sPlayer DevelopmentProgramCommitteeandthe IRPAGeneralExecutive ShealsocofacilitatedawellbeingworkshopforPenina PasifikaaspartofRUPA’sMemorandumof UnderstandingwithPacificRugbyPlayers, strengtheningregionalcollaborationand sharedlearning

RUPABOARD

CAMPBELLFISHER CHAIRMAN JUSTINHARRISON CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER TOMROBERTSON PRESIDENT

CATHERINEMACDONALD DIRECTOR

RUPASTAFF

JUSTINHARRISON CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER

MOANALEILUA NATIONALCULTURAL LEADERSHIPMANAGER& WALLABIESPDM

ALEXGRYGIEL GENERALMANAGER PLAYERSERVICES

JAMESHOLBECK GENERALMANAGER PLAYERDEVELOPMENT

ROBIN DUFF BRUMBIESPDM

CAITLINBASSETT WESTERNFORCEPDM

CHARLOTTEANNEVELD WARATAHSPDM

ALISHAREBER RUGBY7'SPDM

ZAYNABALY LEGAL

ANANYABHINDI COMMERCIAL& COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ELLASQUIRES REDSPDM

DAVIDKING WALLAROOSANDWOMENSXV PDM

STEVIECROUCH LEGAL

PLAYERSERVICES &ENGAGEMENT

ALEXGRYGIEL(GENERALMANAGEROFPLAYERSERVICES)

RUPAlooksforwardtoworkingcloselywithRugby AustraliaandtheWallarooscoachingstafftoaddress theseprioritiesandensureplayersaresupported bothonandoffthefieldastheprogramcontinuesto buildonitsWorldCupsuccess.

PlayerInsurance

RUPAcontinuestoprovidememberswithanindustryleadingCareerEndingInsurancePolicy,offering worldwide,24/7coveragethatextendsbeyond trainingandplayingtoincludeillnessandaccidents occurringoutsideofrugby

In2025,RUPA'sinsurancepartnerGallaghersecured improvedpolicyterms,reducingtheplayer contributionfrom2.5%to2.0%ofannualbasesalary.

Thepolicyprovidedapayouttooneplayerduringthe year–areminderofthecriticalimportanceofthis coverageinprotectingplayerswhosecareersmaybe cutshortbyinjury

RUPAthanksGallagherfortheircontinuedpartnership andcommitmenttosecuringthebestpossible outcomesforourmembers.

Training&EducationGrant

TheTrainingandEducationGrantsupportsfull-time professionallycontractedplayersbyreimbursing costsassociatedwithstudyandcareerpreparation activitiesbeyondrugby Recognisingthefinitenature ofaprofessionalplayingcareer,theGrantisa cornerstoneofRUPA'sPlayerDevelopmentProgram.

Sinceitsintroductionin2001,theGranthasprovided over$62millioninreimbursementstoplayers In 2025,90playersclaimedundertheGrant,withatotal of$235,000paidinreimbursements

Asignificantmilestonethisyearwastheinclusionof WallaroosplayersintheSchemeforthefirsttime, enablingWomen'sXVplayerstoaccesstheGrantand investintheirfuturesbeyondthegame RUPAlooks forwardtogrowingparticipationamongwomen's playersintheyearsahead

EnrolledinTertiaryEducation

AreasofStudy

Presentationsweredeliveredby:

PhilWaugh,RugbyAU-StateoftheGame

JustinHarrison,RUPACEO-RUPAUpdate

BenKimber,StanSport-Broadcasting

AlexGrygiel-SchemeAdministration

JoshKay,RugbyAU-RACommercial

BenWhitaker,RugbyAU-Pathways& CommunityRugby

PeterHorne,RugbyAU-HighPerformance

RUPAANDTHEACCREDITATIONBOARDRECOGNISE ACCREDITEDAGENTSASVITALSTAKEHOLDERSINTHE GAME.WETHANKALLACCREDITEDAGENTSFOR UPHOLDINGTHEHIGHSTANDARDSOFTHESCHEME ANDFORTHEIRINVALUABLESERVICETOPLAYERS THROUGHOUT2025.

2025BUILDCORPRUGBY

PLAYERINDUCTIONCAMP

BUILDCORP INDUCTIONCAMP

mortgagebrokerswork,andtailored insightstosupportathletesin understandingpropertyownershipas partoflong-termfinancialplanning

FinanceWorkshop–(BDO)

Thetwofinancialsessionsdeliveredby BDOSeniorManger,MitchellTieck,and WealthAdviser,SuloKulendran,focused ontaxationprinciplesrelevantto professionalathletes,includinghowto maximiseincome,whattoexpectina firstprofessionalyear,andcommon pitfallstoavoid Playerswereintroduced totaxoffsetsandstrategiesthatcan supportfinancialoptimisationand confidenceinmanagingtheiraffairs Playersalsogainedinsightsinto structuringfinancialhabitsthatsupport boththeirplayingcareerandlongertermlifegoals