International Rugby Players Association

The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) was founded in 2001 to promote, advance and protect the international interests of professional rugby players. IRPA is the professional player’s representative body on international issues of importance to the players and the game of rugby.

The key function of IRPA is to provide an international voice for player related issues, particularly relating to safety and welfare. IRPA provides the right platform for these issues to be addressed at a global level.

IRPA’s membership is currently made up of the National Professional Rugby Player Associations from South Africa , England , Australia , Scotland , Ireland , Wales , France and New Zealand .

The current Chairman is Damian Hopley who is also the CEO of the English Professional Rugby Association (the PRA). The current Executive Director of IRPA is Rob Nichol, Executive Director of the NZRPA. All member associations are represented on the IRPA Board. The Board has regularly conference calls and meets in person at least once a year.

For more information about IRPA, contact us.