Improvements made to the RPA Agent Charter

As you know, the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) recognises the important role played by those who provide individual contract or management representation (i.e., agents) to professional Rugby players (Players). The RPA considers the interests of Players are enhanced by maintaining standards of knowledge, integrity, competence, and professionalism in this space. As such, the RPA introduced the RPA Agent Charter (Charter) to facilitate access to agent advice and support in a manner that the RPA considers protects the interests of Players and that is fair and reasonable to those wishing to provide such services.

Individuals who meet the standards under the Charter, and partner to it ,may be recognised by the RPA as an RPA Accredited Agent (Accredited Agent).

While the RPA recognises that it is up to each Player as to whether or not they choose to secure individual contract or management representation services during their professional rugby careers. If a Player decides to engage an agent, the RPA strongly recommends Players use an Accredited Agent. This is because an Accredited Agent must demonstrate to the RPA that they have the knowledge, integrity, competence, and professionalism to justify being classified as an Accredited Agent and they must maintain these standards, and comply with the Charter, at all times. 

After extensive consultation with Accredited Agents and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), the RPA has amended the Charter to make some improvements to the process of becoming an Accredited Agent. Those changes include:

• The introduction of an RPA Accredited Agent Exam (to ensure a base level of knowledge prior to undertaking the interview that is part of the current application process) which will include:
• An open book exam conducted in a controlled environment (i.e., no internet access to prevent the use of AI). The first exam will be conducted at the RPA offices in Auckland on 1 July. Please contact the RPA if you would like to sit this exam: rebecca.giordano@nzrpa.co.nz
  
  The exam will be 10-15 short answer questions. Some examples might include:
  • Explain the difference between Full and Provisional Accreditation?
  • What additional factors ought to be considered when dealing with young players?
  • What are the key safeguards in place for misconduct and serious misconduct under the CEA?
  • A company comes to you with an endorsement opportunity for one of your players. What do you do?

Applicants will need to achieve a pass rate of at least 80%. Those who do not, may re-sit at a later date.

Those that pass the exam will then have an interview (as per the current application process). This will be to test the character of the prospective agent as well as specific contracting questions and fleshing out/discussing activity reports.

• The ability for the RPA to grant Provisional Accreditation for a period longer than 12 months (e.g., for those applicants who pass the exam and the interview but require more time to demonstrate their ability to negotiate different levels of contracts).
• It is now a requirement for all Accredited Agents to have professional liability insurance with a reputable insurer to cover claims in respect of any agency activity (currently this is not a requirement in the Charter).
• It is now a requirement for each Accredited Agent to attend the annual Agents Seminar which will be organised by the RPA with the assistance of an organising committee comprised of at least three Accredited Agents. For 2026, this seminar will take place on Saturday 18 July and this is not compulsory. From 2027, this seminar will be compulsory to attend to maintain accreditation.

For more please click here.