Supporting Rugby’s elite

GAIN LINE: SUPPORTING RUGBY’S ELITE

Luke Cheyne, one of eight Development Managers who deliver Gain Line, the Rugby Players Association’s (RPA) Personal Development Programme for professional players within English Rugby, discusses positive change and support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since its inception in 1998, the RPA have become the collective voice of professional rugby players within England, supporting players throughout their sporting career and beyond, focusing primarily on player welfare, personal development, and career transition. Luke currently works closely with players at Harlequins and England Mens 7’s. having previously delivered the Gain Line programme at both Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints.

What guidance and initiatives does the RPA Gain Line Programme provide for players?

“The RPA Gain Line Programme has led a positive cultural change in players, clubs and the game by consistently prioritising the needs of the person behind the player. National player engagement in their own personal development has grown from 30 per cent in 2010, to a record high of 91 per cent in 2020, the fourth consecutive year over 80 per cent.

“It is a vital provision, backed by the game, to help players proactively develop as people while playing, support their wellbeing, prepare for their lives after rugby and benefit performance. Over 80 per cent of players state the programme benefits their on-pitch performance.

“From induction to transition, players are supported individually throughout their career by their Mental Health First Aid trained Development Manager. They provide guidance and access to a network of specialists across a range of areas including wellbeing, career exploration, education, financial awareness, life, and professional skills. This includes creating bespoke initiatives such as the Career Insights programme, Academy Induction Day, Transition Pathway, LiftTheWeight mental health campaign and the RADAR self-assessment tool.

“The Rugby Players’ Association also has an official charity, Restart Rugby, which provides financial and practical support to players and their families facing hardship, including help with the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation equipment, counselling, education, and career transition. Restart is also there when players need emotional support by providing access to a 24/7 confidential counselling service.”

How has the RPA been supporting players during the coronavirus pandemic?

“During lockdown, we have seen an unprecedented 150 per cent increase in player interactions with our Development Managers. We have also seen a record 91

per cent of players engaged in their own personal development nationwide, with 29 per cent of players enrolled in higher education and 37 per cent of players enrolled in other education.

“As with all industries across the world, the professional rugby landscape has been affected heavily by the impact of COVID-19. Initially, there was a period of re-adjustment, when our primary focus as Development Managers was on keeping connected to players and offering reassurance. Owing to the significance of the pandemic and having to adjust to virtual working, it has been crucial to support players during the lockdown period in an individual way and maintain our trusted personal relationships.

“As lockdown progressed, we quickly pivoted how we worked as a team and continued to provide our members with a virtual support structure, facilitating access to personal development opportunities via a range of bespoke communications, webinars series, course options and on-going one-to-one coaching. It was excellent to see players responding positively to the situation, with increasing numbers of players exploring

off field options, players starting new courses, continuing with their education, and also progressing entrepreneurial opportunities.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also managed to complete the development of a bespoke RPA Player’s App, which provides support, information, and advice for players across the game.”

How does the RPA learn and work with other sporting associations?

“We are proud members of the World Players Association, International Rugby Players, EU Athletes and Professional Players Federation. All are committed to driving positive change in support of players. They provide us with a global perspective on best practice, opportunities to collaborate on shared challenges and continually drive innovation.

“This collaboration has been no more evident than during lockdown. With so many players and athletes travelling the world to get home, tracking, and staying in touch has been crucial. We have shared worldwide learnings in managing the pandemic and shared resources to upskill our teams to better support players in areas such as building resilience, delivering webinars and eCoaching. Plus having a trusted network of peers to lean on during a time when player associations have been inundated with requests for help has been crucial in keeping morale high and staying focussed.”

What challenges does the sport face upon its return and looking forward to the future?

“Premiership Rugby made its return in August, with the extended 2019/20 season culminating in October 2020. The 2020/21 season is then due to resume from late November.

“The financial pressures within rugby brought on by COVID-19 are likely to remain for some time. The challenge for us all is ensuring the support of players as people remains a priority even in spite of the challenges being placed by the game as a whole. From an RPA and Gain Line perspective, we will continue to do all we can to provide the vital duty of care for players that is required, now more than ever, and walk the journey with them during their playing careers and beyond.”