Education and Development

RUPA offers industry-leading Training & Education (T&E) Grants for current and recently retired players as an incentive to pursue study options away from Rugby.

The scheme was introduced in 2001 and has provided professional players with over $5.5 million in reimbursement grants since it has been in operation. The scheme recognises that players have a finite time as professionals to prepare for their next careers and, through the Player Development Program, RUPA are proud to support the ongoing education and future aspirations of our members.

To find out who is eligible, what you are eligible to claim and how the career cap works, download the 2023 fact-sheet here.

Each year, Super Rugby, Sevens Members and eligible RUPA Players' Alumni members are able to seek reimbursement for their previous year’s training and education expenses, in accordance with respective player meeting the following criteria (all reimbursements are retrospective:

- At least passing their subjects/courses;

- Providing evidence of completion and payment; and

- Being within the scope of reimbursement eligibility

All applications received for grants are collated by RUPA, with the National Player Development Program Committee providing oversight and approval for player’s reimbursement applications.

Reimbursements are only provided for legitimate professional development expenses which clearly enhance an applicant’s current or future career opportunity. This includes, but is not limited to:

- Tertiary education or vocational education (nationally accredited and approved courses);

- Prescribed course texts if directly related to approved courses;

- Tutoring, mentoring and/or “on the job” training expenses; and

- Professional development and upskilling to assist with future self-employment or small business ownership

Tools of trade such as course specific software are also eligible to be claimed. Reimbursements do not include general items such as stationery, general equipment (e.g. chairs, laptops), transport (e.g. parking, purchase of a vehicle) and business set up costs (e.g. accountant fees, legal costs, etc.). For players applying for ongoing course funding, evidence must be shown regarding completion of educational, vocational or professional development pursuit in the previous year(s) or semester(s) and copies of application forms and proof of payment requirement for future study or professional development.

The T&E grants scheme primarily exists to support the creation of a first class sporting workplace for professional Rugby players playing in Australia. At the same time, the scheme has an obligation of fairness for those players who have provided service to Australian Rugby and commenced studies prior to departing for overseas; strict eligibility criteria applies. Any player who is having difficulty transitioning from overseas back home to Australia for work and is no longer eligible to claim under the T&E fund is able to make application to for a Hardship Fund grant of $5,000 by contacting RUPA.

For more information, speak to your Player Development Manager (PDM) or contact James Holbeck.

To find out who is eligible, what you are eligible to claim and how the career cap works, download the 2023 fact-sheet here.