Equipping Rugby players with the knowledge to ensure their financial health, as well as helping them to prepare for transition through their Rugby and life journey, are at the forefront of the extension of RUPA’s partnership with BDO, announced today.
BDO, the Official Accounting and Audit Partner of the Players, have re-committed until the end of 2021, and significantly upgraded their investment in Australia’s Rugby players by taking on the naming rights to RUPA’s flagship Rugby Players Lunch. Furthermore, RUPA and BDO have completed a re-invigoration of the education they provide to players with regards to attaining and maintaining financial health, with topics including, but not limited to, investment, the benefits of saving, debt avoidance, property and athlete-specific tax guidance.
“We are pleased that BDO see value in a partnership that reflects the collaborative approach and commitment we share in assisting players to achieve and maintain financial security,” RUPA Chief Executive Justin Harrison said.
“Professional sporting careers are unique and it is paramount that our membership understand the importance of receiving and applying knowledge from a partner such as BDO as they transition through an athletic performance window and into post playing career earning capacities.
“RUPA and BDO’s partnership ensures that professional financial advice is available to our entire membership and they all have an opportunity to educate themselves regarding their financial health, planning and preparation for post career security.
“RUPA members have been extremely positive in their feedback about the value they are getting from the program and I want to thank BDO for their continued investment in our sport and the consideration for the individual men and women who play the game professionally.”
BDO Sydney Managing Partner, Grant Saxon said the firm is keen to continue its strong existing relationship with RUPA.
“We are proud of our long association with RUPA and we look forward to working with them to help players achieve their dreams and make the most of their professional sporting careers,” he said.
BDO has been a proud partner of RUPA’s since 2017, with a focus on improving players’ off-field financial performance. RUPA also invest in this space, covering the costs incurred for any current player to receive a 1-on-1 financial health check, with dozens of players taking advantage of this opportunity in 2019.
Under the new agreement, BDO will continue to educate players at the annual RUPA Induction Camp and their trusted advisors at the Agent Accreditation Conference with specialised presentations which will continue to reflect the latest trends and information. Players will receive unique guidance at every touch point along the journey, and past professional players can also benefit through a completely free, no obligation sit down with a financial expert from BDO through the partnership.
The annual BDO Rugby Players Lunch has firmly cemented itself as one of the premium Rugby events on the national calendar. Held at The Ivy (Sydney) in December, the Lunch celebrates eight player awards for achievements on and off the field, as well as shining a spotlight on those who’ve given so much to the game through the RUPA Centurions Club. Importantly, the eight player awards include five which are peer-voted, widely acknowledge by the players as the ones which mean the most to them to receive.
About BDO:
BDO was established as an association of firms in Australia in 1975. Today, they are one of Australia’s largest associations of independently owned accounting practices, with offices in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
BDO is one of the world’s leading accountancy and advisory organisations, with clients of all types and sizes, in every sector. They provide services to a diverse range of clients, from large corporate organisations to private businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals across an array of industry sectors. For more information, head to their website.
