RUPA congratulates Chairman Bruce Hodgkinson SC, who has today been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list as a Member of Order of Australia (AM).
Bruce has served as the Chairman of The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) since late 2010. Over the last eight years, he has played a crucial role in leading the evolution of RUPA and of Rugby beyond its amateur heritage to become a more inclusive and diverse game for all.
For much of that time, Bruce was also Chairman of the Cancer Council NSW from 2007-2015 and a Director of Cancer Council Australia from 2008 -2016.
We acknowledge that Bruce’s contributions to RUPA and to Rugby come at a direct opportunity cost to the time he can devote to his professional career as a pre-eminent Senior Counsel specialising in employment, contract, trade practices and sports law. This is a voluntary position for Bruce for which RUPA and its members are incredibly fortunate to have hundreds of hours of his time annually dedicated to supporting our members to be better people, better players and to live better lives.
Bruce’s appointment as the Chairman of RUPA followed several years serving voluntarily as the Chair of the Australian Rugby Occupational Health and Safety Committee and various pro-bono involvements with the NSW Rugby Union.
RUPA CEO, Ross Xenos, congratulated Bruce on this deserved honour.
“It is as a direct outcome of Bruce’s leadership and vision for RUPA that Australia’s Rugby players are a respected and valued voice in the game’s strategic conversations," Xenos said.
“Bruce’s selflessness with his time, expertise and genuine care for all players and for RUPA is beyond generous, and his personal sacrifices to be available as required amidst his professional and recent Cancer Council obligations are significant. He is without doubt one very deserved new Member of the Order of Australia.
“RUPA, its members and Rugby generally have grown as a direct result of Bruce’s generosity and astute leadership and counsel.”
