The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) announced key amendments to its constitution this month, with Men’s and Women’s rugby Sevens Player Directors added to the Board.
The changes were unanimously agreed by all members present at RUPA’s annual general meeting held on Wednesday 22 April.
Previously, the Board featured one Co-Opted Director, currently held by Women’s Australian Sevens player Shannon Parry, as a representative of Women’s and Sevens rugby, and two General Directors.
RUPA’s Board now expands to 13 Directors instead of the previous 11. Joining the original Board setup with RUPA Chairman, President, CEO, and the five Player Directors (one from each of the Australian Super Rugby teams), will be two rugby sevens Player Directors (one male and one female), as well as three Co-opted Directors, to be appointed by the Board.
RUPA President, Benn Robinson said the new constitution means all RUPA members (Australia’s professional Super Rugby and Sevens players) now have direct representation on the Board, giving them more ownership of the issues affecting their rugby careers both on and off the field.
“The new setup of the Board provides appropriate recognition of the growth of Sevens rugby and, by incorporating Sevens Directors, ensures that the perspectives of Sevens players on the whole of rugby are voiced and heard at our meetings.
“As a playing group, the more involved we are in raising and engaging in the issues we have on and off the field, the better RUPA can assist in these areas of the game and our lives,” Robinson said.
RUPA Chairman, Bruce Hodgkinson SC said the changes allow for a more thorough representation of RUPA’s membership.
“With representatives from each of the five Super Rugby teams, and now the Men’s and Women’s National Sevens teams, the RUPA Board more readily reflects our entire membership base, which incorporates all professionally contracted Australian rugby players,” Mr Hodgkinson said.
“Additionally, increasing the number of current players on the Board ultimately provides them with a greater opportunity to raise issues, and therefore ensures they always have a voice.
“The reclassification of previous General Directors to Co-opted Directors also provides more flexibility for the Board to appoint independent Directors, as required, based on their experience and knowledge, which will contribute greatly to RUPA’s initiatives.”
The male Sevens Player Director will be elected by members of the Australian Men’s Sevens squad, while the female Sevens Player Director will be voted by members of the Australian Women’s Sevens squad.
Members of the National Sevens teams will also now be able to vote at the next elections for RUPA’s Chairman and President respectively.
The new Board positions are expected to be elected and announced following the next RUPA Board meeting later this year.
Current RUPA Board Directors:
Chairman – Bruce Hodgkinson SC
President – Benn Robinson
Player Directors – Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Nic Stirzaker (Melbourne Rebels), Matt Hodgson (Western Force), Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
General Director – Adam Wallace-Harrison (Category to be removed)
Co-opted Director – Shannon Parry, Women’s Sevens & Wallaroos
CEO – Ross Xenos
Positions to be added:
Women’s Sevens Director – to be elected by Australian Women’s Sevens squad members
Men’s Sevens Director – to be elected by Australian Men’s Sevens squad members
Co-Opted Directors – two additional Co-opted Directors, to be appointed
