LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Damian Hopley, Rugby Players Association CEO speaks during the Eterlast RPA Awards 2022 at Battersea Evolution on May 25, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for RPA)

RFU

8 Jul 2022 | 2 min |

Damian Hopley MBE stepping down as RPA CEO

The RPA today announced that Damian Hopley MBE will be stepping down as CEO after 24 years of outstanding service.

As the face of the Rugby Players Association since founding the organisation in 1998, he has overseen a remarkable period of development establishing and growing the RPA as a leading player representation organisation in global sport.

During this time, the RPA has represented and supported thousands of female and male, current and former players. The RPA has secured millions of pounds of investment into player welfare, insurance and Personal Development programmes; generating millions of pounds in support for players through Restart, the RPA’s official charity; and negotiating world leading pay levels for the England's men’s teams and providing ongoing support for the Red Roses.

Damian has made outstanding contributions to the sport in England and around the world over the years, which was recognised when he was awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to Rugby Union Football.

The RPA will be conducting a strategic review in order to ensure they move forward fit for the future and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that players will face so that they can support and represent them in the most effective way possible for what will be an exciting time for rugby in England.

We wish Damian well on the next stage of his career.