RFU & RPA announce landmark new contracts for Red Roses
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) have announced landmark new contracts for the Red Roses.
The three-season agreement will see 32 contracts, up from 30 last season, awarded as well as six transition contracts which will support aspiring Red Roses in their early professional journey and safeguard some of their week for dedicated rugby development.
In addition to the 32 contracts awarded, two players currently on maternity leave, remain contracted. Contracted players have been selected by incoming Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, with his coaching team of Louis Deacon, Lou Meadows and Sarah Hunter, as well as Executive Director of Performance, Conor O’Shea, and head of women’s performance Charlie Hayter. The names of contracted players will be confirmed in July.
"The new contracts are a significant development and a mark of the advancement in the women’s game since they were first awarded," said O'shea. "We have led the way with the introduction of contracts as well as provision such as the ground-breaking maternity policy introduced earlier this year for our female athletes."
In addition to an increased number and length of contracts, there are also significant enhancements to the agreements which as well as salary, cover match fees, Rugby World Cup 2025 arrangements, commercial and community engagement initiatives as well as an agreement around revenue sharing if business targets are exceeded. In addition, the Red Roses and RPA will work closely to further support the players’ off field aspirations and aid greater development opportunities.
Red Roses prop Sarah Bern, added: "The new contracts are a really great development for us as a playing group and I was pleased to be able to represent the Red Roses in the discussions for these new arrangements.
"It’s a reflection of how far things have moved on in the women’s game and will support us as professional athletes as we work towards the World Cup."
