Jan 4, 20181 min
In March 2017, following the approval of the Executive Committee Andries Pretorius was appointed as full-time chief executive officer of the WRPA. Andries came through the Blues academy in 2009/10 and played for the Blues for 5 seasons and was appointed Club Captain in 2012. During his playing career he was part of the 2013 6 Nations squad and gained two caps during the summer tour that year.
Andries brings not only a playing background but extensive academic qualifications and work experience which he completed whilst playing. After his undergraduate degree in Sport Business Management he completed a Masters Degree in Business Psychology through South Wales University where he specialised in employee wellbeing, change management and organisational psychology.
Speaking about his appointment Pretorius said: “While I am under no illusion that the WRPA faces significant challenges in becoming a world class association, I do believe that collectively we can make significant strides towards achieving that goal. It is imperative that we continue to keep the players and their welfare at the centre of our attention and to build strong relationships with the WRU and the regions. It is only with this collective effort to promote player welfare that the WRPA will be successful in its purpose of Representing, Developing, Promoting and Protecting professional rugby players in Wales”.