Philippa Hearnden, Head of Business of The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), will be leaving her role after being offered the opportunity to join the team at Sport Wales.
Since joining the WRPA in 2015, Philippa has supported the WRPA and it’s members as a key member of staff and an integral part of the growth of Welsh rugby both on and off the field.
During Philppa’s time with the WRPA, she has worked hard to grow the organisation and our charity Second Half Rugby, securing many new commercial partnerships during a backdrop of COVID restrictions. Philippa has worked alongside the CEO and Executive Committee to ensure the players' voice, as key stakeholders of the game were heard. This commitment has stretched many Collective Bargaining Agreements, player pay cuts, and changes which have positively grown the game both here and around the world through the International Rugby Players.
In addition to this, Philippa was a founding trustee for the creation of Second Half Rugby (the WRPA’s charity) including outstretching the new Player Transition Programme, helping players with injury and health issues as they move into their post-playing days. Philippa will be remaining an independent Trustee of Second Half Rugby.
WRPA Interim CEO, Chairman and former Wales International James King who has worked alongside Philippa, said:
“It goes without saying that Philippa has played a pivotal role in the business during her time here, and we wish her all the best with her next challenge. We’d like to thank her for her commitment and drive to ensure that the WRPA was consistently represented.”
Philippa Hearnden, Head of Business said:
“I am extremely grateful to the everyone within the WRPA team, our members, Executive Committee and Non-Executive for my experiences and support over the last 6 and a half years. My time with the WRPA has been a true pleasure and will look back on my time fondly. It’s been a real honour to be a part of the growth of the WRPA and all we have achieved over the years. I have full confidence the WRPA will continue to deliver the incredible support to our members which we have been delivering throughout the challenging times, COVID-19 and beyond.
I would also like to thank our incredible partners, both new and existing, who have supported the work in which the WRPA embodies throughout my time. It’s been a pleasure to work with some amazing companies and organisations putting player welfare and development at the heart of what we do.
I am excited to develop my career even further with the new opportunity to join the team at Sport Wales in the new year. I look forward to continuing to work hard to grow sport and the opportunities available for all here in Wales.”
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