Damian Hopley to step down as RPA chief executive

Damian Hopley has revealed that he will step down from the role of the Rugby Players' Association (RPA) chief executive ahead of the new season.

The 52-year-old has played three Tests for England and was part of their squad that competed in the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.

After he was forced to retire from the game due to an injury, Hopley launched the RPA in 1998 an helped the body become a pivotal part of the professional sport.

“As the face of the RPA since founding the organisation in 1998, he has led us through a remarkable period of development, establishing and growing the RPA as a leading player representation organisation in global sport,” the RPA said in a statement.

“During this time, the RPA has successfully represented and supported thousands of female and male, current and former players.

“The RPA has delivered some momentous welfare wins for the membership over the years, not least securing millions of pounds of investment into player welfare, insurance and our world-leading personal development programmes.

“We are all indebted to Damian for his outstanding contribution to the sport in England and around the world over the years,” the RPA added.

“The RPA will be conducting a strategic review in order to ensure that as an organisation we move forward fit for the future and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that our players will face, so that we can support and represent them in the most effective way possible.”