2017 has been a year in which player representative organisations have been thrown firmly into the spotlight.
From the Gaelic Players and the Club Players Associations in the GAA to the threatened strike action last week by the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team, the role of players has been to the fore off as well as on the field of play.
Later today Sport for Business will be at a major announcement concerning the Irish Rugby Union Players Association.
The Association represents players at the top end of the sport and was founded in 2001 with Liam Toland as its first Chairman.
Today’s announcements will focus on its vision for the coming years and a change of identity which will be revealed around 1130.
With the Rugby World Cup bid steaming ahead and presenting a strong case for why Ireland should be the centre of the Rugby World in 2023 it is important to have player interests aligned with that of the sport in an overall context.
The kinds of issues that will cover include commercial protection but also areas of player welfare. It will be interesting to see whether the next phase of the Players representative body will look to embrace input from the amateur and the Women’s game.
It has in recent years built up a significant portfolio of commercial backers including Zurich, BNY Mellon, BDO, William Fry, Ulster Bank and Volkswagen.
We will have a full report on the new look and the new approach from later today online and on our social media channels including @SportforBusines on twitter and on Linked In.
