Stars of international rugby, including Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Heaslip, New Zealand two-time Rugby World Cup winner Conrad Smith and England 15’s and 7’s player Rachael Burford gathered in Dublin yesterday, as International Rugby Players, the representative body for players around the world, officially announced its move to the Irish capital.

The organisation has moved to Dublin from Auckland, New Zealand where it was based since 2001.

It has also appointed a new Chief Executive in Omar Hassanein who up until last year headed Rugby Players Ireland here in Dublin.

The organisation will be based side by side with Rugby Players Ireland in Clonskeagh in Dublin. Rugby Players Ireland are members of the International body alongside their fellow organisations in England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

“We’ve moved our operations to Dublin where we can meet with World Rugby and other governing bodies on a regular basis, facilitating closer communication on issues that matter,” said Hassanein.

“There has never been a more important time for players to have a stronger voice in the game. They need recognition as major stakeholders in all decisions that affect the game, and we’ll be working hard to influence and affect that change.”

“I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the work carried out by former Executive Director Rob Nichol in the role over the past 15 years.”

To coincide with the move, International Rugby Players also launched its new website rugbyplayers.org, a platform where players will have the opportunity to tell their own personal stories, in addition to being a source of information and news on those issues impacting the global game.

A number of significant initiatives were discussed at the launch in Dublin including player workload, global player surveys, a new scheme to monitor player agents and the women’s game.

Jonathan Sexton is International Rugby Players’ Northern Hemisphere President and he was keen to stress the importance of the work carried out by the player’s organisation.

“As the demands of the professional game continue to increase, it’s critical that the players are properly represented at the top table and I’m delighted to be joined by Jamie, Conrad and Rachael as International Rugby Players opens its doors in Dublin,” he said.

“Having worked closely with Omar in his time as CEO of Rugby Players Ireland, and now in my role as Northern Hemisphere President of International Rugby Players, I’m confident he and his team will work hard to make sure the players’ voices are heard on issues of importance to the game.”

England 15s and 7s star Rachael Burford, who sits on the Rugby Athletes Commission, added: “There are many areas of the women’s game that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis, and I think that International Rugby Players will continue shining a light on these.

“I can’t overemphasise the importance of players from all parts of the globe having a say in the game, and Omar and the team here in Dublin will work hard to make sure that players are an integral part of the conversation.”

The International Association does not list any commercial partners though Rugby Players Ireland has partnerships with Zurich, BNY Mellon, Vodafone, Ulster Bank, BDO, Volkswagen, Mason Alexander and others.

As proud sponsors of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League Ulster Bank, in partnership with Sport for Business are hosting a series of Rugby Club Roadshows in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Belfast and Galway.
The roadshows will take place at the following club venues and are open to attend by representatives of all clubs.

Belfast Harlequins RFC Monday, April 16th

Galway Corinthians RFC Wednesday, April 18th

Young Munster RFC Monday, April 23rd

Cork Constitution RFC Tuesday, April 24th

Lansdowne RFC Thursday, April 26th

Each event will include presentations and examples of how clubs and officers can avail of the best practice, the best insight and the best means of developing their own skills and creating winning environments for their club.

The Roadshows are free to attend but you must register in advance and can do so here.

Each session will finish off with a chat with Alan Quinlan reflecting on this season’s NatWest 6 Nations Grand Slam.

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