The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) was founded in 2001 to promote, advance and protect the international interests of professional rugby players. IRPA is the professional player’s representative body on international issues of importance to the players and the game of rugby.

The key function of IRPA is to provide an international voice for player related issues, particularly relating to safety and welfare. IRPA provides the right platform for these issues to be addressed at a global level.

IRPA’s membership is currently made up of the National Professional Rugby Player Associations from South Africa and the following countries:

England Australia Scotland Ireland Wales France New Zealand

The current Chairman is Damian Hopley who is also the CEO of the English Professional Rugby Association (the PRA). The current Executive Director of IRPA is Rob Nichol, Executive Director of the NZRPA. All member associations are represented on the IRPA Board. The Board has regular conference calls and the members meet in person at least once a year.

Visit the IRPA website IRPA