Subscribe Feed (RSS)LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO BACKS FUNDING FOR PRA
October 16th, 2008 by admin0 | No Comments | Filed in English Rugby NewsLawrence Dallaglio has called on the RFU and Premier Rugby to support the PRA, the English players’ union, by endorsing a new funding deal currently on the table that will underpin the PRA’s continued service to the game for the next five years.
Dallaglio’s call was heard by an appreciative audience at the Foreign Office in London on Tuesday evening, where he was delivering the fourth annual Obolensky Lecture, sponsored by the Sunday Times.
The former Wasps and England captain, who retired last May after 18 years in the game, underlined the imperative for a well funded and independent player’s collective in English rugby, pointing out that the professional demands of today’s game heightened the need for balance in players lives, and support for the growing number of injured players who have fallen victim to the increasing physical impact of the professional game.
“Players (need) to have interests outside of the sport to provide the necessary balance and perspective,” said the 85 times capped Dallaglio.
“Rugby players are not machines. The balance between work and life is key.”
“The shelf life of professional rugby players is decreasing and statistically, one player per club per season will have to retire prematurely due to injury.
“It is therefore essential that the game provides the necessary support to help these players to cope with the transition from professional sportsman to former sportsman.
“Much of this work is delivered through the PRA Player Development Programme which helps to provide players with support as they prepare for their careers after rugby.”
Dallaglio also praised the game’s bosses for the new peace deal signed last summer between clubs and country, but pointed out: “The final piece of the jigsaw that needs to be resolved is a revised funding deal for the PRA.
“The work of the PRA is often unsung, but the support they provide to players past, present and future is critical to the game’s growth and success in the years to come.
PRA Chief Executive, Damian Hopley, who attended the lecture and was on the panel fielding questions following Dallaglio’s address, added: “All the stakeholders in the game have worked tirelessly to get a new eight year Agreement signed that defines an improved working relationship between the RFU and the Clubs. The PRA also recently concluded a successful renegotiation with the RFU agreeing the England Team match fees and Image rights up until 2012.
“The outstanding issue that needs resolving is a revised and improved funding arrangement for the PRA, which will help us provide the essential services to all England’s professional players. Lawrence has seen at first hand the support that we give our members, so we are delighted that he has shown his support for this fundamental issue at such a crucial stage of the PRA’s evolution.”
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