Draft:MyPlayers

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

MyPlayers Rugby

[edit]

MyPlayers
Founded1997
TypePlayers' association
Location
  • South Africa
Area served
South African professional rugby players and match officials
Key people
Eugene Henning (CEO), Jean de Villiers (Chairperson)
Websitehttps://myplayers.co.za


MyPlayers, formerly the South African Rugby Players' Association (SARPA), is the representative body for professional rugby players and contracted match officials in South Africa. Established in 1997, the organisation works on policies related to player welfare, collective bargaining, and commercial representation. It is owned and governed by its members, who are involved in the organisation’s decision-making structures.

History

[edit]

MyPlayers was launched as SARPA following the professionalisation of rugby in South Africa. It rebranded as MyPlayers to reflect an expanded role beyond basic player representation. In 2022, former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers was appointed chairperson of the board. The current CEO is Eugene Henning.[1][2]

During its history, SARPA/MyPlayers has been involved in a number of important labour negotiations, including agreements in 2004 addressing player contracts and salaries, and has occasionally threatened strike action to secure player rights.[3][4]

Role and Representation

[edit]

MyPlayers functions as a players' union and negotiates on behalf of its members with SA Rugby (formerly the South African Rugby Union) and provincial unions. It has been involved in developing policies around salary caps, match scheduling, and player rest protocols.[5][6]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MyPlayers collaborated with SA Rugby and other stakeholders on the Rugby Industry Financial Impact Plan, aimed at managing reduced revenues and securing employment stability for players.[7]

Activities

[edit]

Collective Bargaining and Welfare

[edit]

MyPlayers participates in updates to the South African Rugby Industry Collective Agreement (SARICA), covering employment conditions, insurance policies, and post-retirement transition support.[8] The organisation has also advocated for improved travel standards for players on international tours.[9]

Player Awards

[edit]

MyPlayers hosts the annual Players' Choice Awards, voted on by players across men's fifteens, women's rugby, and sevens formats. Categories include Men's Fifteens Players' Player of the Year, Men's Sevens Players' Player of the Year, and Women's Players' Player of the Year.[10]

Community Engagement

[edit]

MyPlayers collaborates with external organisations, including the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund, to support players affected by injury or post-career transitions.[11]

Player Welfare Concerns

[edit]

Reports have highlighted mental health concerns among professional rugby players in South Africa, with MyPlayers sharing data showing high levels of anxiety and sleep disorders among members. This has led to advocacy for improved mental health services and workload management.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Jean de Villiers is back in the game". SA Rugby Magazine. 14 April 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  2. ^ "Key People". MyPlayers. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  3. ^ "SA rugby, SARPA reach agreement". Mail & Guardian. 28 October 2004. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Greedy rugby players threaten strike". Mail & Guardian. 23 February 2004. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  5. ^ "SA Rugby all set for new era as wary MyPlayers gives thumbs-up to 'tricky' salary cap bump". News24. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Currie Cup 2024 to go ahead after welfare agreement with players' union over resting protocols". Daily Maverick. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Rugby Industry Financial Impact Plan announced". DHL Stormers. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  8. ^ "2025 South African Rugby Industry Collective Agreement" (PDF). South African Rugby Union. 2025. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  9. ^ Hendrik Cronjé (25 January 2025). "Players will now fly business class to overseas matches". City Press. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Nominees for Players' Player(s) of the Year announced". SA Rugby. 14 September 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund". Springbok Rugby. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  12. ^ Craig Ray (6 February 2020). "South African rugby players are not in rude health". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
[edit]