Part of the personnel supporting the Reds Players is RUPA member Matt Smith who we were lucky enough to meet. So I got some questions together to learn about how RUPA works.
1. What are some of the major roles that RUPA undertakes?
To collectively develop and promote the best possible professional standards and conditions for its members, and the growth of rugby.
- to provide its members with an association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Rugby Union.
- to promote and protect the interests of all members and to safeguard their rights at all times.
to strive for the improvement of economic and other conditions generally and to regulate and correct abuses relative thereto;
-to secure and maintain freedom from unjust and unlawful rules and regulations affecting each members career in Rugby Union;
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-to assist Members in undertaking education and development opportunities;
-to obtain benefits for all members;
-to provide a medium through which the Members may express their views on issues concerning their well-being;
-to provide legal advice and legal assistance in defence of Member's rights where deemed necessary;
- to elect from time to time Members as directors on the Boards of Directors of the ARU, ACTRU, NSWRU, RU and WARU Board.
2. What is the importance of having current players as part of the RUPA Board?
These are the ones that are living and breathing rugby everyday so it makes sense that these are the ones that are making decisions on what is right for the players and ultimately what is right for the game. You look at someone like our President Dean Mumm, he has played over 100 Super Rugby games, has played Overseas and is a current Wallaby. To have someone like Dean on the RUPA Board with so much experience and knowledge can only be a positive for the players and the game.
3. Does female Rugby receive help, education, employment and legality wise, that male Rugby does?
Like all female sports they are not remunerated currently like their male counterparts, RUPA are working hard on behalf of the players, for them to be remunerated fairly. Female players in Cricket and Netball have seen significant pay-rises of late from revenue derived from Broadcasting deals.
Our Female 7's players have access to a full-time Player Development Manager who is based at the Narrabeen Training facility. The PDM helps these players with Education and Vocation advice and Welfare support, as members of RUPA players also have access to the Training and Education fund. Players are eligible to claim $5000 per year towards their study and Professional Development.
4.Do all players get chances in education? Is it a requirement?
All players that are contracted to a Super Rugby team or part of the sevens program are eligible for the training and education fund as mentioned above. Players are able to claim $5000 per year and is capped at $25,00 over a players career. I.e. a player who has played for three years is able to claim $15000. Education is not a requirement but players understand the importance of having something outside of Rugby.
5. What are the RUPA awards about and how are the winners chosen/ Do the awards focus solely on the Australian Super Rugby Teams?
The annual Volvo-RUPA Awards Lunch is one of the most eagerly anticipated on the Rugby calendar. It celebrates the achievements of RUPA's members at every level, from Buildcorp NRC to Super Rugby to Australian Rugby Sevens to the Wallabies, as well as away from Rugby in the community and in study pursuits.
The RUPA Board and all of its people are incredible in how it helps not only the reds but all of the Australian teams. So thank you for answering my questions Matt. Hopefully we will catch up again soon.
Rugby Rules #4: The Points System
Understanding the point system can make watching the game much more enjoyable. It does differ to Rugby League, I think this makes it interesting.
In Rugby Union, a try is 5 points, a conversion through the goal posts is 2 points, and a penalty is 3 points. Drop-kicks (during play) are also 3 points. This does create more of an emphasis on drop goals, compared to Rugby League.
(For those unaware, Rugby League awards 4 points for a try, and 2 for conversions and penalties. 1 point is given for drop kicks mid-play.)
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