Rugby Canada and the CRPA announce new Collective Agreement

Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Players Association (CRPA) are pleased to announce a new Collective Agreement, entering 2024 with a strong foundation for the partnership between the two entities for the next three years.

Rugby Canada and the CRPA underwent an in-depth, thorough and inclusive process in 2023 to develop the Collective Agreement with the assistance of key stakeholders and legal counsel.

The Collective Agreement guides collaboration between Rugby Canada and the CRPA, provides national team players with formal representation, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties.

In developing the Collective Agreement, Rugby Canada and the CRPA recognized that they and their stakeholders will all benefit from the strengthening and promotion of rugby in Canada. As such, the Collective Agreement reflects a desire to enhance the reputation and integrity of the sport, increase participation, maximize commercial opportunities, and foster constructive and positive relationships with other unions and professional clubs.

Also reflected throughout the Collective Agreement, and paramount to Rugby Canada and the CRPA’s common goals and mutual interest in developing rugby in Canada, is establishing and maintaining a positive, open and transparent relationship between Rugby Canada and its players.

“Our aim is to provide the best possible support to our players in achieving their aspirations on and off the rugby pitch, and this Collective Agreement formalizes the partnership between Rugby Canada and our national team players and is tangible progress toward that aim.” said Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada CEO. “We are excited and eager to work with the players and the CRPA under this agreement and collectively strive towards a strong and healthy rugby landscape in Canada.”

“This Collective Agreement is an important step in the right direction, giving players a voice at the table to work more closely with Rugby Canada,” said Ben LeSage, CRPA Men’s 15s Representative. “We’re excited to continue working together to grow rugby in Canada and increase the support available to Canadian rugby players.”

“We went through a comprehensive process with Rugby Canada last year in developing this Collective Agreement and are pleased to now continue working together with this foundation in place,” said Olivia Apps, CRPA Women’s 7s Representative. “The CRPA’s goal is to protect, promote, represent and develop Canadian rugby players, and we look forward to continuing this together with Rugby Canada.”

Rugby Canada and the CRPA received support from the Canadian Olympic Committee and their official legal partner Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Rugby Canada would like to thank all those involved in the development of the Collective Agreement, including the CRPA leadership group and player representatives, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and Fasken.