As part of this partnership, Goodbody - Ireland's longest established stockbroking firm – sponsors the 'Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary', which is aiding the development and progression of players’ off-field careers and academic studies. The firm's market-leading team also work with Rugby Players Ireland to provide career, business development, retirement transition and financial guidance to their members.
Speaking about the partnership, Goodbody Managing Director, Roy Barrett, said:
"For many of today's players, the road to professional rugby begins at a young age. It can be incredibly difficult to juggle demanding training schedules alongside academic studies or career training. Similarly, moving on from professional rugby to a new potential career can be daunting. Through our partnership with Rugby Players Ireland and our sponsorship of the Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary, we are directly supporting players who are going through these transitions and helping them on the journey to their post-rugby careers. We want to make a lasting contribution to their lives and believe this kind of educational support can have a major impact over the long term."
Rugby Players Ireland, as the representative body for Ireland's professional rugby players, consistently strives to make Ireland the best place in the world to play rugby. Rugby Players Ireland is working towards achieving this vision by ensuring that player welfare is always prioritized and that there are fair and equitable terms and conditions for players. The association also adopts a 'whole of life' approach to player development and ensures that the profile enjoyed by Ireland's rugby players contributes to the future development not just of Irish rugby but Irish society as a whole.