Following eight years at the helm, Irish Rugby Union Players Association chief executive Niall Woods has announced he will be stepping down.
Woods is credited with taking the IRUPA from being a dormant association to one that is active within Irish rugby and sport.
The IRUPA now forms an active role in working for improved welfare and working conditions of all professional rugby players in Ireland.
Among Woods’ most memorable achievements as chief executive is the creation of a unique player insurance product in 2006 which safeguards the financial futures of players who are forced to retire.
He negotiated a new Standard Player Contract on behalf of all players for the first time in 12 years; he also secured the players’ voice was heard at the top level of the game by securing Player Representation on the IRFU Representative Game Committee.
Furthermore, Woods also launched the Player Services Programme in 2008 which assists players to develop an interest outside of rugby, but also prepares them for the difficult transition out of pro-rugby.
In addition, Woods attracted leading international businessman Denis O’Brien to the IRUPA Executive Board in 2009.
Most recently he negotiated an Independent Exit Medical for every player retiring from the game and secured the extension of the players’ medical insurance for 12 months post-retirement.
Woods commented: ‘I have truly enjoyed my time with IRUPA and I am delighted to have been involved in the organisation’s many achievements in taking IRUPA to where it is today.
‘Together with our Executive Board, the organisation has made significant strides in promoting and protecting the welfare of professional rugby players in Ireland.
‘I have always put the interests of the players first and I would like to thank all the players for their support and I’m confident that they will continue to support IRUPA and the new chief executive in the years to come. It has been a pleasure to work for the players.’
Munster captain and IRUPA Executive Board member Paul O’Connell paid tribute to Niall Woods tenure in charge, saying: ‘Niall really moved the IRUPA organisation onto the professional stage, and created a energetic association capable of tackling the issues facing professional rugby players in Ireland.
‘Through his leadership, IRUPA has delivered on many of the welfare issues affecting the game and also created initiatives such as the Player Services Programme which will long serve the membership of IRUPA.’
The IRUPA is currently searching for candidates to become the next chief executive.
In the meantime, Woods will continue in the position until a suitable replacement is found.
