RPA & EPIC to deliver Gambling Education

The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has announced that it will deliver a new Gambling Awareness Education programme to all RPA members in association with EPIC Risk Management.

The programme is the first of its kind in rugby union and will include education for players about the potential risks posed by gambling, how to identify problematic gambling and where to seek help and RPA Personal Development Managers (PDMs) to receive training on how to help those with gambling issues.

The course will be delivered to all Aviva Premiership clubs, London Welsh, England Sevens and England Women. Epic will also present a new intake of academy graduates at the RPA academy induction day in 2016.

Paul Buck, EPIC group chief executive, said: “Problem gambling extends across all industries at all levels with particular prevalence in high risk sectors such as professional sport and financial services. We are delighted the RPA have recognised this as a key issue in professional rugby and look forward to partnering with them to deliver what will be the most comprehensive problem gambling education, prevention and intervention programme in professional sport.”

RPA rugby director, Richard Bryan, said: “A survey by The Professional Players Federation (PPF) in 2015 suggested that professional athletes are three times more likely to be problem gamblers than those in the general population. With this in mind and with our commitment to player welfare, on and off the pitch, it is our duty to educate our members on the risk of gambling, addiction and signposting them to expert help when required.”