The Rugby League Players Association is pleased to announce David Gower has joined the organisation as its new General Manager of Player and Football Operations.
David replaces Jamie Buhrer, who is the RLPA’s new General Manager of Past Players and Transition following Tom Symonds’ move to the Rugby Union Players’ Association as Chief Operating Officer.
Having been at the negotiating table alongside Clint Newton in 2017, when Clint was the RLPA’s General Manager of Player and Football Operations, David joins the organisation at another crucial time for the players. The players’ current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires at the end of 2027, with a new agreement to be negotiated over the next year.
The RLPA’s General Manager of Player and Football Operations is responsible for player engagement, enforcement of the CBA, and projects and committees that serve the interests of the players.
David is also a past winner of the Dennis Tutty Award, which is presented to a player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership on and off the field.
The Player and Football Operations team David will lead includes Football Operations Manager Gavin Cowan and Player Operations Managers Brydie Parker, Nita Maynard-Perrin, Tinirau Arona, Mitch Rein and Shaun Lane.
David brings incredible industry experience to the RLPA, with knowledge across an array of areas within rugby league, from the field to clubland and more.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the RLPA at such an important time for our game,” said David Gower on his appointment.
“Throughout my career, both as a player and in player wellbeing and development, I’ve always been passionate about supporting players to thrive on and off the field, so this role feels like a natural next step.
“The RLPA has earned enormous respect for the work it has done in advocating for players and continually raising the standards of professionalism and support across the game. In particular, I’ve always admired the way the Player and Football Operations team builds genuine relationships with players at every club, providing trusted support throughout every stage of their careers.
“I’m excited to represent players at a whole-of-game level and contribute to an organisation that puts players at the centre of every decision.
“With the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations likely to be among the most significant in the game’s history, it’s a privilege to help ensure players’ voices are heard while working collaboratively to achieve outcomes that strengthen the game for current and future generations.”
