Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) Chief
Executive Officer, Ian Prendergast, has today announced he will depart the
Association in 2020.
Prendergast has led the RLPA for the past four
years as CEO and Managing Director, building a strong Association and securing
a number of significant outcomes on behalf of players during his
tenure.
Prendergast will officially depart the RLPA in
April 2020 but has made the announcement now to allow for a smooth transition of
leadership.
Prendergast has accepted a new role in Melbourne
next year, with the move to his home state of Victoria allowing both he and his
young family to be back closer to their relatives.
RLPA Chair, Dr Deidre Anderson, congratulated
Prendergast on the enormous contribution he has made to advancing the interests
of players and the game during his time in the role.
“Ian has been an exceptional leader of the
Association and has worked tirelessly to shape the RLPA into the professional organisation
we see today,” Dr Anderson said.
“What he has achieved over the past four years
cannot be understated, highlighted by his successful negotiation of the
Collective Bargaining Agreement that delivered a comprehensive suite of
benefits and minimum standards.
“The deal has positioned players as genuine
partners in the game – underpinned by the game’s first revenue sharing
arrangement and committee-based structures which ensure players have a seat at
the table.
“Ian’s sound strategic direction, genuine passion
for the role, courage and values-based leadership will certainly be missed and
we wish him and his family the very best in the future.”
As well as the landmark 2018-2022 CBA deal that improved
employment standards for players, other notable achievements during
Prendergast’s tenure include:
- increasing the respect for the RLPA and its role, as well as improving the engagement with members and other key stakeholders;
- developing improved governance and advisory structures and capability at the RLPA;
- developing the NRL / RLPA Wellbeing and Education partnership and whole of game strategy;
- introducing the re-formed Agent Accreditation scheme (now being managed by the RLPA);
- incorporating Elite Female players into the membership and representing their interests;
- establishing an International player representative structure and improving minimum standards at this level of the sport;
- overseeing the transition of the Retirement Account to the management of the RLPA;
- establishing the Injury Hardship Fund; and
- building the organisational strength, capability and professional culture of the RLPA.
Prendergast has also been a strong advocate for
ensuring the RLPA is genuinely player-driven, developing a strong Player
Delegate structure across NRL clubs and establishing the Player Advisory Group –
encouraging leading players to contribute to the Association as the
representatives of their peers and helping develop them as future leaders of
the game.
Reflecting on his four years with the RLPA,
Prendergast said he was sad to be leaving but was extremely proud to have led
the Association at such a pivotal time.
“When I joined the RLPA as CEO in 2015, I set
myself a goal of building a strong and respected Association that could
properly represent the interests of its members” Mr Prendergast said.
“I’m really proud of what the team and our members
have achieved and believe the RLPA is in great shape.
“This wasn’t an easy decision for me to make as I
have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with such a dedicated team at the RLPA
and the strong connection I have formed with our members.
“Having worked for players over many years in both
the AFL and now Rugby League, I will always have a strong connection with the
interests of athletes and be a firm believer in the player association
movement.
“However, I’ve decided to take on a new opportunity
in Melbourne next year as I believe the time is right to make the move back home
– particularly to be closer to our extended family.
“I remain absolutely committed to the Association
and will work through a six-month transition period.
“Amongst other things, we need to finalise the
ongoing CBA dispute with the NRL and better align the players’ interests with
the game before my departure, and I will also assist with setting up the
Association’s future leadership structure.
“There are many people who I would like to thank
for their support and friendship during my time at the RLPA, which I look
forward to doing personally over the coming months.
“I will leave knowing the RLPA is well positioned
to represent its members into the future and wish the RLPA, our staff, advisors,
and all members the very best.”
The RLPA Board will now commence the process of establishing its new leadership structure and recruiting for a Chief Executive Officer.
