Christian Day: ‘the Players Should Be Partners’

Can you sum up the state of the game at the moment?

We are in a real time of change for rugby union in England and the challenges being faced in terms of sustainability are well known. The players have played an important role in overcoming some of these challenges, showing immense leadership. The last two years have been testing to say the least. That said with change comes great opportunity and we now have an opportunity to try and improve the system for both the players and the game as a whole.

In your view, what are the key issues that need to be addressed?

We have made the case that players should be seen as being partners in the game instead of being employees. This gives players a feeling of real value and in doing so can improve their value add in the other direction back into the game that they love.

What are your personal ambitions for your tenure as RPA general secretary?

I’m proud to have been elected as the new General Secretary and with that comes the responsibility of trying to represent an extremely diverse player group.

I want to be seen as someone who positively affects the game and leaves it in a better place for the next generation of players.

Women’s rugby in particular is in a phase of huge growth and I am happy that our membership now has been extended to all Premier 15s players in addition to the Red Roses.

What can rugby fans around the country do to support the game they love?

Go and watch your local club! The game is exciting now as it has ever been. Your support is vital to the game and fan engagement is something we want to start doing more of at the RPA.

Why is it important to celebrate the players at the annual RPA awards and what can attendees expect from this year’s awards?

The RPA Awards has always been the most exciting awards ceremony of the year in English rugby. The venue is superb and does justice to the incredible levels of skill and commitment on show every week in the Gallagher Premiership and in an England shirt. There will be lots of players both past and present in the room with incredible auction items supporting our charity – Restart.

Do you have a favourite anecdote from a previous year?

Martin Bayfield as host is always good value in that regard. His story of Mark Regan rising like a Feasant (with a deliberate F) always makes me laugh. With so many legends of the game in the room there will always be a story or two to come out from the night.

Do you have a favourite moment of the night?

When you step through the curtains at Battersea Evolution and see the fantastic space laid out in front of you it can’t fail to take your breath away a little. Some of the awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the game either through overcoming adversity or for players contributions over a long period of time.

Bearing in mind that the winners are voted for by the players, who do you think will win player of the year?

There will always be a late charge from a player as the season reaches its conclusion and the games become more important. I honestly couldn’t say who it would be at this stage, but for the players themselves to be the ones who vote always ensures that the winners are deserving of the award.