States player welfare a step closer
Watch Clever's life after rugby from the 19th minute!
"The purpose of the USRPA is to create the highest quality experience for high-performance rugby players in the United States. The aim is to protect & promote their welfare in addition to growing the game in the US," the USRPA website states.
"The best 'Unions' around the world are supported by vibrant and engaged player associations. Fundamentally, player associations are for, and consist of, current athletes. But the impact they can achieve offers something greater – helping our sport be the best it can be.
"The partnership between USA Rugby and the Players is one based on good faith and shared purpose. The USRPA will seek to abide by its motto of 'Grow the Player, Grow the Game'."
Former Eagles captain Todd Clever has played an important role in the formation of the USRPA, among a few other things in his post-career life.
"I am in that transition period of a professional athlete. I was lucky enough to call it [the end of my career] on my own terms. Home soil, World Cup qualifier against our rivals Canada and I want to put 50 on them. It was like checking boxes, it just worked out that great.
"So sitting on the board of USA Rugby, helping out with the USRPA – the players association – that we just forming for the players, MLR with the Austin franchise and trying to find a pathway to connect all those dots. So far, it has been a really smooth transition," Clever said.
Never miss an episode of Late Tackle, subscribe here on iTunes.
*Late Tackle promotes responsible drinking. Alcohol is not for sale to anyone under the age of 18.
*Late Tackle is driven home safely by 1 For the Road
@RugbyPass