PWR Announce Official Player Charity

Restart Rugby is proud to partner with Premiership Women’s Rugby as the league’s official Players’ Charity.

As the official charity of the Rugby Players Association (RPA), Restart supports current and former men’s and women’s players facing serious injury, illness, or hardship. With rugby careers often unpredictable, Restart provides a vital support network that helps players manage challenges during their careers and prepare for life after the game.

The charity offers practical and financial assistance, including funding medical treatment, rehabilitation equipment, and home adaptations, as well as grants for training, education, and general hardship support. Mental health support is also available through Restart’s 24/7 Confidential Counselling Service and ongoing therapy.

Last season, 42 players accessed Restart’s counselling service, 57% of which supported women. 221 therapy sessions were also administered to members. Common issues included low mood, anxiety, bereavement, and addiction.

Through this new partnership, Round 5 of Premiership Women’s Rugby (29–30 November) will be dedicated to Restart, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity.

Meg Jones, Red Roses and Trailfinders Women player said: “Restart has been a huge help to me personally. Having lost both my mum and dad last year I was given access to grief therapy regularly, helping me navigate through such a dark time. To see them become a partner with the PWR only solidifies their support for players on and off the pitch.”

Jeremy Beard, Chair of Restart said: “Whilst Restart has supported women players over the years, it is a pivotal moment to be partnering with the PWR as the league’s official Players Charity. The rapid growth of the women’s game, and the continuing transition to professionalism, will inevitably bring challenges for the players and Restart will be here to provide help when needed, whilst developing players post-career.”

Genevieve Shore, executive chair at Premiership Women’s Rugby said: “Women’s rugby has grown exponentially over the past year and will continue to do so in the coming years. With that growth will come new challenges for our players, so it is incredibly exciting to have Restart at our side as we attempt to navigate this new era. Player welfare is at the heart of every decision we make as a league, a vision and mission which we know is shared by Restart, so I’m looking forward to working together for the benefit of all PWR athletes.”