Rugby players made redundant secure compensation

Following the collapse of Worcester Warriors, Wasps and London Irish, a successful employment tribunal was brought by the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) on behalf of 167 members, made up of players and non-playing staff, who were made redundant with no notice.

Specialist lawyers at Bristol-based national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP helped secure protective award compensation for rugby players affected by sudden redundancy.

The tribunal found that the clubs failed to consult with their employees prior to making the redundancies and resulted in the highest possible protective award compensation being awarded to employees at all three clubs.

Tim Copplestone, a partner at Clarke Willmott and specialist in sports employment law, assisted the RPA with the process.

He said: “We’re delighted with the outcome for the players and staff affected by these very sudden redundancies, which left many in an extremely vulnerable position.

“Protective award compensation is given when an employer does not consult with employees before making them redundant. With all three clubs having suffered insolvency events, the payment of the protective award compensation is made by the National Insurance Fund.

“The compensation will not make up for the sudden loss of employment and income but hopefully it will aid those affected while they look ahead to the future.”

RPA’s player welfare director, Rich Bryan, said: “The RPA team has left no stone unturned in providing its support to its members in the lead up to and following the demise of Worcester, Wasps and London Irish. We have provided legal advice at every turn, mental health support, one-to-one player development manager support and career transition support, to name just a few areas. I am incredibly grateful to all of our team members who were absolutely committed to meeting this incredible challenge posed by three Premiership clubs disappearing in one season.

“Pursuing the protective award claims on behalf of our members was just another example of the RPA demonstrating how essential our service is. The compensation is capped and so players will not receive all of the money owed to them by the clubs and nothing can fully compensate players, staff and fans for what was lost but we hope this compensation will, in some way, help the players.”

Clarke Willmott has worked with the RPA and provided legal advice for its members for a number of years.

Elliott Stooke, formerly of Wasps, said: “This tribunal ruling demonstrates the incredible work that the RPA continues to do for me and other players around the league. They have actively pursued the protective award claims and this financial assistance will providing a foundation for many players and staff in rebuilding and moving forward with financial reassurance.”

Graham Kitchener, former Worcester second row, said: "Following sudden redundancy at Worcester Warriors, the RPA took action, tirelessly fighting for our best interests as players. The outcome of these Protective Award claims, driven by Rich Bryan at the RPA, will serve as a crucial financial safety net, providing stability for players and their families by addressing immediate needs and offering a sense of security for the future."

Murray McCallum, former Worcester prop, said: "I can’t appreciate the efforts from the RPA enough, for continuously fighting for the players long after sudden redundancy at Worcester Warriors. Rich Bryan and the team securing the protective award claims for us players is greatly appreciated by everyone and provides a crucial financial safety net, as well as some stability, for all of us and our families after a very rough time.”

Ben Morris, former RPA Player Representative for Wasps, said: "The RPA have been amazing in ensuring a positive outcome to the Protective Award claims. Alongside fighting on our behalf, the RPA has consistently been there for the players since the insolvencies at Wasps 15 months ago, helping us navigate the challenges and plan for the future. This compensation will give players, and their families the ability to rebuild and move forward."