Changing The Game | Revolutionary Partnership Agreed Between Welsh Rugby Players Association, Healix and Nuffield Health

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Media Centre Partnerships Nuffield Health News Hospitals
The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) is delighted to announce the launch of their partnership with Healix Health and the UK's largest healthcare charity, Nuffield Health. This initiative is set to have a hugely beneficial effect on the quality of life of retired and retiring players.
The Welsh Rugby Players Association and Nuffield Health

Nuffield Health will become the WRPA's Official Healthcare Supplier, with retired and retiring professional rugby players being given access to Nuffield Health's first-class healthcare in South Wales and gym facilities throughout the UK.

Starting from mid June, the Player Transition Programme will support them to be ‘life, work and sport ready’ when transitioning to the next stage of their life. 

They will be provided with access to physiotherapy and medical support as well as being given a 12 month membership at Nuffield Health’s 112 well-being and fitness facilities, to ensure they can lead a life that is not affected by the injuries and health costs that can occur as a result of playing professional rugby.

WRPA James King, Player Welfare & Membership Manager, welcomed the partnership, saying:

“With this exciting new partnership, we will now be able to further support the players when they retire from professional rugby. The ability to use top class gym, wellbeing and healthcare facilities, plus having access to medical experts will ensure that the players are fit, healthy and able to achieve their goals in the next stages of their lives.” 

Director of Wellbeing, Wales & South West at Nuffield Health, Ceri Morgan said:

The Welsh Rugby Players Association at Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospital

“Our purpose is to build a healthier nation and we are thrilled that the Welsh Rugby Players Association and Healix are teaming up with our connected health and wellbeing services. We will provide retiring and retired professional players and their families with a range of benefits and access to our services.

“It's important to continue to support and give back to sports professionals who have given so much for their country. We look forward to getting to know and look after them.”

Ian Talbot, CEO of Healix Health, commented:

“We are delighted to be included in this partnership which sets out to look after rugby players as they move into retirement from the sport. Players put their bodies on the line week in, week out, and it is only right that they can continue to receive the relevant medical care once their playing days are behind them”. 

Health System Director Melanie Webber Maybank at Nuffield Health added:

“We are very pleased to extend our support to retired players by offering access to our premier diagnostics, state-of-the-art surgical facilities and expert consultants. It's our privilege to provide top-tier care tailored to meet their specific needs”.

Photos L-R

  1. Front row: Nuffield Health (NH)Health System Director Wales and South West Rob Thomas, NH Director of Wellbeing Ceri Morgan,NH Health System Director Cardiff and Vale, Melanie WebberMaybank,Ashton Hewitt - Dragons RFC Player/WRPA Chairman and Ant Carter – CPP Consultant Physiotherapist.
  2. Back row: Gareth Lewis – WRPA CEO, Jonathan Mills –Healix Business Development Manager, James King - WRPA Player Welfare & Membership Manager, Josh Turnbull& Ellis Jenkins - Cardiff Rugby Players and Dan Lydiate - Dragons RFC Player
  3. Players  Josh Turnbull, Ashton Hewitt, Ellis Jenkins and Dan Lydiate at Nuffield Health’s Vale Hospital Reception

About Nuffield Health

Driven by our purpose to build a healthier nation, our experts have been working together for more than 65 years to make the nation fitter, healthier, happier and stronger.

Nuffield Health provides health and wellbeing for every part of you. We believe that the best healthcare should help prevent illness by looking after mind and body. That’s why our connected health and wellbeing offering spans physical and mental health – from providing mental health support or hospital care and treatment to personal training, health assessments, GP services and physiotherapy.

We work together as a team to help you achieve your health and wellbeing ambitions, championing free health and wellbeing programmes in local communities by giving more people the tools they need to live a healthy life. These programmes help people understand and improve their own health, from those living with joint pain, to helping rehabilitate people experiencing the long-term effects from COVID-19. Find out more about us and our pioneering models of care: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Last updated Wednesday 19 June 2024

First published on Tuesday 18 June 2024

Media Centre Partnerships Nuffield Health News Hospitals