Issuu

T H E P L AY E R S â€™

2020

ANNUAL

CONTENTS CEO’S REPORT.............................................. 02 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT..................................06 A WORD OF THANKS.. ..................................08 ABOUT US....................................................09 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES & MEETING ATTENDANCES.. ......................... 10 1 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW.. .......................... 14 2 COMMERCIAL DIVISION........................... 15 3 INDUSTRIAL AND PLAYER AFFAIRS.. ................................... 18 4 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.. ......................... 23 5 FINANCIAL SERVICES.. ............................ 27 6 COMMUNICATIONS.................................. 30 7 PLAYERS’ CHARITY.. ................................ 32 8 INTERNATIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS.......... 34

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CEO’S

REP O RT

EUGENE HENNING

N 28TH FEBRUARY 2020, MYPLAYERS SENT ITS FIRST OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION TO PLAYERS ABOUT COVID-19. AT THE TIME, THE CORONA VIRUS HAD BEEN DETECTED IN 30 COUNTRIES, PRO14 FIXTURES IN ITALY HAD BEEN JEOPARDISED, AND THE SUPER RUGBY MATCH BETWEEN THE

SUNWOLVES AND BRUMBIES HAD BEEN CALLED OFF BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT. While we monitored what was happening in other parts

Could we have been better prepared for an eventuality

of the world, this outbreak emanating from China still felt

such as Covid-19? I’m no doctor, but I doubt it. In the

like a distant reality. A week later, South Africa confirmed

end, every person, business and industry could only do

its first case. Fast forward 12 months, and we find

what they felt were the best things to do at the time.

ourselves in the grips of the worst and most disruptive

Rugby was no different, and as an industry – as with all

pandemic the world has experienced since the Spanish

others – we had to make tough and unpopular decisions

flu of 1918. By November 2020, only nine of the world’s

based on the facts and forecast we had at our disposal.

195 countries had not yet reported a single case. Undoubtedly, the most impactful decision taken by the The reality, one we are all too familiar with by now, didn’t

South African rugby industry as a whole was to reduce

pass anyone over. I remember being on a telephone

the salaries of all players and permanent employees

call with our player representative colleagues in New

working in rugby. The decision wasn’t an easy one to

Zealand and Australia in March. We were planning on

take, accepting it was even harder, and living with the

co-producing a video featuring many of the Southern

consequences felt unbearable at times. Besides not

hemisphere’s most prominent players encouraging

receiving our full salaries and being unable to play

people to adhere to Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

rugby, we were confined to our homes, we missed

It was supposed to be a light-hearted clip that had the

birthdays and family get-togethers, weddings had

potential to go viral. News platforms were publishing

to be called off, and young parents feared bringing

video clips explaining how one should actually be

a child into this strange world for which most post-

washing your hands – such a rudimentary task.

WW II generations had no prior reference or coping mechanisms. Financial and mental hardship and

While we were drafting the script for our own video, the

an increased sense of uncertainty about the future

virus clawed its way into more countries, provinces and

entered our homes, and for months, we could only

individual lives. By the time we would have been ready

wonder when normality would again reflect in our lives

to click “Publish”, our video would have been outdated,

and bank balances.

and honestly, our light-hearted approach felt almost insensitive. People were dying, families were losing loved

However, amidst all the uncertainty, the South African

ones, vaccines were only expected to be ready within 12

rugby industry pulled together in a remarkable and

to 18 months, and across the globe, countries adopted

unprecedented collective effort to safeguard the

different strategies to counter the spread of Covid-19.

industry against complete ruin. Politics and individual

Eventually, many of the most touted grant strategies

interests were set aside for the sake of getting South

failed miserably. Washing our hands seemed like the only

African rugby through lockdown and the consequent

thing we really could do. The only thing we knew how to.

restrictions put on training, playing and earning revenue.

In many parts of the rugby-playing world, players had to

the immediate legal and financial support provided

shoulder the heaviest burden when unions announced

by MyPlayers can only bring temporary relief to those

their cost-saving strategies. Not in South Africa;

players and families. Furthermore, a professional

everyone, from the CEO of SA Rugby, to the players and

rugby team that has been developed over time with

groundkeepers, made exactly the same sacrifices, while

significant financial and human investment is basically

those who could least afford a reduction in income were

dissolved overnight. This means all such investment

indemnified against any such losses. The alternative of

efforts were meaningless and that the industry’s ability

having every person fend for themselves would likely

to provide a rugby product is diluted. The list goes on.

have ended in large-scale retrenchment, legal cases and all sorts of unpleasantness that would have brought the

The members of SARU (the amateur rugby unions) are

industry to its knees and ultimate demise.

by default responsible for the management of amateur and professional rugby in the region and may decide

To survive the pandemic, rugby had to act proactively,

to establish a separate professional entity to oversee

and while we acknowledge the disruptive impact this

its professional rugby functions. However, whenever

has had on many players, staff and their families, I still

professional rugby entities get liquidated, the founding

believe the best decision was taken and that we will

shareholders in those companies – the amateur unions

be able to play rugby in 2021 and beyond because

– face no consequences for doing so, and they are not

of some tough yet vital decisions we had made in

held to account for the failings of their commercial arm.

2020. And the South African rugby industry deserves credit for the thoroughness, sensitivity and again, its

In light of the Valke and Kings liquidations, but also in

collective effort, in keeping heads above water in a

the context of the long and all too common occurrence

storm we could not have predicted.

of such liquidations in South Africa, MyPlayers appealed to SARU to urgently make the necessary amendments

LIQUIDATION OF THE VALKE AND KINGS

to its constitution to ensure that its members take

However, not everyone was as ‘fortunate’. The Valke

significant penalties to be imposed on them if and when

company and the Southern Kings filed for liquidation in

those entities fail commercially. It is in the interest of the

2020. While we believe there were other contributing

industry as a whole that the systemic health of rugby in

factors sealing these entities’ fate, we cannot deny the

South Africa be improved to rid the professional game

detrimental impact Covid-19 had on both companies’

of this easy way out of financial distress.

full responsibility for their professional entity, with

financial position.

by events and/or managerial behaviours that also

NATIONAL MEN’S SEVENS COMMERCIAL PAYMENTS

result in an entity’s inability to meet its financial

South Africa’s professional rugby players have

obligations. Covid-19 might have been the final straw

an annual claim on payments for the use of their

that broke the camel’s back, but without wanting

collective commercial rights. These payments are

to sound overly harsh, we have experienced several

derived from a number of events, such as games or

liquidations of the professional entities of members of

tournaments played, sustained inclusion in national

SARU in recent years. Liquidations are not new to the

squads, and commercial appearances as requested by

South African rugby landscape.

their employers and their commercial partners. The

Still, the decision to liquidate a company is preceded

national men’s sevens side was one of the first teams The impact on professional rugby is severely

to feel the effect of Covid-19 restrictions on their

debilitating. It creates various forms of extreme

income. One manifestation was reduced commercial

hardship for individuals/employees and the people

rights payments, which they received in July 2020. A

closest to them. It may take the employee years to

number of factors contributed to these reductions,

recover from the negative financial and career impact

including tournaments being cancelled. During the

they experienced as a result of the liquidation, and

year, MyPlayers made significant operational and

salary cuts and other savings that made it possible to

complement each other, and stakeholders will also get

reimburse those sevens players with top-up payments

a holistic view of the total industry and how its different

in January 2021. In total, distributions of just more than

parts fit together to collectively produce world class

R4,3 million were paid to the national men’s sevens

performances at provincial and national level.

players for the use of their commercial rights in 2020.

COMMERCIAL PAYMENTS 2020

IMPROVED INJURY BENEFITS AND LIFE COVER

The savings incurred by the Players’ Organisation

In 2020, MyPlayers improved the general injury benefit

also meant that national and provincial players could

available to players who are unable to play due to an

receive their full commercial distributions for 2020.

injury, illness or accident. In the past, the injury benefit

While it would have been reasonable to expect

provided salary continuation for 12 to 24 months while

reduced commercial payments in line with other

injured, from the date of the incident. From 1 January 2021,

industry-wide cost saving strategies enforced by the

the minimum coverage period has been increased from

Covid-19 pandemic, diligent operational management

12 to 18 months. As an illustration, if a player got injured

negated that possibility.

during the final month of his existing contract, he would have been covered financially for at least 12 months. The

While no test matches were played in 2020, other

minimum threshold is now 18 months, allowing the player

streams of commercial revenue enabled an allocation

greater peace of mind during a prolonged rehabilitation

of R8,2 million to the Springboks. The total commercial

period or in the event of unemployment. The maximum

distribution allocated to provincial players was for

injury cover available to players has also been increased

R14,2 million. The MyPlayers Board and Players’ Trust

from R4 million to R5 million per annum.

also agreed to allocate approximately R4,5 million to the reserves of the Players’ Organisation.

In partnership with Momentum Corporate, MyPlayers introduced a completely new Life Cover benefit to our

At the time of writing, MyPlayers is also in the final

membership portfolio in 2020. A marginal premium

stages of securing a new commercial rights deal with

of R18 per month was added to players’ pension fund

SARU, and this deal – valid for the next three to five

savings for a compulsory minimum benefit of R150 000.

years – will be concluded in early 2021.

Players may voluntarily increase their monthly premium to secure up to a maximum of R4 million in a lump sum

INDUSTRY COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

payment to their elected beneficiaries in case of death.

Also, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is to be ratified by the industry in January 2021. The

COMPETITIONS

CBA traditionally regulates the terms and conditions

After 25 years of Super Rugby, SARU’s General

of employment applicable to provincial rugby players

Council decided to officially withdraw from Vodacom

and the relationship between the members of SAREO

Super Rugby with immediate effect. This decision

and SARPA. We are extremely happy about the new

was expedited by the disruptive impact of the

direction being taken with the 2021 CBA in that national

Covid-19 pandemic on the global game, and it would

and provincial conditions of employment will not be

likely have been taken once existing broadcasting

dealt with separately as in the past, but as a whole.

and competition agreements came to an end.

While provincial and national employers might have

After considering the facts and consulting with our

experienced their worlds as being apart from one other,

members, we supported the decision. It is in the

players view their provincial and national duties as

best interest of SA Rugby to compete in strong

overlapping and complementary. They might be playing

and commercially attractive markets in Europe. It

provincial rugby in one week and find themselves in

will substantially reduce the burdensome travelling

a national environment the following week. In order

demands South African Super Rugby teams were

to align the reality of the interconnectedness of both

exposed to since the inception of the tournament

worlds, the new CBA will mirror the ways in which these

in 1996. While this decision will necessitate changes

within the SANZAAR environment, New Zealand

in the domestic professional rugby environment.

and Australia have also indicated a preference for a less demanding annual traveling schedule between

The priority and increased sensitivity being applied to

SANZAAR’s four member unions. The continuation of

the wellbeing of professional athletes is encouraging.

The Rugby Championship will not only be good for our

Ultimately, our heroes are all just human, and

rugby, but will also sustain South Africa’s relationships

MyPlayers will continue to provide support and

with New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. We are

opportunities for growth on and off the field of play.

truly part of a global rugby community now.

ANNUS HORRIBILIS? An unfortunate by-product of SA Rugby’s decision was

It’s fair to say that 2020 would have looked much different

the uncertainty it introduced in the Cheetahs franchise.

if we all had more control over how it ultimately unfolded.

At this stage, we are aware of various options being

The year gave us enough professional and personal

considered to ensure that the Cheetahs will remain a

reasons to become pessimistic, but from this heap of dung

franchise in future. We strongly encourage and support

some beautiful flowers might yet emerge. Some players’

these initiatives as the Cheetahs have been a major

careers would have been prolonged by the opportunity

contributor to professional rugby in South Africa and

to adequately rest battered bodies. The South African

the world, and its importance to the elite level of the

rugby industry was nudged towards a future that will likely

game cannot be overstated.

improve its commercial standing and earning potential in a new global landscape. We were reminded of what really

MENTAL HEALTH

matters most in life and that the game we love can be

Soon after South Africa entered its national state of

taken away from us in the blink of an eye.

disaster and the resulting Covid-19 lockdown, it became apparent that rugby players were not only taking

So, what are those other factors that define who we are

financial strain, but increasingly felt mentally exhausted.

beyond rugby, and also, after rugby? What do we want

The Player Development Department immediately

our individual legacies to be during and after our playing

created opportunities to interact with players in

careers? It’s seldom in life that you get the opportunity

individual and group settings, and at the start of the

to reflect on these things. In a previous life, we lived from

Super Rugby Unlocked/Currie Cup season, introduced a

Saturday to Saturday and from spotlight to spotlight. That

longitudinal programme and study aimed at identifying

“normal” was abruptly interrupted, and as we now enter a

and supporting players who presented with symptoms

new year with some of the same challenges still lingering in

of mental health distress. Of all the decisions taken in

some areas of our lives, we are perhaps somewhat better

this year of turmoil, this programme is likely the one

prepared to navigate our way towards whatever the new

that will continue to benefit players the longest after the

normal will be. That new reality will include professional

“new normal” had dawned in our country and industry.

rugby. The industry as a whole ensured that. All is not lost. We are now battle hardened. May 2021 be an incredible

Mental health awareness and support systems are

year that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

fundamental elements of the greater player welfare conversations and interventions seen locally and

Lastly, I would like to thank David de Villiers, Isma-eel Dollie,

abroad. In 2021, we expect that player safety and

Hilana Claassens and Mandisi Tshonti in particular for the

specifically head injuries and concussion will continue

countless extra hours and effort they gave in service of the

to receive more and much needed attention. In this

players in an extremely trying year. I also want to commend

regard, we are enthusiastic about a partnership agreed

and thank the MyPlayers team. You made a seamless

to between MyPlayers and the world-renowned

transition to working remotely, gave many more hours

manufacturer of mouthguards, OPRO. Not only will

of yourselves, were available 24/7, and your attitude and

OPRO supply all professional players with custom-made

performance outputs were as impressive as always, even

mouthguards for at least the next three years, but we

if you had to work at significantly reduced salaries. It’s a

will also join hands in doing research into player safety

pleasure and honour to work with great people like you.

CHAIRMAN’S

REP O RT

FAFFA KNOETZE WHERE ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH?

OUR RESPONSE IN 2020

In 1914, World War I broke out, suspending

for MyPlayers. In last year’s chairman’s report, I

international sports for the next four years. To make

expressed the view that “More needs to be done

matters worse, the Spanish flu pandemic broke out

in 2020 to build a stronger South African rugby

in 1918 and claimed an estimated 50 million lives

ecosystem…” and I referred to various “…initiatives to

worldwide. For a number of years, the world stood still,

protect and strengthen our rugby ecosystem”. Little

but neither the war nor the Spanish flu resulted in the

did I know that the most severe attack on our rugby

end of the world, even if it might have felt that way at

ecosystem, one that was to come from the blind

the time.

side and had the potential to break it, was only a few

The year 2020 could not have been more challenging

months away. Interestingly, the rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks was born out of the ashes of the war and the

In March 2020, Covid-19 hit the rugby industry to

Spanish flu. After Germany surrendered in November

the core when all rugby matches and competitions

1918, South Africa and New Zealand were among the

were suspended and later cancelled. With revenue

Allied Nations who kept a small task force in Europe in

from match tickets, advertising, sponsorships and

the months leading up to the signing of the Treaty of

broadcasting rights in the balance, the rugby industry

Versailles in 1919, which formally ended World War I.

had no choice but to make very unpleasant decisions.

During that time, the military forces from South Africa

In many discussions, where one normally looks for win-

and New Zealand first clashed on the rugby field as

win solutions, the industry had to focus on limiting the

part of an international tournament hosted by King

losses. Salary reductions were likely the most painful

George V of England. The South African contingent

decision of them all. I want to thank and commend

then invited the New Zealand Forces team for a six-

the vast majority of South Africa’s professional rugby

week tour to South Africa on their way back home,

players for making this huge sacrifice without which

setting the stage for the first test tour between the

professional rugby would likely not have survived.

official national teams in 1921. Safeguarding the players’ employment status and Disruption presents new opportunities. Our response

security of income in the months following the period

to disruptions and setbacks is what defines us. Life

in which all tournaments were suspended, was always

would be much easier if we had full control over

the primary consideration. Yet, those conversations

how it unfolded, but that’s not how life works. With

and discussions on when to resume play were never

Covid-19 still very much a part of our lives at the

had without also factoring in the mental and physical

time of writing, we need to ask ourselves how we as

wellbeing of the players. Mentally, Prof Pieter Kruger

individuals and as an industry will respond to the most

and his team from North West University deserve a lot

devastating catastrophe in recent history and seize the

of credit for the reactive and proactive steps taken by

opportunities that may present itself.

MyPlayers to look after the players’ mental wellbeing during this challenging year. Medically, Dr Konrad von Hagen did incredible work to ensure that the

health and safety of the players were not jeopardized

and I want to express my most heartfelt sympathies.

by making them play when the risks for serious and

While life continues, that does not mean we should

career-ending injuries were still substantial.

live in denial and pretend to be unaffected by what has happened. I encourage everyone to embrace the

In retrospect, salary reductions, withdrawal from

current reality as an opportunity for personal growth

commercially lucrative competitions and prioritising

and emerge from these ashes as a constructive force

the players’ physical and mental wellbeing were all

in shaping the future. Let’s seize the opportunities that

decisions that collectively ensured the survival of the

may present themselves.

broader industry. This, in turn, puts the industry in a position to seek out and create opportunities that may

Lastly, I would like to thank the MyPlayers board

be as impactful on the fortunes of South African rugby

for their strategic direction and oversight of the

as was the case when the Boks agreed to that first tour

organisation’s affairs, our CEO, Eugene Henning,

of New Zealand in 1921.

and the rest of the MyPlayers team for the excellent work delivered under the most trying circumstances

During the latter parts of 2020, we were encouraged

during 2020. I would also like to express gratitude

to see the intent with which SA Rugby introduced

towards the player representatives who participate on

meaningful changes to the women’s game. Two

the committees of the various entities in the Players’

developments stand out. First, SA Rugby (re-)

Organisation for their valuable contributions.

contracted 19 women’s players who will be used across the fifteens and sevens codes. With the Rugby World Cup being hosted in New Zealand in 2021, it was vitally important to provide our fifteens national side with the stability and support needed to produce their best performance to date on the global stage. Furthermore, SARPA and SA Rugby concluded a ground-breaking remuneration agreement for women’s players. With the dual-code participation condition being included in the player contracts, South Africa has for the first time not only contracted women’s sevens players, but also fifteens players. Also, more benefits and an increased budget for women’s rugby were formalised in the remuneration agreement. These benefits include, for the first time, remuneration agreements specific to the World Cup, such as match fees. While there is still a lot of work to be done to improve the environment and conditions in which our women’s players can reach their full potential, we were encouraged to see SA Rugby’s commitment to growing the women’s game.

IN CLOSING Many South Africans have lost loved ones during the past year, often Covid-related. This just intensified the trauma these months have inflicted on all of us,

A WORD OF

THANKS TO THE PLAYERS It is tough to think of a year in which professional rugby players

TO OUR BENEFIT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

would have had to make greater sacrifices to the benefit of the South African rugby industry as a whole than in 2020. Your contributions

We say this year in and year out,

were unselfish and at times to your own temporary expense and

but it is because our gratitude

discomfort. Agreeing to salary reductions comes to mind first. Also,

remains sincere and steadfast

those players who were competing in the Currie Cup gave up their

– our organisation is fortunate

traditional festive and off-season. Without those sacrifices, it’s not

to have partners – both benefit

completely impossible to imagine a South Africa without professional

partners to our members, as well

rugby in the near future. You kept the boat afloat, and as your

as sponsors – who continue to

Players’ Organisation, we acknowledge those sacrifices, knowing that

enhance the service and product

this was a year that possibility pushed you to your mental limits.

offerings we can offer our players.

We want to express our gratitude to the following partners:

ABOUT US WHO WE ARE

OUR PURPOSE

MyPlayers is the players’ organisation that represents the collective interests of all the professional rugby players in

We believe rugby is more than just a game

South Africa.

OUR MISSION

The Players’ Organisation was founded in 1998 by the players

We provide player-driven solutions to

themselves when a need arose for collective representation

improve the lives of our members

during the early years of professionalism in rugby union. Today, we represent more than 500 professional rugby players. The organisation is 100% owned by the players,

OUR VALUES

who serve on various leadership structures within the organisation. These include the MyPlayers Board, Players’

RESPECT

Trust, the SARPA (labour division) Executive Committee,

For ourselves and the players we serve

and the Provincial Player Representative Group. The various

LOYALTY

leadership structures determine the vision and mission of the

We serve and work for the players

Players’ Organisation.

ACCOMMODATION Accommodate players at all cost and benefit

OUR FOCUS

to them

Protect and manage the collective intellectual property rights of the professional rugby players.

Underpins everything we are and do

INTEGRITY

Assist players with career advice and personal development opportunities, while preparing them for life outside of rugby. Provide assistance and advice to the players on all of their industrial matters. Manage and administrate the core financial services requirements of the players. Represent players on the various bodies such as the SARU Executive committee and the IRP board.

CONTACT DETAILS +27 21 887 5786

ADDRESS

info@my-players.com

MyPlayers (Pty) Ltd.

www.myplayers.co.za

Ground Floor, Table Bay Building, Tygerberg Office Park

OFFICE HOURS Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:00

163 Uys Krige Drive, Plattekloof, Cape Town, South Africa

ORGANISATIONAL

STRUCTURE

THE MYPLAYERS BOARD

FAFFA KNOETZE

EUGENE HENNING

JOHN SMIT

PAT LAMBIE

CHAIR

CEO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TEBOHO “OUPA” MOHOJÉ

ZENAY JORDAAN

SIVIWE SOYIZWAPI

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE MYPLAYERS TEAM

EUGENE HENNING

MANDISI TSHONTI

ISMA-EEL DOLLIE

HILANA CLAASSENS

MARCO BOTHA

CEO

GENERAL MANAGER:

NATIONAL PLAYER

COMMUNICATIONS

PLAYER AFFAIRS

AFFAIRS MANAGER

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

MANAGER

WELMARIE VAN DER SPUY

OFFICE MANAGER

RÉGHANA HARNEKER

DAVID DE VILLIERS

HELGA ESAU

GENERAL MANAGER:

FINANCE MANAGER

LEGAL, GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

SENIOR FINANCIAL MANAGER

AND COMPLIANCE

TRACEY CABLE

PROVINCIAL PLAYER REPRESENTATIVES

IVAN VAN ZYL

THURLOW MARSH

WILLIAM SMALL-SMITH

ROSS CRONJÉ

BLUE BULLS

BOLAND

CHEETAHS

GOLDEN LIONS

EDERIES ARENDSE

FRANCOIS KLEINHANS

JOHNY MEYER

HP SWART

GRIQUAS

PUMAS

SHARKS

LEOPARDS

IMPI VISSER

ZENAY JORDAAN

CHRIS VAN ZYL

SPRINGBOK MEN’S

SPRINGBOK WOMEN’S

WESTERN PROVINCE

SEVENS

SARPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EUGENE HENNING

LIZO GQOBOKA

CHRIS VAN ZYL

TEBOHO “OUPA” MOHOJÉ

PRESIDENT

VICE-PRESIDENT

MARVIN ORIE

FRANCOIS KLEINHANS

ZENAY JORDAAN

PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT

THOMAS DU TOIT

SIVIWE SOYIZWAPI

TRUSTEES OF THE PLAYERS’ TRUST

EUGENE HENNING

SIVIWE SOYIZWAPI

THOMAS DU TOIT

FRANS MALHERBE

OUPA MOHOJÉ

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS In 2020, MyPlayers contracted two experts during the Covid-19 pandemic to advise and represent the Players Organisation IVAN VAN ZYL

in structures and discussions that required a nuanced

ROSS CRONJÉ

understanding of their respective fields:

EXITING REPRESENTATIVES

DR KONRAD VON HAGEN

PROF PIETER KRUGER

COVID-19 MEDICAL CONSULTANT

MENTAL HEALTH AND PLAYER WELFARE CONSULTANT

BILLY DUTTON

SCHALK FERREIRA

BORDER

KINGS

JACQUES ALBERT

THATO MAVUNDLA

STEDMAN GANS

WENDAL WEHR

TERA MTEMBU

VALKE

GRIFFONS

BLITZBOKS

GRIQUAS

SHARKS

MEETING ATTENDANCE MYPLAYERS BOARD ATTENDANCES

15 APRIL

08 JULY

09 SEPT

09 DEC

Faffa Knoetze (Chairman)

Eugene Henning (CEO)

John Smit

did not attend

Teboho "Oupa" Mohojé

Zenay Jordaan

Pat Lambie

Philip Snyman (last meeting July 2020)

Siviwe Soyizwapi (appointed 1 July 2020)

did not attend

MEETING ATTENDANCE 06 MAR

07 APR

21 APR

08 16 SEP JUL

Teboho MohojĂŠ; Vice President

Wendal Wehr

did not attend

Eugene Henning

did not attend

did not attend did not attend x

Pieter-Steph duToit

did not attend

Thomas du Toit

did not attend

did not attend did not attend

Warren Whiteley (term ended 8 July)

did not attend

did not attend did not attend

Zenay Jordaan

Lizo Gqoboka

did not attend x

Philip Snyman (term ended)

did not attend

Schalk Ferreira (term ended)

SARPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ATTENDANCES Chris Van Zyl; President (Elected 8 July)

Siviwe Soyizwapi (Elected 8 July)

22 SEP

09 OCT

09 DEC

did not attend x

did not attend

did not attend x

x did not attend

did not attend

Marvin Orie

Elected to EXCO 9 December 2020

Francois Kleinhans

Elected to EXCO 9 December 2020

FINANCIAL OVERV I EW

OUR INCOME IS DERIVED FROM

REVENUE ALLOCATION

BREAKDOWN OF OPERATIONAL COSTS

Investments Financial services Licensing programmes

29% Board, finances and

administrative costs

6%* Allocated to operations

18%

Membership fees Sponsorships Collective commercial rights

Commercial

81% Distributed to the players

Legal and marketing events

8% Financial services

11%

Player Development Programme

13% Transferred to SARPA reserve fund

6% Industrial (SARPA)

*After taking into

External benefit partners

account TV reserve of R9,9 million which was

held back in prior years

Player affairs

for inflationary increases.

Brand and communications

5% 5%

2 T

COMMERCIAL DIVIS I ON

HIS DIVISION IS PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE

January 2021 to the national men’s sevens players

FOR OVERSEEING AND MANAGING THE

who had received reduced payments in July 2020

COLLECTIVE COMMERCIAL RIGHTS OF

for the use of their collective commercial rights.

THE PLAYERS.

In 2021, the new commercial deal between the Players’ Trust, SARU and other industry employers

MyPlayers oversees and manages the Players’

will be ratified for the next three- to five-year period.

Trust. The Trust secures the collective commercial rights of the professional rugby players in South Africa, and ensures that the players receive the appropriate remuneration for the use of these rights. The Players’ Organisation also ensures that the usage of rights is available for commercialisation within the industry and that external parties receive prior consent from the Players’ Trust when using these rights. In 2020, MyPlayers received roughly 45% less in revenue due to the industry-wide Covid-19 savings strategy. Through diligent operational management, cost cuts and other savings, the Players’ Organisation was still able to allocate the full commercial rights distribution to national and provincial players, including a top-up payment in

TM © Rugby

World Cup

Ltd 2015. All

rights reserved.

PRODUCT LICENSED PLAYERS OFFICIAL

THE 2020 COLLECTIVE COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO PLAYERS 527

players received payments for the use of their rights by the South African rugby industry for commercial gain NATIONAL PLAYERS was distributed between the Springboks and the Blitzboks *

R12.5m * No Test matches and fewer HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments were played in 2020, resulting in a reduction in the total amount allocated to national players. Commercial appearances accounted for the vast majority of commercial rights distribution allocations to players.

SPRINGBOKS

BLITZBOKS

TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS PAID: R8,2m

TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS PAID: R4,3m

MATCHES

TOURNAMENTS

R42 629 per player per match if part of the

R22 980 per player per tournament played

Springbok Test day team*

in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

* No Tests were played in 2020, but the Green vs.

SQUAD

Gold Showdown fixture was regarded as a Test match for commercial rights payment purposes

R90 527 per player in the senior national

APPEARANCES

squad for six months or longer

R26 074 per player for an appearance performed while in the Springbok squad (includes appearances for MyPlayers)

PROVINCIAL PLAYERS

R14.2m

was distributed to the provincial players Rugby, Guinness PRO14, Super Rugby Unlocked and

MATCHES

Currie Cup Premier Division tournaments.

* TO QUALIFY FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT

R5 769 per player per Vodacom Super

OF R1 500, A PLAYER MUST HAVE: Played in at least one Test match for the

Rugby and Guinness PRO14 match

R3 463 per player per match played in the

Springboks, OR Played at least 21 Vodacom Super Rugby or

Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup Premier

Guinness PRO14 matches during his career, OR

Division tournaments

Formed part of an official Vodacom Super

APPEARANCES

Rugby or Guinness PRO14 squad at the time of the appearance

R1 500* paid per player per commercial appearance performed during the Vodacom Super

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Each year, MyPlayers forms commercial partnerships with external third parties to develop licensing products and programmes. These programmes are made up of player products or campaigns in which the overall objective is to promote the collective interest of the players within the market. Ultimately, players receive a collective share of the royalties earned through these products and programmes.

STRONGER TOGETHER: The Springboksâ€™ Rugby World Cup Victory In Their Own Words In a year without any Test action

latter parts of 2020. The book

for the Springboks, the ecstasy

was sanctioned and licensed by

and memories of winning the

MyPlayers, SA Rugby and World

Rugby World Cup in 2019 were

Rugby. MyPlayers also contributed

still the overriding recollections in

manpower for the production of

the South African rugby psyche in

the book, with all 33 squad

2020. Matthew Pearce, SuperSport

members sharing their personal

commentator in the World Cup

memories of the tournament in

Final, along with Burnet Media,

which South Africa raised the

produced the official South African

Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.

commemorative book during the

2020 SPRINGBOK CALENDAR

SPRINGBOK POSTERS

GAMES

TAFEL LAGER GRIQUAS

James Verity-Amm

INDUSTRIAL & PLAYER

AFFAIR S D I VI SI ON INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS

THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION (SARPA) IS THE REGISTERED TRADE UNION FOR ALL THE PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS IN SOUTH AFRICA, WHICH ENABLES THIS DIVISION TO LOOK AFTER PLAYERS’ COLLECTIVE EMPLOYMENT MATTERS ON A PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL.

KEY EVENTS IN 2020 NEW SARPA PRESIDENT

These savings were to be achieved in five ways:

Chris van Zyl succeeded

1. Direct savings due to reductions in operational

Warren Whitely as president

activities (staging competitions, travel and

of SARPA.

accommodation) 2. Cuts in operational expenses across the

Van Zyl is a Currie Cupwinning lock and captain

industry 3. Reduction in distributions to provinces and

for Western Province and a senior member of the Stormers squad. He is a qualified chartered

the Players’ Trust for use of collective

accountant and a director of a consulting firm.

commercial rights 4. Introduction of financial

INDUSTRY SALARY PLAN (COVID-19)

arrangements 5. Salary reductions

The economic and human impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was persistent and severe throughout 2020. The South African rugby industry initially

At the onset of the industry’s joint

forecasted revenue reductions of between R700

effort to curb the impact of the

million and R1,2 billion. The industry stakeholders

pandemic, the collective player

– SA Rugby, the players, employers, administrative

group was one of the key

staff and the latter’s trade union – decided to

stakeholders represented in

join hands and collectively absorb these financial

the negotiations.

setbacks. Thus, the Industry Salary Plan (ISP) was formulated as one element in a larger Collective Covid Agreement (CCA).

The following decision-making meetings were held:

LIQUIDATION OF THE VALKE AND SOUTHERN KINGS

3 APRIL

Player representatives

7 APRIL

SARPA Exco, Players’ Fund

accord, the professional rugby industry was dealt two

Trustees, MyPlayers Board

further blows when it was announced that the Valke

In a year that produced enough upheaval of its own

company and Southern Kings were to be liquidated 8 APRIL

in 2020.

All professional teams (attended by 268 players)

MyPlayers publicly voiced its concern about the 9 APRIL

regularity and manner in which commercial entities

Player agents

of amateur unions are being liquidated within the 10-20 APRIL Various negotiation sessions with

South African professional rugby environment. On

SA Rugby, SAREO and SEU (Sports

all occasions, the Players’ Organisation has been in

Employees Unite)

the trenches of this seemingly normal occurrence in our domestic game, and we have seen and

21 APRIL

SARPA Exco (including player reps)

22 APRIL

Players’ Fund trustees

23 APRIL

All professional teams (attended by

the two companies’ woes, but these were likely not

286 players); Player agents

the only causal factors.

experienced the human impact this has on players who have lost their livelihoods as a direct result of the mismanagement of the professional game. To some extent, the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to

In South Africa, the amateur Union is entitled to With the support of the vast majority of players, and

solely decide whether it wishes to set-up a separate

backed by independent legal experts, MyPlayers

commercial entity to manage its commercial affairs. The

and other stakeholders collectively agreed to

union drives the process, identifies the equity partners,

proportionally equal salary reductions for all

performs the necessary due diligence and then co-

employees – players, administrative staff, and others.

manages the commercial entity with these partners. After the liquidation of such entities, a new company

These salary reductions (average adjustment of 25%)

is created with no assurances given that the amateur

were in effect until 31 December 2020. Players who

unions will do a better job at running

were earning less than R240 000 per year were

this new business than the one

exempted from any salary reductions (273

that had just been run into

players from a total professional group of

the ground. MyPlayers

717), while those who did make sacrifices

appealed to SARU to

were allowed to opt into a pension fund

review the sections

holiday, which effectively put 15% of their

of its constitution

gross salaries back into their pockets.

which allows the union to shift all the

To assist players in estimating what their

financial blame to the

reduced salaries and tax obligations

commercial entity that

would be, MyPlayers developed an ISP

was set-up and co-

Calculator, which was made available to all

managed by the union

players and their agents on the MyPlayers

without having to take

website and app. This proved to be an

any responsibility or suffer

extremely popular tool, and a reworked version

penalties for the failings of their

will be published in 2021.

commercial entities.

In the immediate aftermath of the Valke and Kings’ liquidation

Industry Collective Agreement 2021: Engaged

announcements, MyPlayers made

with SARU and SAREO to

the following services available to

complete combined CA for

all the players:

January 2021

Debt counselling assistance Support and direction with UIF submissions

Springbok Women Remuneration Agreement: Changing the 7s Remuneration Agreement to conclude a new remuneration

The provision of immediate relief for their day-to-day

agreement for women players.

household needs via the Hardship Fund of the Players’ Organisation Access to a lawyer to support players individually Letters to players’ creditors Assistance in the appointment of a liquidator (Valke)

MYPLAYERS, ALONG WITH SARU AND SAREO REVIEWED AND/OR CONCLUDED THE FOLLOWING KEY AGREEMENTS IN 2020: The Collective Bargaining Agreement 2020 (CBA) Amended CBA signed for Super Rugby Unlocked competition, and renewal or extension of player contracts until January 2021

Tokyo Olympics Bonus Agreement: Finalised in January 2021. The Collective Covid Agreement (CCA)

PLAYER AFFAIRS THIS DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BUILDING AND MAINTAINING STRONG AND PROFICIENT RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE ORGANISATION AND THE PLAYERS. IT ENDEAVOURS TO KEEP PLAYERS INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE ORGANISATION AND INDUSTRY.

2020 IN REVIEW PLAYERS ROADSHOW AND (ZOOM) VISITS

Some of these matters included: Industry Salary Savings Plan (Covid-19)

The players roadshow and visits started in February, but soon had to be moved online via Zoom due to

Return to training protocols with Dr Konrad von Hagen

restrictions on domestic travelling. Players eagerly signed in to these meetings, which in many cases were their first opportunities in weeks and even months to

Bio-bubble discussions with player leadership groups

banter with their teammates in a ‘live’ environment. During these sessions, MyPlayers engaged players on all player-related matters, giving them the opportunity

On- and off-field assistance with disciplinary hearings

to also discuss other areas of concern or interest.

THE PLAYER AGENTS WORKSHOP In November 2019, MyPlayers again hosted its annual Player Agent Workshop, which provided the accredited agents and the Agents’ Board (led by James Adams) with the opportunity to discuss the management of the player agents’ regulations and to promote the aims thereof.

information about industry changes, to raise matters

PLAYERS HAVE ACCESS TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR THE FOLLOWING:

of concern, to build relationships and to ensure that

DOPING

all the stakeholders are aligned towards the same

The annual roadshows to the different unions provided

industry objective. The Player Agent Workshop was,

the organisation with the platform to create awareness

however, not the first opportunity to comprehensively

amongst the players on doping and the negative

engage agents on a variety of topics.

consequences of testing positive.

As in the past, the workshop served as a great platform for the relevant parties to discuss and share

The organisation provides players who tested positive for Understandably, player agencies were severely

banned substances with legal representation during their

affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting

hearing as it forms part of the membership benefits.

salary reductions imposed on many players. The In 2020, 3 players were reported for doping (two were represented)

disruption of global competitions and rugby calendars also had an influence on player contracting and agents’ ability to service their clients’ needs. release clause in the Collective Covid Agreement,

ON-FIELD CITINGS AND DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

which took effect once the salary reductions did.

As part of a player’s membership benefits, MyPlayers

This created a scramble in the agency world, and

provides them with legal representation when they

MyPlayers and SAREO considered it of the utmost

face disciplinary hearings at their union or when they

importance to keep agents firmly in the loop of all

receive an on-field citing such as red or yellow cards

developments in this regard. Taking everything into

during a match

Earlier in the year, the industry included a 21-day

account, 2020 was a year of robust and meaningful In 2020, MyPlayers represented 6 players with on-field citings and 1 in an off-field

engagements between the agents and the Players’ Organisation. As a result of these engagements,

disciplinary hearing

we introduced quarterly consultations with every accredited agent on an individual basis.

MEMBERSHIP COVERAGE LEVELS For a player to receive the services and membership benefits provided by MyPlayers they need to sign up for membership of MyPlayers and SARPA through the Player Affairs division.

MYPLAYERS CURRENTLY REPRESENTS... *

* Numbers as of 1 December 2020 463 professional rugby players 351 senior players 112 development players

PLAYER

DEVELO PMEN T

HIS DIVISION LOOKS AFTER THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF ALL THE PLAYERS AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT THE VARIOUS FRANCHISES.

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME AND RESEARCH The mental health of professional rugby players

Currie Cup if the data indicated a need to do so.

is one of five pillars of the National Player

This project was geared toward providing support

Development Programme. The Covid-19 pandemic

once it became apparent that players presented

intensified the need for proactive and real-time

symptoms of mental distress.

interventions. It became apparent that a number of factors driven by the pandemic had already or had

b) MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH (MEDIUM TO

the potential to negatively affect players’ mental

LONG-TERM INTERVENTIONS)

wellbeing. There were reductions in salaries, players

The complementary leg of the overall programme

were bound to their homes and unable to train or

was to improve our understanding of mental

play. While mental health programmes would still

health in professional rugby. The objective is to

have been part of MyPlayers’ service offering to

create knowledge that would enable proactive

players in 2020, the need arose to do even more.

interventions as opposed to the reactive nature of the mental health screening process

In light of this, MyPlayers launched a two-pronged

mentioned above.

programme at the beginning of the Super Rugby Unlocked/Currie Cup season:

Hilana Claassens, MyPlayers’ National Player Development Manager, is conducting this research

a) MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING ASSESSMENTS

as part of her PhD in Health Sciences with Positive

(IMMEDIATE INTERVENTIONS)

Psychology, with the support of professors Pieter

In partnership with North West University’s Institute

and Ankebé Kruger from NWU. Rugby players

of Psychology & Wellbeing, MyPlayers created a

often symbolise a fit and healthy archetype.

programme to screen players for ill mental health

However, over recent years, research suggests that

during the Super Rugby Unlocked/Currie Cup

they are still as likely, if not more likely, to be at

tournaments. Players received a message via app

risk of experiencing symptoms of mental ill-health.

and email on Sundays providing them with mental

Although facing anxiety and stress is normal for

health questionnaires. The data was immediately

rugby players, it is of utmost importance that

processed, and players with concerning scores

players should be able to cope appropriately with

were contacted by the confidential 24/7 Wellbeing

the stress and anxiety they experience.

Hotline to offer psychological support. The objective was for NWU to be able to offer

Consequently, Claassen’s research is focussed on

immediate mental health interventions during the

growing our understanding of personality on work-

related rumination, mental ill-health and coping skills

mental ill-health and coping skills. Furthermore, it will

among South African professional rugby players. A

support MyPlayers to:

better understanding of players’ personalities has the i.

potential to improve both athletic performance and

Develop effective pro-active psychological measures to promote the early detection of,

psychological wellbeing.

and intervention for, mental health symptoms; Although MyPlayers has specific support services available to their members, the current focus to support

ii.

Create a new model of intervention and

mental health and wellbeing has mostly centred around

outline the backbone of a comprehensive

building mental health literacy or awareness of the

mental health framework to promote player

signs of mental ill-health. Although such awareness

mental health and wellbeing;

is important, it is not sufficient to address the varied mental health needs of players. The results of this study

iii.

Respond to the needs of players who are at

might develop a further understanding of the influence

risk of developing, or are already experiencing,

of personality factors on work-related rumination,

mental ill-health symptoms or disorders.

NATIONAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME In 2020, MyPlayers further enhanced its National Player Development Programme for rugby players. This programme consists of five pillars:

1. Personal Mastery 2. Career and Education 3. Vulnerabilities 4. Mental Health 5. Life Skills

Through personal mastery, MyPlayers wants to ensure that each senior player has a game plan ready for life outside of rugby.

1. PERSONAL MASTERY

One-on-one sessions were scheduled with players. Here, they drafted a personal development plan by exploring their levels of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and mindset.

ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS:

4 912

488

458

838

199

phone calls

one-on-one sessions

emails

‘Wheel of Life’ reports

conversations

(45 to 60 minutes

compiled (holistic

per player)

development)

GROUP SESSIONS (TOPICS) Finding the 1% (From Good to Great, by Dr Kirsten van Heerden and Wesley Kew)

Emotional Intelligence

2. CAREER AND EDUCATION THE MYPLAYERS 2020 BURSARY PROGRAMME The bursary programme was established in 2016. The aim is to help players develop and excel in other facets of life. By providing an opportunity for players to further their education, MyPlayers also ensured that they are equipped for life after retirement from rugby. The 2020 Recipients were: Alyssa Conley

Jaden Hendrikse

Salmaan Moerat

CAREER GUIDANCE

(Womenâ€™s Sevens;

(Sharks; Tourism

(WP; Bachelor

Players can request career

Sport and

Management)

of Business

guidance, which entails online

Conditioning)

Kwenzo Blose

Administration)

psychometric assessments.

Andisa Ntsila

(WP; LLB)

Sihle Njezula

Afterwards, they are provided

(Sharks; SAMTRAC)

Kwezi Dlamini

(WP; Business

with an integrated findings report

Athini Galada

(Blue Bulls; LLB)

Management)

about possible career paths.

(Blue Bulls; BA)

Luther Obi

Stedman Gans

Ben-Jason Dixon

(Pumas; LLB)

(Blitzboks; Higher

(WP; Industrial

Mfundo Ndhlovu

Engineering)

(Blitzboks;

Buhle Sonamzi

BCom Business

(Womenâ€™s

Management)

Sevens; Business

Mnombo Zwelendaba

Management)

(WP; Gr. 12

Chad Solomon (WP; BCom Financial Accounting)

improvement) Rewan Kruger (Cheetahs; BCom

Craig Barry

Accounting)

(Cheetahs; Digital

Rhyno Smith

Marketing)

(Cheetahs; LLB)

Certificate in Economic and Management Science) Thaakir Abraham (Sharks; Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The findings of the report are also discussed with the players individually.

38 players received career guidance in 2020

5 players were assisted in finding internships and/or jobshadowing opportunities (down

Spekahle Dube

from projected number due to

(Sharks; BCom)

Covid-19 restrictions)

Yax Penxe (Kings; BCom

52 players were assisted in

Accounting)

creating a professional CV GROUP SESSIONS:

GRADUATES: In 2020, CRAIG BARRY and ANDISA NTSILA successfully completed

certificate courses with the support of the bursary programme.

How to create a business plan Creating a LinkedIn profile Compiling a CV Goal setting: setting SMART goals MyPlayers Bursary session Wheel of Life session

3. VULNERABILITIES

4. MENTAL HEALTH

Group sessions were arranged with players

Players have access to their own 24/7 Wellbeing

to create awareness about day-to-day

Helpline. The service is conducted on an

vulnerabilities they might face. In a continuation

anonymous basis, and it gives players access to

of successful sessions held in 2019, MyPlayers

over 20 qualified psychologists around the country.

did so again during the past year. As part of the playersâ€™ MyPlayers membership a) KNOW YOUR WORLD

benefits they receive four free consultations with

The player development managers (PDMs)

psychologists to be used when they are battling

presented on the topic of understanding the

to cope with acute stress, anxiety, depression or

rugby world, the platform they have been given,

any wellbeing related issues.

as well as the opportunities and pitfalls which form part of a professional rugby career.

b) MAN ENOUGH The PDMs presented on the topic that being

Number of player referrals via the 24/7 Wellbeing Helpline in 2020

a man is being human. Through the sessions, the PDMs and players also explored traditional views on masculinity, their consequences and the effect

GROUP SESSIONS:

these views have on men.

As part of the mental-health resources MyPlayers made available to players during the Covid-19

c) ANTI-DOPING

lockdown period, Prof Pieter Kruger from NWU

The aim of these sessions, hosted by

presented six online sessions on Diffusing Anxiety.

the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport OTHER SESSIONS:

(SAIDS), was to create awareness amongst players about banned substances and the consequences of the use thereof. SAIDS

informed players about the most up-to-date list of banned substances and also the channels

through which they could seek assistance or

The Brainâ€™s CODES Stress Management/Coping

report any doping activities.

5. LIFE SKILLS Life skills sessions were facilitated and arranged with players on a senior and junior level to ensure they deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. GROUP SESSIONS:

Building your personal brand on social media Waking from the dream: Transition tips

FINANCIAL S ERV IC ES

HIS DIVISION ASSISTS AND PROVIDES INDEPENDENT ADVICE ON THE CORE GROUP FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, REVIEWS, DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE

PRODUCTS FORM PART OF THIS FUNCTION WITHIN THE ORGANISATION. MYPLAYERS FINANCIAL SERVICES HAS BEEN UP AND RUNNING SINCE 2014, AND IT HAS SHOWN TREMENDOUS GROWTH AND EXPANSION IN THE SERVICES OFFERED TO PLAYERS.

NEW LIFE COVER BENEFIT In April 2020, MyPlayers introduced a completely new product to its financial services portfolio. In partnership with Momentum Corporate, all members were enrolled for the Life Cover benefit. At the marginal monthly premium of R18, added as a booster to their pension fund savings, players’ elected beneficiaries would receive a compulsory minimum lump sum payment of R150,000 in the case of the policy holder’s death. Players can elect to contribute more (every R75 increment in their monthly premium adds R500 000 to their live cover benefit to a maximum of R4 million).

THE PLAYERS’ CORE FINANCIAL PRODUCTS FOR 2020 IN REVIEW INJURY BENEFIT Statistics:

This benefit is set up to protect the player’s income while they are unable to play rugby for a certain period

650

due to an injury, illness or accident. From 1 January 2021,

Approximate

Number of

number

serious injuries

injuries covered

of players

in 2020

through injury

Players’ full salaries will be covered up to a

covered by

(> 3 months

insurance

maximum of R5 million per year (R4 million

the injury

rehabilitation

benefit

period)

42%

Catastrophic

of all serious

rehabilitation

(career-

injuries are

period for

ending) injuries

knee injuries

p.a. before)

The injury benefit will pay out for a minimum period of 18 months (previously 12 months) from the time of the injury event/diagnosis in the event of the player not recovering within 18 months

in 2020

9,5 months Average

serious injuries

THE PLAYERS’ PENSION FUND

MEDICAL AID AND GAP COVER

The professional rugby players have their own

Every professional rugby player in South

retirement savings mechanism – the Players’ Pension

Africa must be a member of a medical aid scheme and

Fund – towards which they contribute monthly. This

have Gap cover before they are allowed to participate

fund allows the players to benefit from additional tax

in a professional rugby competition (and training).

deductions on contributions, performance reviews and

Over the years, MyPlayers has built strong

a lower investment cost structure.

relationships with various service providers and has negotiated perks such as no underwriting

Statistics:

requirements and free concessions for the players.

622

R34m

R180m

Players who

Total

Total Players’

contribute to

approximate

Pension Fund

the Players’

contribution

value as of

to Players’

October 2020

Pension Fund

As the appointed specialist advisor, Simeka Health continues to provide the players with advice on which schemes would be best

suited for them as professional rugby players

Pension Fund

and for their individual needs.

in 2020 *

Statistics:

*As a condition set in the industry’s Collective Covid Agreement, including the salary reduction

250

420

plan, players were allowed to opt into a pension

Approximate number of

Approximate number

fund holiday. Players’ minimum contribution to their

players advised in 2020

of players on GAP

pension fund savings is 15% of their gross salary.

on medical aid selection

cover in 2020

The players appointed independent investment specialist GraySwan to analyse and review the performance and cost of the Players’ Fund during 2020. Following a review of the feedback we received from the appointed advisory committee, the MyPlayers Board accepted the following:

The Players’ Pension Fund’s default investment fund was changed to the Momentum Target Factor 6 investment fund from 12 August 2020.

This advice was accepted on the strength of historic performance, improved portfolio and management diversification, as well as cost reduction considerations.

SHORT-TERM INSURANCE

FINANCIAL SECTOR CONDUCT AUTHORITY (FSCA):

Since 2019, MyPlayers has provided professional rugby players with a short-term insurance

The MyPlayers Financial Services division is an

benefit. In partnership with Santam, the short-term

authorized financial services provider with the

insurance solutions are tailored to the playersâ€™ unique

Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSP46999).

needs and requirements.

For any comments or complaints about our service, please feel free to contact us on: comments@my-players.com

Players are covered in the event of losses of personal

The FAIS Ombud may be contacted at the

belongings suffered due to:

following address:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

Burglary or theft

Kasteel Park Office Park Damage or accidents

Orange Building, 2nd Floor Cnr of Nossob and Jochemus Street

Natural disasters

Erasmuskloof, Pretoria +27 12 762 5000 / +27 12 470 9080

Players are encouraged to make use of this shortterm insurance offering by contacting Santam directly through communication channels set up specifically

+27 12 470 9097 / +27 12 348 3447 P.O. Box 74571, Lynwood Ridge, 0040 info@faisombud.co.za www.faisombud.co.za

for the use of members of MyPlayers.

COMMUNICATIONS

HE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION ENSURES EFFECTIVE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MYPLAYERS, THE PLAYERS, INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS, OTHER STAKEHOLDERS AND THE PUBLIC. IT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE ORGANISATION’S DIGITAL

COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORMS.

2020 COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW

MAGAZI SEPTE

THE RUG BY

NE MAGAZI APRIL

2020

The September magazine

MyPlayers changed its

proved to be more

approach to content

challenging. South Africa

generation for the Players’

had not hosted a live rugby

Magazine in April 2020.

match since March, and

Using the 2019 VOICE Player

the players were sucker-

Research Report as a guide

punched by anything

to identify useful topics,

relating to Covid-19 and

we asked players to write

ways of coping with it.

the content themselves

The players requested

on aspects relevant to

content that dealt with

their daily lives that are

the uncertainty that marked 2020, and we stuck

different to what they

to our commitment to provide useful reading.

, CROUCH

hips and

ions mily, relat

Making fa

BOKS, BILTONG SINESS AND BU DUANE

PLANNING E FOR LIF Y GB AFTER RU JANO VERMAAK

JK, N AND BRYA

THE ART OF THE IEW INTERVIETE R AND

POTG NG DEWALD T BECKERLI CONSTAN

rugby wo

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE BREYTON PAULSE

(contributors in brackets)

Family, relationships and rugby (William Small-Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Steven

Kitshoff, Faf de Klerk, Rümando Kok)

(Paddy Upton) SA Rugby Legends and #RugbyUnites hungerrelief initiative (Stefan Terblanche) Agent Talk: •

Career planning and personal development

Pandemic may change rugby for the better (Ronnie Cooke)

•

(Juandré Kruger, Bryan Habana, Chris van Zyl,

What agents are looking for when signing a player (James Adams)

Playing abroad (Jano Vermaak)

•

The Art of the Interview

What makes players marketable (James Adams)

•

(Dewald Potgieter, Constant Beckerling,

Covid-19: A perspective on the global game (Anthony Johnson)

Liam del Carme)

ISIXHOSA COMMEN TA GONE WILD RY - SIMNIKIWE XAB ANISA

Finding Your A-Game post Covid-19

Marco van Staden, Jano Vermaak)

SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE TOPICS:

APRIL MAGAZINE TOPICS:

“PANDEMI C MAY CHANGE GAME FOR THE BE - RONNIE COOKE TTER”

might read in other mainstream rugby media.

2020

PLAYERS’ ORGANIS ATION

PLAYERS’ MAGAZINE

N ANISATIO ERS’ ORG BY PLAY THE RUG

O! BIND, I D

MBER

Women’s Rugby (Alyssa Conley)

Grit and perseverance (Breyton Paulse)

isiXhosa nicknames in rugby (Simnikiwe Xabanisa)

COVID-19 & ISP INFORMATION PACK

MYPLAYERS APP The MyPlayers app was created

On 24 April, a day after

in 2019, and it continued to be an

professional rugby players were

Player Pack Information T h e e co nomic a nd hum th e fo re an impa seeable c t of th f u tu re , to know e COV I th i s wi ll you need D -1 9 p a S o u th Af co nti n u n d e m i c y Salary Plan: What ri c a n r u e to b e has bee | Industr g by i s n reve n u e th eCOVIDn s eve re c a s e19 a c o d if f e re re d u c ti ro s s b o , a n d fo nt . T h e o n s of b b ro a d c rd e r s a r i n d u s tr et we e n a s ti n g a nd indu y a s a wh R70 0 m nd spon s tri e s . i n d u s tr o l e a nti i ll i o n a n sorship y ’s i n co c i p ate s d R1. 2 b deals. T me. s i g n if i c i ll i o n , p h e s e co a nt ri m a ri ly ntri b u te The ind f ro m u s tr y s t b et we e n a ke 80% an – h ave holders d 9 0 % of decided – SA R u to j o i n th e g by, th hands a e p l aye n d co ll e rs, emp l oye r s a c tive ly absorb nd adm th e s e f i i n i s trativ nancial e s t af f s etb a c k s.

HOW WIL L THI S BE ACH IEV ED?

1 2 3 4 5

Direct savin gs Cuts in due to reduction Reduction in operation Intro in operation al expenses al distributions of duction financial across to Prov activities inces arra the industry ngements like staging and Players competitions, Trust for use travel and of collectiv e accommodatio commercial n rights T h e P l aye r

3 APRIL

representativ es

10-20 APRIL

7 APRIL » SARPA Exco (includ ing player reps) » Players ’ Fund Trustee » MyPlay s ers Board

Exco (includ ing player reps)

» Players

’ Fund Trustee

» All profes

COVID-

19 | Industry

resources, a means to monitor their games and appearances for commercial payment purposes, personal tax information, benefit partners and a number of other useful resources and services.

details related to the Industry

Several functions have been added throughout

Salary Plan (ISP). The information

the year for the specific use of staff members

sional teams

W ith th ed by 286 e suppo players) r t of th » Player exp e r t s agents e va s t m , M y P l aye a j o rit y r s a n d th p ro p o r ti of p l aye e oth e r o n a lly e rs, and i n d u s tr qual sa s t af f, a b a c ke d y s t a ke l a r y re d n d oth e by i n d holders u c ti o n s rs. co l l e c tive e p e n d e nt l e g fo r a ll e al m p l oye e s – p l aye ly a g re e d to rs, adm i n i s trativ e (attend

of information, personal development

about the negotiations and

23 APRIL s

players access to a consistent flow

comprehensive information

stakeholders needed to know

9 APRIL

22 APRIL

» SARPA

and its members. The app grants

MyPlayers published a

players and other industry

Salary reductions

» All profes sional teams (attended by 268 players » Player agents )

21 APRIL

» Variou

s negotiation sessions with SA Rugby, SAREO and SEU

8 APRIL

between the Players’ Organization

Collective Covid Agreement, 1

pack detailing everything

s ’ O rg a n i s ati o n a n d th e n fo r m a h a s co nti l i s ati o n n u o u s ly decisio p h a s e of n-makin co n s u lte th e i n d g m e eti d p l aye u s tr y ’s n g s we r s d u ri n j o i nt re re h e l d g th e fo scue pl : r m u l ati an. The on fo ll owi n g » Player

invaluable communications tool

informed about the industry’s

Salary Plan: What you need to know

pack was enthusiastically received

of MyPlayers, who worked remotely during the

by the industry, and it continued

Covid-19 pandemic.

to serve as a useful reference guide for players, industry leaders, reported on the industry’s plan

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORMS

of action.

MyPlayers’ main digital communications platforms

player agents, and media who

serve different needs and audiences, and the choice

F PLAYER RELIE COVID-

19 | Industr

to know you need Plan: What y Salary

Throughout 2020, MyPlayers’

of content for each depends on the overall objective

Communications division regularly

for each platform. Instagram is the main and by far

communicated with players,

the most engaging social communications platform

agents and media to bring the

dedicated to players and player-specific content.

While some players are still active on Twitter, this

most up-to-date information to those

platform is more suitable for news and industry-

individuals who were most affected by the pandemic.

related bits of information. Facebook increasingly

CONTENT SHARING AGREEMENTS

appeals to an older audience of which most are

As a means of communicating the Players’

rugby fans and not necessarily involved or deeply

Organisation’s day-to-day role in the South African

interested in the inner workings of the professional

rugby industry, MyPlayers entered into content-sharing

rugby industry. All three platforms, therefore, require

agreements with two platforms after they approached

different tones of voice and types of content,

MyPlayers to discuss the possibility.

and 2021 will be used to optimise messaging and audience relevance on the respective platforms.

RugbyRocks.com created a dedicated MyPlayers Voice page on their website, on which they publish a constant flow of publicly available information produced by MyPlayers

12 000

30 000

4 963

followers

SA Rugby Magazine asked for permission to republish content from the Players’ Magazine,

The official hashtags

and the first such articles appeared in the

#OurGameOurFuture

November edition of the magazine

#MyPlayers

7CHARITY

T HE P L AY E R S’

N 2013, THE PLAYERS IDENTIFIED THE NEED TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN REGISTERED PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION. THE PLAYERS’ CHARITY MAKES FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR CHARITABLE CAUSES ON AN ANNUAL BASIS*. MYPLAYERS MANAGES THE PLAYERS’ CHARITY ON BEHALF OF THE

PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS TO ENSURE THAT THE FUNDS ARE DONATED IN-LINE WITH THEIR MANDATE. THE CHARITY IS ALSO GOVERNED BY THE PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATIONS ACT.

* Due to Covid-19 and the cancellation of all National Youth Weeks, the Iqhawe Week was not held in 2020. In the past, the SA Rugby Legends, founders and custodians of the Iqhawe Week, selected a promising development player, who then received a full scholarship from The Players’ Charity. In 2020, no Iqhawe scholarship or contribution to the hosting of the tournament was paid.

ACTIVATIONS IN 2020 R100 000 CHARITIBALE DONATIONS MADE AS PART OF THE BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS 2019

R70 000 CHRIS BURGER PETRO JACKSON PLAYERS’ FUND The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund is a non-profit organisation. As the official charity of the Springboks, the players decided to donate R70 000 to assist seriously injured players in South Africa. In October 2020, Springbok Damian Willemse did the handover on behalf of the players. He also surprised Dano Swart with a signed rugby jersey. Dano suffered a serious injury on 7 May 2019 while playing for Hoërskool Brandwag in Uitenhage.

R10 000 SA RUGBY LEGENDS #RUGBYUNITES The South African Rugby Legends Organisation started the Rugby Unites hungerrelief movement during the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa. The Players’ Charity donated R10 000 to the cause, and took part in a massive effort to shop and drop food to severely affected regions of Cape Town. A number of professional players took part in this and other drives held throughout South Africa.

FORWARD OF THE YEAR

BACKLINE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

Pieter-Steph du Toit

Cheslin Kolbe

Pieter-Steph du Toit

R10 000

Charity:

DURBANVILLE CHILDREN’S

Charity: NEW KIDS ON

Charity: DURBANVILLE CHILDREN’S

HOME

THE BLOCK

HOME

#LOVECHANGE

BEST OFF THE BENCH

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD

Herschel Jantjies

Rosko Specman

R10 000

R50 000

Charity: SAFE HOUSE STELLENBOSCH

Charity: THE BE THE DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION

INTERNATIONAL RU GBY PL AY E R S ( I R P )

NTERNATIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS (IRP) IS THE GLOBAL REPRESENTATIVE BODY ON ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS. ITS MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENTLY MADE UP OF THE NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS FROM EACH OF SOUTH AFRICA,

ENGLAND, AUSTRALIA, IRELAND, WALES, FRANCE, AND NEW ZEALAND.

OUPA ADDS HIS WISDOM TO IRP PLAYERS’ COUNCIL

Player safety and welfare are crucial issues that must be considered in all aspects of decision-making

In 2020, Springbok flanker Teboho ‘Oupa’ Mohojé was co-opted to serve on IRP’s Players’ Council. He joins

former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers as one of

That IRP is independent and will maintain its independence of WR

two South Africans serving in this influential advisory Oupa is also a non-executive board member of

PLAYERS HANDED A SEAT AT WORLD RUGBY’S TABLES

MyPlayers and vice-president of SARPA.

In 2020, World Rugby restructured its working

structure within the international players’ organisation.

groups and committees to create a number of

IRP SEALS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH WORLD RUGBY

specialised sub-committees. Following fruitful talks

As the sole representative body of players on issues

recognition, representation and resourcing, the

of importance to the international game, IRP has for

International Players’ Organisation was awarded a

long lobbied World Rugby to fully engage IRP on all

numbers of seats at these tables, including one for

its decision-making processes so as to provide players

former Springbok winger Bryan Habana, who joins

with a voice, and ultimately, enhance the game.

SA Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, on the High

earlier in the year between IRP and WR about player

Performance Rugby Committee. After months of deliberations, IRP and WR reached such a milestone partnership agreement in 2020.

The following player representatives now serve on

Some of the principles agreed to, were:

World Rugby’s various structures:

The appointment of players to WR’s decision-

Professional Game Committee:

making committees, strategy groups and

Omar Hassanein (IRP)

working groups

Regulations Committee:

That players are central to every aspect of

David Quinlan (IRP)

the game at all levels and should (via IRP)

RWC Limited Board:

be engaged (and not just consulted) on all

Brian O’Driscoll (IRP and Ireland)

relevant discussions and projects, not only

Melodie Robinson (New Zealand)

those that relate to player safety and welfare,

HP Rugby Committee:

and the laws of the game

Conrad Smith (IRP and NZ)

Bryan Habana (South Africa)

Jamie Roberts (Wales) Rachael Burford (England)

Dr. Araba Chintoh (Canada) Sevens Strategy Group:

Dr. Sharron Flahive (IRP)

Josh Blackie (NZ)

Women’s Advisory Committee:

Sene Naoupu Anti-Doping Advisory Committee:

Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy) Kate Zackary (USA)

GLOBAL SEASON / COMPETITION REMAINS HIGH ON THE AGENDA

An upward pathway for a minimum of six Emerging Nations Southern Hemisphere nations vs. Northern Hemisphere nations Strength vs. Strength Meaningful matches (e.g. log points) Commercial appeal 48 to 52 matches being played in an eightweek window (including finals weeks) Finals week(s) in which all 16 teams compete for a final standing Winner of final between Elite-ranked nations 1 & 2 to be crowned international champion for the year

represented in three important World Rugby

PLAYER WELFARE AND HEAD INJURIES

subgroups tasked to explore a global season

In February 2020, MyPlayers was invited to attend

consisting of a meaningful annual international

World Rugby’s Player Welfare Conference in Paris.

tournament between nations.

Player safety in general and head injuries and

The subgroups are:

concussion in particular received a lot of attention.

International Rugby Players are currently

1. Player Welfare Group Key metrics considered are: travel, flight recovery,

Attendees were presented with research and findings on work that had already been done to address this contentious issue in professional rugby.

match load, squad size demands, club/country combined load, off-season leave, intermittent

Toward the end of the year, a number of current

rest weeks, international preparation, length

and former professional rugby players lodged a

of international blocks; and four year calendar

legal case against several national and international

positioning.

governing bodies. At the time of writing this report,

2. Competitions Formatting Group 3. Economic Impact Assessment Group

no South African players had indicated that they intend to join this class action. We expect that this battle will intensify in 2021, but it will not be the only conversation and interventions pertaining to concerns about players’ health as

MyPlayers foresees these

a result of head injuries in rugby.

conversations gaining substantial

A lot of work has already

momentum during 2021, and

been done, and MyPlayers is

some of the key features being

encouraged by these and

considered are:

other sincere attempts to

An international

make the game safer.

tournament/ competition consisting of 16 teams competing in two groups of eight determined by various ranking methodologies

021 887 5786 info@my-players.com www.myplayers.co.za

Design and copy editing: Kijk Design | Compiled by: MyPlayers Rugby (Pty) Ltd. | Photo supplier: Gallo Images