Two Independent Non-Executive Directors join IRPA board

International Rugby Players Association (IRPA), the global representative body for professional rugby players, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Independent Non-Executive Directors to its Board: Philip Jennings and Joanna Thompson de Colonges.

Philip Jennings brings decades of experience in the international trade union movement, having held senior leadership roles representing workers across multiple sectors worldwide. A founder of UniGlobal Union and the World Players Association, his extensive background in collective representation, governance, human rights in sport and advocacy will strengthen IRPA’s mission to protect and advance the rights and welfare of professional rugby players globally.

Joanna Thompson de Colonges has worked in finance and asset management in London, Paris and New York for over 30 years and has been a pioneer in the area of Women in Business, sitting on the Global Council of 100 Women in Finance, as well as co-founding and chairing the Paris Committee for ten years and co-founding the group in Dublin in 2017. Joanna joins the Board with significant expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and strategic financial oversight. Her experience across complex financial environments will support IRPA’s continued focus on growth, transparency, and robust governance.

Commenting on the appointments, IRPA Chairperson Sharron Flahive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Philip and Joanna to the Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors. Their combined experience in representation, governance, and financial stewardship will add valuable perspective and strengthen our ability to serve players around the world. These appointments reflect our commitment to the highest standards of governance and to ensuring the player voice remains at the heart of global rugby.”

Philip Jennings said: “I am honoured to join the Board of IRPA at a time when the role of player representation and welfare is more important than ever. Players need to build power and influence and make sure they have capacity and ability to negotiate everything from their economic security, to player welfare to the future of the game. I believe that basic global labour standards should apply to our sport and look forward to growing number of collective agreements that we have in place around the world.”

Joanna Thompson DeColonges said: “IRPA plays a vital role in the men’s and women’s professional game, and I am looking forward to bringing my financial and governance experience to support the game and IRPA in the future, and help ensure the organisation continues to operate with strong oversight and long-term sustainability. In particular, I am excited to be joining the board at such an exciting time for womens’ rugby. As professional rugby continues to grow, it faces new challenges and so we need a strong player voice to ensure it develops with its most important stakeholder at the centre of the decision-making process.”

The appointments take effect immediately and they will join fellow board members Sharron Flahive (Chair) Rob Nichol, Rob Kearney, Malik Hamadache, Hale T.Pole, Melodie Robinson, Simon Keogh and Ken Owens.