Since January 2019, Rugby League Cares has had full responsibility for delivering player welfare to the professional and semi-professional game.
The charity works closely with the dedicated Player Welfare Managers at Super League and Championships clubs, the RFL and Super League (Europe) to protect and nurture the health and wellbeing of players.
Professional athletes face unique pressures and expectations and when things go wrong it can be difficult for players to know where to turn.
RL Cares is here for them in lots of ways, offering practical advice and signposting players in the direction of the experts who have the skills, experience and know-how to help them.
We have a dedicated player welfare team led by former Scotland RL coach Steve McCormack and featuring two retired international players, Keith Senior and Francis Stephenson, alongside Wellbeing and Special Projects Manager Steve Hardisty, and Dave Kirk, a professional psychotherapist.
From medical and legal advice to counselling and family support, players now have access to a range of services via RL Cares, which treats every case sensitively and in total confidence.
If you are a current player who needs help with a specific issue, please contact your Player Welfare Manager in the first instance, if possible; if for any reason you would prefer not to speak to your PWM, please get in touch with us and we will work with you.
RL Cares is aware that players can encounter difficult issues once they retire: if you are a former player who needs help or advice, please get in touch with us. We may be able to help and anything you discuss with us and we will respect your privacy at all times.
Click here to get in touch with Rugby League Cares Player Welfare Programme.