Sep 25, 2025
In a landmark collaboration, the Global Rugby Players Foundation (GRPF) proudly announces an exciting new global partnership with HSBC. This strategic alliance is forged from a shared commitment to champion the personal and professional development of current and former rugby players worldwide, empowering them to thrive both on and off the field. HSBC has been a long-standing and trusted partner in rugby for over 25 years. This partnership is the latest demonstration of their commitment to long-term support of rugby players beyond the game.
This partnership marks a significant stride forward in the collective mission to provide unparalleled support to players as they navigate the often-complex transition into life after rugby. By leveraging their unique international network and expertise, HSBC will support GRPF in helping rugby players all over the world pursue their next opportunity. Whether it's guiding players through the exploration of new career paths, assisting them in building their own successful businesses, or simply helping them manage their financial health, this comprehensive collaboration is meticulously designed to meet players at every stage of their journey and equip them for future success.
In addition, HSBC UK will also support players with their international banking needs, recognising the global nature of the game and the movement of players across borders. Drawing on HSBC’s international heritage and position as a leading global bank, the partnership will help players manage their financial lives wherever their careers take them. This includes access to the relaunched HSBC Premier service, designed to support players’ banking needs as they transition between countries and stages of life.
Sara Heath, CEO at GRPF, expressed her enthusiasm about the alliance: "We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with HSBC. This partnership will dramatically amplify the crucial work we are already doing and enable us to reach a broader spectrum of players in more locations globally, providing them with resources that genuinely make a profound difference in their lives."
Andrea de Vincentiis, Global Head of Brand Partnerships, HSBC, said: “HSBC has proudly supported rugby for more than 25 years, and this partnership is the next step in that journey. With our international heritage and global network, we are uniquely placed to help players as they transition beyond the game, whether moving across borders, starting a new career or planning for their future. Through services like the relaunched HSBC Premier, we can support players’ banking needs wherever life takes them.”
In alignment with this ground-breaking partnership, GRPF will add five brand-new online learning modules to its acclaimed "Beyond the Game" learning platform. These modules will be specifically focused on cultivating robust financial health, acknowledging that managing finances after leaving the game can often present a daunting challenge for many former players. These thoughtfully designed modules aim to arm players with the fundamental knowledge and essential tools they need to ensure their long-term financial well-being. Please note that these courses will be available to players from the UK and Ireland initially, with ambition to expand to more countries.
The partnership will be announced at a GRPF-hosted dinner attended by Chairman George Gregan and a number of the Foundation’s Founders including two-time Rugby World Cup winner Dan Carter, Alicia Lucas, Conrad Smith and Rachael Burford. “It’s fantastic to partner with HSBC, a stalwart supporter of the game for over 25 years” says Gregan, “Their commitment to the sport and the players within it is clearly demonstrated by this partnership and I’m very excited to see what we can achieve together.”
At the very core of this impactful partnership lies a powerful, shared belief: that rugby players are far more than just athletes. They are inherently leaders, dedicated learners, innovative entrepreneurs, and formidable change-makers. Together, GRPF and HSBC are dedicated to constructing dynamic and diverse pathways that mirror the incredible versatility and resilience of the players themselves.
