News

Following the first RPA Men’s Rugby Board meeting of the 2026/27 season, the RPA is delighted to confirm that Max Lahiff has been re-elected as Chair, with Ben Spencer appointed as Vice Chair of the Men’s Rugby Board.

Lahiff will continue in the role after first being elected Chair ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Bristol Bears prop has been a long-standing member of the RPA’s Men’s Player Board and brings extensive experience from across the elite game. Since joining Bristol in 2019, he has made more than 100 appearances for the club, having previously represented Bath, London Irish and Melbourne Rebels.

Spencer, who captains Bath Rugby, steps into the Vice Chair role having been a member of the Men’s Rugby Board last season. The experienced scrum-half joined Bath in 2018 following eight seasons with Saracens and has since become a central figure at the club. An England international, Spencer brings considerable experience from both the domestic and international game to his new role representing players across the league.

The Board also welcomes several new members for the 2026/27 season, including Gus Warr of Sale Sharks, Ross Vintcent of Exeter Chiefs and Olamide Sodeke of Saracens, as well as welcoming back Emmanuel Iyogun, Joe Heyes, Lewis Ludlow and Will Evans.

At its first meeting of the new season, the Men’s Rugby Board discussed a range of issues, including brain health education, mandatory rest periods, elite game inclusion and the return-to-contact protocol.

Reflecting on his re-election as Men’s Rugby Board Chair, Max Lahiff said: “It’s a real privilege to be voted back in as Chair for another season. We’ve got a great group of players on the Board and I’m looking forward to working with Ben and the rest of the lads to make sure the players’ voice continues to be heard.”

On his new role as Vice Chair, Ben Spencer said: “I’m pleased to take on the role and support Max and the rest of the Board. It’s important that players have a strong voice in the game and I’m looking forward to playing my part.”

RPA Head of Men’s Rugby Matt Garvey added: “It’s great to have Max back as Chair and Ben stepping up as Vice Chair. They’re both hugely respected by the players and, importantly, they’re not afraid to speak up and get stuck into the conversations that matter.

“We’ve got a great mix on the Board this year, with some new faces coming in alongside players who have been involved for a while. I’d also like to thank all the reps who have stepped down after last season. They gave up their time to represent their teammates and contributed a huge amount to the Board and the work we do.

“I’m looking forward to working with this year’s group and making sure the players continue to have a strong voice in the decisions that affect them.”