The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has secured more than £7m (US$10.6m, €10m) in funding which will be ploughed into welfare, education and personal development programmes for its members.

The five-year deal, which was struck with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL) and industry stakeholders, will go towards developing initiatives for the RPA’s 650 members as well as 350 former members.

Talking at today’s Rugby Expo event at Twickenham, RPA Group chief executive Damian Hopley, said the deal “provides great certainty to us as an organisation, and indeed the players”.

As part of the deal, the RPA has negotiated an enhanced Standard Contract, providing greater financial protection for players.

Hopley said the RPA had developed a reputation as “one of Europe’s most progressive player associations” over its 17-years of existence, and now the deal was done it could concentrate on delivering “world-class programmes” to support players off the field.

“We want to create better support, better players, and ultimately a better game,” he added.

Christian Day, RPA chair and Northampton Saints player, said the move heralded a “landmark day”.

Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty added: “Continued investment by the clubs in all aspects of welfare for their players is fundamental to the long-term strength and vibrancy of the English professional game.”