ARA engage 4th Dimension for leadership role

The ARA is the representative body and collective voice of the individuals and companies engaged in the representation of professional Rugby Union players in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a non-profit unincorporated trade body, governed by its members under a constitution, and is the only organisation responsible for the representation of rugby agents in the UK and Ireland.

As part of the new appointment, former Wasps and London Welsh CEO and 4th Dimension director Tony Copsey will act as interim CEO and lead the strategic review of the ARA with a focus on the development of the association, existing governance and registration issues and will be looking at how the ARA can work more closely with existing stakeholders within the game.

On the appointment of 4th Dimension, Mark Spoors, chairman of ARA, said: “We are delighted to have engaged the services of Tony Copsey to support the positive development of the association. The ARA was formed just over five years ago, and we now face a period of crucial change in the governance of rugby agents and the development of our trade body.

As an association, we are focused on raising the standards of agents in the UK and Ireland and making sure they are all represented and have a voice. Tony has a wealth of knowledge of the sport, and we welcome him as the new interim CEO and look forward to working with him and the wider team at 4th Dimension.”

On his appointment, Tony Copsey said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the board and the members of the ARA. The association has done an excellent job of establishing itself within the rugby fraternity since its launch, and as the collective voice of all British and Irish rugby agents has a big role to play in shaping the regulatory future of the industry. The review will define a clear strategy for the ARA as the association develops and ensure it continues to play a central role in all future matters that affect the industry and its members.”