Jenny Maxwell welcomes new partnership to enhance athlete support through Level 2 course

Leicester Tigers scrum-half Jenny Maxwell has today welcomed a new partnership between Premiership Women's Rugby, The Rugby Players Association (RPA) and TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) to deliver the Understanding an Athlete’s Lifestyle Level 2 Course.

This initiative, funded by PWR and facilitated by the RPA, provides continued development opportunities for staff and players across the domestic league, deepening the understanding of the challenges and pressures elite rugby players face. Drawing on the RPA’s extensive experience in player development, the course equips participants with specialist knowledge and insights to enhance the holistic care and support available to female athletes in PWR.

The cohort for this course comprised both players and key support staff, including team managers, physiotherapists, psychologists, and performance lifestyle practitioners. The course facilitated valuable discussions, reinforced best practices, and provided actionable insights for enhancing the holistic care of female elite rugby players in PWR.

Jenny Maxwell, Scotland international and current Leicester Tigers Women player, said: “Taking part in the Understanding an Athlete’s Lifestyle course was a great experience. It sparked valuable discussions with a diverse range of staff across the women’s game and reinforced the vital role of personal development and performance lifestyle support in women's rugby. Holistic care empowers athletes to thrive both on and off the field. By recognising the unique nuances of the women’s game, we can continue progressing towards professionalism, ensuring players are supported in their journey both as athletes and individuals.”

Amy Walmsley, League Operations Manager at PWR, said: “Player Welfare remains at the forefront for PWR, but we recognise the primary delivery in this area is done by the clubs therefore anything we can do, alongside our key stakeholders such as the RPA, to provide support for clubs is key. PWR is pleased to have worked with the RPA to facilitate this course, and particular thanks to TASS for delivering the course specifically for PWR club staff and players.”

Andrew Groves, Sale Sharks Academy Coach and Performance Lifestyle Officer, said: “The TASS Level 2 Performance Lifestyle Course provided me with a great opportunity to link up with other professionals in the PWR space, creating diverse and valuable insights into how we can best support female athletes in the professional game. The course leaders signposted us to key research and developments which can inform our practice and support of modern professional athletes. I would definitely recommend the course to any current or aspiring performance lifestyle practitioner.”

Rachael Burford, Head of Women's Rugby at the RPA, said: “The RPA is proud to have facilitated this course, bringing together players and staff from across the PWR to enhance the holistic support available in women’s rugby. In what is a pivotal year for the women’s game, it was great to contribute to this, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful progress for the sport. Providing training and support to enhance player welfare is absolutely essential, and the RPA is delighted to lead the way in delivering these opportunities.”

Emma Brannan, TASS Strategic Lead for Learning said: “TASS is excited to partner with the RPA and PWR to prioritise this crucial aspect of player development. Through this qualification, our goal is to empower those working with players to create environments that support athletes in balancing their sporting aspirations with their personal career development.”

ENDS