The Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) is looking for its second new boss in a year after CEO Prataal Raj stepped down on Friday.
Raj was appointed in October last year, replacing Ross Xenos, but has opted to resign just eight months later after, to take up a role with gift card provider GiVV Technologies Australasia.
RUPA released a statement late on Friday afternoon announcing his departure, on the same day Rugby Australia met with Israel Folau over his unfair dismissal claim.
“On behalf of RUPA, we thank Prataal for the contribution he has made during his time with the organisation and wish both he and his family well in their future endeavours,” RUPA chairman Bruce Hodgkinson said.
“RUPA’s priority always has been, and will continue to be, serving our members and their interests as professional Rugby players, both during their rugby careers and as they transition and settle into the next phase of their lives.
“RUPA will now begin the formal process of appointing a new Chief Executive Officer, with these priorities at the forefront of that appointment.”
“I am incredibly proud of what the RUPA team does, and continues to do, for its players,” Prataal said.
“I will be taking up the position of CEO, GiVV Technologies Australasia, in August 2019.”
RUPA's General manager of Player Services, Toby Duncan will serve as interim CEO.
