Exclusive: New RPA Commercial Director Nick Byrom Looking to ‘Stand Out.’

The new Commercial Director of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has spoken exclusively to iSportconnect about the challenges he faces in his new role.

The RPA announced that Nick Byrom had taken over from Alex Anderson who had departed his role as Commercial Manager earlier in the month.

Speaking to iSportconnect about the challenges he faces, generic Byrom said: “The events and sponsorship marketplace is already quite crowded and in difficult economic times it is really important to make the events and partnership opportunities stand out and offer good value for clients. That is what we will look to achieve.

Byrom’s previous work experience included roles at Wembley Stadium, symptoms IMG Hospitality, Thomas Cook and experience in rugby travel and hospitality.

And the new employee said that his previous roles will come into play at the RPA: “Our Commercial Partnerships are usually a mix of Sponsorship rights and Hospitality opportunities at RPA events. I’ve worked in each of these areas so the key thing is to make this balance work for the client.

“Also the Players are keen to get involved in business opportunities, networking events and charity work and this involvement of the players in the run up to a Rugby World Cup in England in 2015 can create some really interesting commercial opportunities.

On his appointment, Byrom said that he was “delighted to join the RPA,” and that he would work to “introduce some innovative events and opportunities.”

Taking this one step further, Byrom added: “We have the RPA Players’ Lounge at Twickenham on International days, the RPA Rugby Open at Walton Heath and the Computacenter awards dinner each May.

“We will have a bigger range of events for 2013 and also some outstanding networking opportunities for our commercial partners and RPA Business Club members. Watch this space!”

Byrom begins his role at the RPA immediately, after Anderson announced his intentions to leave earlier in the summer. Anderson had been with the RPA since 2000.

To have your say on what challenges Nick faces and the future of the RPA, visit our discussion thread http://bit.ly/OaZd76