The RPA Benevolent Fund, The Players' Charity was established in 2001 (as the PRA Benevolent Fund) to provide financial support for players who have been forced to retire from the game due to serious injury or illness, and support players' families in the event of their untimely death.

Previous recipients include the Nick Duncombe Memorial Trust set up in memory of the Harlequins & England scrum half who passed away in 2003, Sale Sharks Andy Blyth, London Irish full back Jarrod Cunningham who passed away in 2007 from Motor Neurones aged just 39, former England and Bristol full back Alastair Hignell and, most notably, Leicester and England's U-21 prop Matt Hampson, who suffered a serious neck injury in 2005.

As an increasing number of players suffer career ending injury, it is imperative that the Benevolent Fund continues to grow. Through the generous support of businesses, rugby supporters and the players themselves, the RPA Benevolent Fund has been able to raise thousands of pounds each year to help players and their families who are in need.