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WRPA Head Office Team
Dean Sheehan - General Secretary
Nicola Pye - Sponsorship & Marketing Executive
Cara Roberts - Sports Lawyer
Dean Sheehan, General Secretary
Dean was appointed as General Secretary by the WRPA’s Executive Committee in November 2009.
Dean is a practising lawyer, holding the position of Partner in the Corporate Finance team of a leading regional firm which advises on many of the largest mergers and acquisitions in Wales and the South West.
Dean is also recognised by independent legal directories such as Chambers and the Legal 500 as Wales’ leading sports lawyer for the advice he has provided to sports organisations, associations, clubs and athletes.
The Executive Committee felt that the extensive experience of Dean and his team in dealing with significant athlete related issues such as insurance, pensions, welfare, image rights, employment and sponsorship made him the best suited candidate to bring in the changes necessary to modernise and overhaul the WRPA.
Dean has advised sports clients including the Football Association of Wales, the Sports Council, the Commonwealth Games Council, a number of Premier League and Championship football clubs during his career. Dean is also licensed by the English FA to act as a football agent and represents over 30 professional football Players in England.
Nicola Pye, Sponsorship & Marketing Executive
Nicola has been working for the WRPA for three years and is responsible for handling all sponsorship, marketing, advertising and PR activities within the association.
She gained a BA Hons degree in Business from Southampton University and has since forged a successful career in Marketing and Event Management.
Nicola is a highly skilled and experienced Commercial and Marketing Manager with a successful track record working in a number of industries including publishing, aviation and leisure.
Cara Roberts, Sports Lawyer
Cara is a Sports Lawyer and is responsible for handling legal matters that arise within the WRPA, including contract drafting and negotiations and advising on insurance, governance, sponsorship, branding and media issues.
She has provided legal advice and business support to Championship Football teams, National Governing Sports Bodies and Local Authority clients.
Cara has a background in international athletics and has represented Wales since U15 level at both Long Jump and 100m. She has been ranked number 1 in Wales and in the top 5 in the UK for both disciplines.
Cara utilises her sporting background to assist in all aspects of member liaison, and in particular player welfare issues. She is available at all times for members to contact in respect of any issues that they have in relation to legal assistance or general welfare matters.
WRPA Executive Committee & Player Representatives
Gethin Jenkins & Robin Sowden-Taylor – Cardiff Blues
Mark Jones & Rob Higgit – Llanelli Scarlets
Ashley Smith & Luke Charteris – Newport Gwent Dragons
Duncan Jones & Jonathan Thomas - Ospreys