Richard Capstick Wins Vodafone Business Gain Line Award

The Rugby Players Association (RPA) has announced Richard Capstick as the worthy recipient of this season’s second RPA Vodafone Business Gain Line Award. 

The RPA Vodafone Business Gain Line Award was created to support current and former players of the game in their off the field business ventures. 

Alongside his brothers, Capstick purchased his first restaurant business by owning the franchise rights for Fireaway Pizza, in Bridgewater. The success of this establishment has led Richard to purchase the franchise rights to two additional stores in Exeter and Taunton. The backrow forward has also worked on his personal development through networking, which has allowed him to grow the brand of his business further. He has enriched his development by networking and by taking part in a number of guest speaking opportunities to groups around the region. 

On winning the award, Capstick said: “Winning this award means a lot to me and the team at Fireaway Pizza. Growing this business alongside my rugby career is something I’ve loved to do over the last few years and to be rewarded for it is something I’m grateful for, so thank you to the RPA for this recognition.” 

Capstick’s RPA Player Development Manager, Emily Lord, said: “Richard has struck me with how driven he is within the restaurant business space. Starting in 2021, he has gone on to grow three hugely successful franchises. He was really thrown himself into the industry, especially through COVID times, and is a deserved winner of the Award.” 

Jo Wedlock, Brand Marketing and Communications Director, at Vodafone Business said: “I’d like to congratulate Richard Capstick on becoming the latest recipient of the RPA Vodafone Business Gain Line Award. It’s inspiring to hear about Richard’s entrepreneurial journey, especially with him balancing a full-time career in rugby and a successful business on the side. Richard’s dedication to growing Fireaway Pizza also underpins his determination to set himself up beyond his sporting career, and we’re looking forward to supporting him on his journey.”