IWD: Worldwide consultation on game’s future

In a statement issued to coincide with International Women’s Day 2017, World Rugby has announced a renewal its “commitment to further the profile, development, sustainability and success of the women’s game.

“Under the guidance of the Women’s Advisory Committee, World Rugby will commence an unprecedented and comprehensive consultation process with players, fans, unions, regional associations, commercial and broadcast partners. Designed to capture the needs of a game that continues to experience record growth, it will lead to a dynamic 2017-2025 plan for women’s rugby.”

We have already seenrecord crowdsattending games in the current Six Nations, with games have been made available on TV and live stream for the first time.

All this is contributing to women’s rugby being one of the fastest growing team sports in the world. As we reported last year, there has been amassive rise in female player registrationsin recent years – and that growth is forecast to continue on the back of the Olympics, this year’s World Cup in Ireland, and the worldwide “Get Into Rugby” campaign where 39 per cent of the 1.99 million participants in 2016 were female.

World Rugby’s new global plan will aim to build on this growth, as the pledge to: “work with the rugby community to: Increase participation through sustainable development; Build high performance through quality competition; Drive inspirational leadership and inclusive governance; Build an impactful profile, breaking down barriers; and Grow audience and investment “

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “International Women’s Day 2017 is urging people to be bold for change and we are determined to ensure rugby provides women with opportunities to get involved at all levels of the game, while continuing to be one of the fastest growing team sports for women and girls.

“We are committed to working with the rugby community to develop a bold eight year plan that identifies opportunities on and off the field, addresses challenges and builds a better, stronger game for all.”

World Rugby General Manager, Women’s Rugby, Katie Sadleir said: “A strong game needs strong female participation and in order to achieve that, we must be bold for change and ensure that we are delivering opportunities in the playground, the podium and the boardroom to build a relevant, fun, exciting and sustainable game.

“The women’s plan does not just intend to build upon the successful foundations of the 2011-16 strategic plan, but eliminate barriers ensuring rugby is a progressive, modern, attractive, dynamic and inclusive sport played by girls and women, men and boys around the world.  It is critical that globally we are innovative,  bold and  prepared to act on the collective needs of the game and a whole new generation of players and fans.”