Elite rugby forum puts inclusivity at the heart of the sport
Having launched an elite rugby inclusion and diversity plan last year, the RFU, in collaboration with Premiership Rugby Ltd, Premiership Women’s Rugby and the Rugby Players Association, welcomed performance and administrative leaders from across rugby union in England to Twickenham Stadium recently.
They were there at a forum to better understand what inclusive leadership across the sporting landscape looks like, how it can be applied to rugby union, and to examine how to drive change and challenge existing ways of thinking and working.
With a determination to grow current inclusion and diversity best practice, they looked at how rugby union can consistently highlight the sport’s commitment to inclusion and ensure that high-performance environments are unlocking the full potential of athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Looking at work across other industries and organisations, they discussed inclusive leadership and the importance of engaging as many people as possible to ensure rugby union in England’s current and future viability and success, with leaders from across the sport sharing best practice and ways to do more.
Speakers from outside rugby union included Brigadier Karl Harris, who shared his experience of embedding inclusion across the British Army. Rishi Jain, Director of Impact at Liverpool FC, spoke about the creation of the Red Way, while Dan Wagner of UK Athletics spoke about the importance of building inclusive talent pathways.
Since last year’s launch of an elite-game plan, good progress has been made, with education for all men and women’s teams, as well as staff. The forum at Twickenham was acting as a launchpad for the plan’s second phase.
Coming together to better understand what inclusion can and must mean for the sport, there were panels and discussions on everyday improvement in rugby’s cultures and ultimately broadening, and diversifying the game for players, coaches, staff, and fans. The forum was focusing initially on leaders as role-models that others will follow.
Everyone accepted the need for rugby to reflect modern society and whether a CEO or player, coach, or an HR Lead, the forum agreed that all must play a vital role in setting standards and strategies which help grow rugby union.
RFU Chair, Tom Ilube, who opened the day alongside former England and London Irish wing and current rugby commentator Topsy Ojo, said: “The game is changing and ensuring we are engaging as many people as possible is an imperative for the game we have today and the game we want in the future.”
“All leaders in rugby, from CEOs to coaches and players, have a vital role to play in setting standards and developing strategies which help grow our game. Embedding inclusivity will enable this growth by creating experiences and cultures which showcase the game at its best, ultimately attracting a wider range of fans, players and leaders.”
Among the speakers were: Judith Batchelar (RPA Chair), Floyd Steadman (Saracens) Genevieve Shore (PWR Chair), Simon Massie-Taylor (PRL, CEO), Laurie Dalrymple (Harlequins), Dr Simi Pam (player, Bristol Bears), and Giselle Mather (Ealing Trailfinders).
