Representatives from 10 national unions and federations, all members of Sudamérica Rugby, took part in the successful Leading Rugby workshop in the Peru capital of Lima over three busy days of meetings and presentations.
Leading Rugby is a World Rugby development programme to inspire the leaders of unions to grow and develop the game based on best practice rugby, business and leadership.
“The workshop seeks to create an environment in which the leaders of rugby in each region can learn, explore and develop new ideas which will assist them in the running of their organisations,” explained Morgan Buckley, World Rugby General Manager for Development.
Run by Sudamérica Rugby, it followed historic meetings with their counterparts from Rugby Americas North, who also participated in the workshop with different presentations, enriching the outcome and sharing their knowledge.
While America is one continent, it is divided into two regional associations given its size – almost 18,000 kilometres separate Ushuaia, a rugby playing city on the southern tip of Argentina, from Alaska in the north. Sudamérica Rugby caters for 13 unions and federations.
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During the workshop, participants presented, learnt and strategised on issues that included:
- On and off the field: Developing an organisation from and for the game
- High Performance
- Competition
- Get Into Rugby
- Education
- Women’s rugby
- Human resources and management
- Finances
- Sponsorship
- Communication
- Legacy projects
- Competition
- Olympic Solidarity
- Development Services
Upholding rugby's values
Among the speakers were staff members from both regional associations and World Rugby, and each participating nation made a presentation on different issues.
“The standard of presentations was very high which can only help the continued individual growth of unions in Sudamérica Rugby, which in turn also helps growing the game worldwide,” said Antonio Vizintín, vice-president of Sudamérica Rugby, when closing the workshop.
“This is a game underpinned by values and we must uphold and defend them. Meetings such as this are important to continue in our search of a better sport for everyone.”
Buckley added: “We believe participants found Leading Rugby a positive experience. I was impressed with the practical ideas and excellent presentations by the unions. It has all certainly grown since our first workshop two years ago. Through Leading Rugby, World Rugby ensures we have strong, well-organised regions and unions with excellent leadership, management and rugby operations.”
The nations represented in the Leading Rugby workshop, hosted by the Peruvian Rugby Federation, were: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay and Venezuela.
World Rugby stages this workshop in partnership with every regional association once a year.