• Eight-year plan pledges to drive growth and build a stronger game for all
  • Rugby community to support #BeBoldForChange campaign
  • Women’s game continuing to experience record growth 

World Rugby is celebrating International Women’s Day 2017 and its #BeBoldForChange initiative with a renewed 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.

The announcement comes in a massive year for the sport with Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 in Ireland set to inspire a new generation of girls and boys to get into rugby. Already one of the fastest growing team sports in the world, there are now more than 2.2 million women and girls playing the game around the globe, while 39 per cent of the 1.99 million Get Into Rugby participants in 2016 were female.  

The new global plan will aim to build on this record growth, with World Rugby pledging 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
  • 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.”

Some of the top women’s sevens players got behind International Women’s Day’s #BeBoldForChange campaign and World Rugby has asked the global rugby community to join the conversation, have their say and celebrate the women’s game. 

As the countdown continues to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017, the rugby community is also looking ahead to what promises to be an inspirational tournament. Tickets have gone on sale for the 9-26 August showpiece in Ireland with further information available at rwcwomens.com

Join the #IWD2017 conversation @WorldRugby on a day when the global rugby family will be #CelebratingRugby.