The RFU has a focused strategic objective to drive rugby union in England to reflect the diversity of society; improving diversity of all facets of our game and continuing to create an inclusive environment for all.
Using insights gathered from across the rugby community, Sport England Active Lives and YouGov, the RFU has started to better understand where it is today compared to the wider population in terms of demographic, behavioural and attitudinal data and insight. This established what it wants to change and informed the immediate priorities for action across four key areas of the game in order to achieve this:
- Fans, Followers and Partners
- Game Play – Players, Coaches, Match Officials (professional and community game)
- Employees and Board
- Game Leadership – Volunteer leaders within Clubs, Constituent Bodies and Council
Priorities include raising awareness, educating a wide range of stakeholders and delivering critical interventions alongside refreshed policies and guidance. Annually we will monitor progress and adapt plans based on outcomes and updated insight.
Full details can be found in the RFU Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy.
OUR ACTION PLAN
The RFU’s Diversity and Inclusion Action plan runs until June 2025 with annual reviews of plan delivery and repeated research and insights gathering to determine the impact of this work and the need for future efforts.
Elite Game I&D Action Plan
In April 2023, in collaboration with PRL, RPA and PWR we launched the Elite Game I&D Action Plan to ensure Inclusion & Diversity cuts through all levels of the game. Read the plan here.
