England Rugby launches four-year women and girls action plan

On the Rise

Last week the RFU launched the four-year women and girl’s action plan to grow the numbers that are playing the game. There are currently just over 25,000 registered to play the game and the aspiration is to double that to just over 50,000 by 2021.

There are a handful of areas that are pertinent to rugby development:

Player pool making sure we are expanding the game and allowing as many people as possible to play.

Playing opportunities looking at what opportunities that individual has once we have brought them into the game.

Player pathway is also critically important, making sure that women and girls know that there is something to aspire for to make every player the best they can be.

People sits firmly in here as well, we can’t grow and facilitate the game without the right coaches, referees, volunteers and leaders. I

It is not just about having somewhere to play anymore, it is about having the right facilities in the right places at the right time.

Perceptions to be in the same consistent tone of voice from elite to grassroots

Increase depth of activations in partnerships to grow the game.

Looking back at the growth of the women’s and girl’s game it took 10 years to grow the number from 7,500 to 15,000. That number has grown to 25,000 in just 3 years.

Steve Grainger, RFU rugby development director spoke on the plan, noting that “We are in for a rollercoaster but one that we are up for and one that is really important if we are going to grow the amount of women and girls playing our great game.”

In addition to the increased commitment to growing grassroots rugby, the action plan looks at enhancing opportunities and offering in the professional game. The successful England Women’s World Cup campaign has certainly catalysed the growth in the sport and contributed to inspiring women and girls to take up the game.

Furthermore, England Rugby’s recently introduced the new 10-club Tyrells Premier 15s league format in a bid to improve the level of domestic rugby.

“At the time of the 1991 Women’s Rugby World Cup there were around 35 English clubs with women’s sides, compared with over 300 rugby clubs now hosting women’s and girls’ teams, and girls playing in schools and clubs at age group levels,” said Deborah Griffin, RFU Council women’s and girls; representative and Board member.

 

At SNAP, we are committed to helping the women’s game grow. Our online portal helps club’s to manage their existing sponsorship deals while also being visible for potential sponsors to search and sponsor your club.

Click on the link below to join us in taking the women’s game to the next level!

https://www.snapsponsorship.com/rights-owners