Grassroots Efforts for Women’s Rugby
As a seasoned rugby professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in driving the growth and empowerment of women’s rugby. At the heart of this movement is ChildFund Rugby’s Grassroots to Global series, which has been instrumental in elevating female leaders and expanding participation across the globe.
The Grassroots to Global Forums bring together 30-35 emerging female rugby leaders from communities around the world, selected by their respective national unions. These forums provide a powerful platform for coaches, players, and administrators to connect, exchange ideas, and create action plans for enhancing gender inclusion within their rugby communities. Participants engage in invaluable Leadership Journey Mapping exercises, enabling them to identify the key drivers and barriers they face in their rugby leadership roles.
“Grassroots to Global shows what’s possible when we empower girls and women in rugby,” says ChildFund Rugby’s Deputy Director, Megan Knight. “The initiative reveals both the challenges they face – from financial barriers to discrimination – and what keeps them engaged: especially the vital role of female coaches and community role models.”
One of the key findings from the Grassroots to Global series was the critical importance of female coaches in increasing female participation in rugby. In response, the 2025 series has placed a strong emphasis on expanding coaching opportunities for women at the grassroots level. This is where the partnership with Gallagher’s High Performance Academy (GHPA) comes into play.
The GHPA is a global development and leadership program that is enhancing the prominence of female coaches and increasing the competitiveness of the women’s game as we approach the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Through the collaboration with ChildFund Rugby, the GHPA has been delivering specialized coaching masterclasses to emerging female leaders in community rugby, aged 16-30 years, across Canada and soon, the world.
“By providing a platform for female coaches to thrive, the GHPA is contributing to the advancement of women in rugby and setting the stage for a more diverse future in the sport on the international stage and at the grassroots level,” says Gallagher’s Chief Marketing Officer, Christopher Mead.
Legal Frameworks Enabling Women’s Rugby
Alongside the grassroots initiatives, the governance and legal frameworks that support women’s rugby have also been crucial in driving increased participation and empowerment. World Rugby, the global governing body for the sport, has been at the forefront of this effort, working closely with its member unions to ensure inclusive and equitable policies are in place.
“To grow the game of rugby, we need more women in leadership roles both on and off the pitch,” says World Rugby’s Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox. “It’s great to have ChildFund Rugby and Gallagher onboard who share a common goal to recruit more girls and women into coaching from the grassroots community level right the way through to the elite end of the game, through training, coaching, and mentoring.”
The legal and regulatory environments within which rugby operates play a pivotal role in creating the conditions for women’s rugby to thrive. From player safety and welfare policies to governance structures that prioritize gender equity, the sport’s governing bodies have been instrumental in fostering an inclusive and supportive ecosystem.
Participation Trends in Women’s Rugby
The impact of these grassroots initiatives and evolving legal frameworks is reflected in the remarkable growth and participation trends we’ve witnessed in women’s rugby in recent years. Across the globe, more girls and women are discovering the joy and empowerment of the sport, shattering long-held stereotypes and barriers.
“Since launching, the Grassroots to Global leaders from around the world have continued to inspire and engage new players with successes including Cambodia, forming its first women’s rugby clubs, and the sport expanding into new parts of Brazil,” shares Knight.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to be held in England, will be a powerful testament to the sport’s rising prominence. For the first time, the tournament will feature 16 teams, a significant expansion from the previous 12-team format. This growth is a clear indication of the increasing popularity and participation of women in the sport.
The Role of Stakeholders in Women’s Rugby
The success of women’s rugby can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of a diverse range of stakeholders, from governing bodies and national associations to community organizers and passionate advocates. By aligning their strategies and leveraging their respective strengths, these stakeholders have created a synergistic ecosystem that empowers women and drives sustainable growth.
World Rugby, for instance, has been a driving force in this endeavor, partnering with ChildFund Rugby as the Global Social Impact Partner for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. This strategic alliance has enabled the amplification of grassroots initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of the sport reach communities at the local level.
“It’s fantastic to see ChildFund Rugby’s Grassroots to Global series announce over 30 more forums as we enter this crucial period in the lead up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025,” says Horrox. “To grow the game of rugby, we need more women in leadership roles both on and off the pitch.”
Empowering Women through Rugby
The transformative power of rugby extends far beyond the playing field, as the sport has become a catalyst for empowering women in myriad ways. Through participation in rugby, women and girls develop invaluable skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience, which empower them to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
“Sport contributes to well-being regardless of age, gender or ethnicity,” affirms the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace. “It is enjoyed by all, and its reach is unrivalled.”
The Diyar Consortium project in Palestine is a prime example of how rugby can foster gender equality and empower women. The project established a sports center that provided women with opportunities to participate in the sport, learn transferable skills, and gain knowledge for employment. The Diyar Women Soccer Team went on to become one of the top national teams in Palestine, inspiring younger generations and challenging societal norms.
The Future of Women’s Rugby
As we look to the future, the landscape of women’s rugby is brimming with promise and potential. With the continued support of governing bodies, the expansion of grassroots initiatives, and the unwavering commitment of stakeholders, the sport is poised to reach new heights of participation, visibility, and empowerment.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will serve as a pivotal moment, showcasing the remarkable progress and inspiring the next generation of players, coaches, and leaders. Grassroots to Global and the Gallagher High Performance Academy will continue to nurture female talent and create pathways for women to thrive in rugby at all levels.
As a seasoned rugby professional, I am truly excited to witness the ongoing transformation of the sport, where women’s empowerment takes center stage. Together, we will continue to break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and inspire girls and women around the world to embrace the transformative power of rugby.
The future of women’s rugby is bright, and Aberdeenshire RFC is proud to be part of this momentous journey. We invite you to join us in championing the empowerment of women in our sport and beyond.