Premiership Rugby, in collaboration with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Premiership Women’s Rugby, and the Rugby Players Association (RPA), has launched a comprehensive Inclusion and Diversity Action Plan aimed at building inclusivity and diversity within English rugby.
Addressing Challenges and Promoting Change
The initiative was propelled by revelations from former England international Luther Burrell, who shared his experiences of racism and classism in the sport. His candid accounts highlighted the need for systemic change, prompting rugby’s governing bodies to take decisive action.
Subsequent research conducted between September and December 2022 revealed that discrimination and exclusion persist in various forms across elite rugby.
Players reported experiences of racism, a lack of belonging, and the need to assimilate, particularly among players of colour. Classism also emerged as a significant issue, affecting access and progression within the sport.
Key Components of the Action Plan
The Inclusion and Diversity Action Plan encompasses several strategic measures:
- Mandatory Training: All players, coaches, and staff at Gallagher Premiership clubs are required to undergo training sessions addressing issues of discrimination and promoting inclusive behaviours.
- Education and Awareness: The plan emphasises the importance of education in fostering understanding and empathy, aiming to create a more inclusive culture within rugby.
- Engagement with Underrepresented Groups: Efforts are being made to engage with communities that have been historically underrepresented in rugby, ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Progress will be monitored through annual reviews, with adjustments made based on outcomes and updated insights.
Community Initiatives Supporting Diversity
Beyond the elite level, Premiership Rugby has implemented community programmes to promote inclusivity:
- Project Rugby: In partnership with Gallagher and the RFU, this initiative aims to increase participation among traditionally underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities and those from ethnically diverse or low socio-economic backgrounds. Recent investments have focused on improving the diversity of women and girls playing rugby.
- HITZ Programme: This award-winning education and employability programme uses rugby’s core values to support young people not in education, employment, or training, helping them to re-engage with society.
Commitment to a More Inclusive Future
The collaborative efforts of Premiership Rugby, the RFU, Premiership Women’s Rugby, and the RPA signify a strong commitment to transforming rugby into a sport that is inclusive and welcoming to all. By addressing issues of discrimination head-on and implementing structured programmes, English rugby is taking meaningful steps towards a more equitable future.