Аn update from Brett Robinson
Friends in rugby,
We have made history together!
On the field, we witnessed the very best of our sport at a truly era-defining Women’s Rugby World Cup. Off it, we agreed a new strategic direction for World Rugby. Shaped by you, for you. A redefinition of World Rugby’s purpose, ability to grow revenue and support you, our membership, and strengthen the game as a whole.
A generational moment for rugby
I am sure you will agree that the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Finals Day was a very special moment to cap a remarkable tournament. Congratulations to world champions, England, to Canada and New Zealand, our silver and bronze medallists.
In my view, it was one of the great sporting events – a Rugby World Cup that delivered on every level. It didn’t just raise the bar, it went stratospheric! It broke records, changed perceptions, and showcased the very best of our sport, our star athletes and our values.
But beyond the record-breaking numbers, what stood out most was the power of personality. This tournament showed young people everywhere that in rugby, you can be yourself. It’s a sport where individuality and diversity are celebrated, where old perceptions are challenged and overturned – a sport where everyone belongs.
My heartfelt thanks go to the World Rugby England 2025 delivery team, our delivery partners the RFU and UK Sport, the host cities, venues and volunteers. But also, a huge thank you to all of you, for your commitment and investment in the women’s game, which is firmly anchored within our new strategy.
As we look ahead to the start of a new women’s international calendar and WXV Global Series, we should ask ourselves how we carry this incredible spirit forwards – something we will discuss at our Shape of the Game conference.
Powering Rugby. Uniting the Game. Enriching Lives
Off it, we agreed a new strategic direction for World Rugby. Shaped by you, for you.
Rugby has always been more than a game. It is a sport built on values that unite players, fans, and communities worldwide. In recent years, the game has faced unprecedented challenges and exciting opportunities – from navigating a rapidly changing global landscape and the effects of Covid, to expanding accessibility, creating new formats, and embracing technology. Through it all, rugby has evolved while staying true to its roots.
Our Strategic Plan sets out our vision for the next chapter: Powering Rugby. Uniting the Game. Enriching Lives. It reflects the voices of unions, regions, players, fans, partners, and stakeholders across the globe. Together, we have defined priorities to grow participation, deepen engagement, enhance player welfare, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport at every level.
At the heart of this strategy is a clear purpose: bringing people together through iconic events, impactful investment, and strong leadership. From the global appeal of our Rugby World Cups to smart, sustainable partnerships and value-adding support for our members, we are committed to expanding rugby’s reach and impact.
Safeguarding the game’s future is equally vital. Through this plan, we will invest in player welfare, strengthen governance, champion sustainability, inclusion, and diversity, and ensure rugby remains a sport for all –- where values matter as much as victories.
This plan is ambitious because our game demands ambition. By working together as one global rugby family, we can deliver this vision and Power Rugby, Unite the Game, and Enrich Lives everywhere.
Within this, our USA Growth Markets Development Plan is all about maximising the return from the world’s biggest sports market. It is well thought-out, robust and has you at the heart, we want to unlock this potential together, with your teams, stars and expertise. Watch this space.
Stronger together
I would like to finish by saying thank you for your important contribution to shaping the strategy. As I said at the General Assembly, we are stronger when we are united. We have a robust strategy, a clear roadmap. Now we need to wrap around the plan and deliver meaningful change. I look forward to doing this in partnership with you all.
Brett