IRFU Becomes First Sports Organisation In Ireland To Achieve Investors In Diversity Gold
3 March 2026; In attendance at the annoucement as the IRFU becomes first sports organisation in Ireland to achieve Investors in Diversity Gold are, from left, IRFU Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Anne Marie Hughes, IRFU Director of Rugby Development Colin McEntee and IRFU HR Business Partner Sarah Fitzpatrick at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is proud to announce that it has been awarded Investors in Diversity Gold, the highest standard of accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity. This recognition positions the IRFU as the first Sports organisation in Ireland to attain Gold status, and one of only 41 organisations nationally to hold this prestigious honour.
The award acknowledges the IRFU’s sustained commitment to creating an environment where fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement are embedded across all levels of Irish rugby—from grassroots clubs to high performance teams, and throughout its administrative and organisational structures.
The independent assessment highlighted the strength, scope and ambition of the IRFU’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) efforts. In particular, assessors commended the organisation for its comprehensive EDI Action Plan, which sets out a clear roadmap for fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture across Irish rugby.
They also noted the impact of the IRFU’s long term Women’s Rugby Strategy, which outlines a strategic vision for achieving gender equity in participation, visibility and leadership. The report further recognised the IRFU’s strong governance structures that ensure EDI accountability at leadership level, as well as a robust policy framework promoting employee wellbeing and a positive, respectful organisational culture.
Assessors also praised the IRFU’s club support funding programmes, which help local teams access EDI training and development opportunities, and its partnerships with equality organisations that continue to shape policy and cultural change throughout the wider rugby landscape.
Anne Marie Hughes, IRFU Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, welcomed the achievement,
“We are incredibly proud to receive Investors in Diversity Gold. This accreditation reflects the commitment and collaboration of people across Irish rugby—players, coaches, volunteers, staff and stakeholders—who continue to help us foster a game and a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to belong.”
Aileen Bailey, IRFU Chief People Officer added, “Gold is an important milestone, but it is also a motivator. Our EDI journey is ongoing, and we will continue working with clubs, communities and partners to deliver meaningful, lasting progress for the sport.”
Caroline Cummins, Managing Director of the Irish Centre for Diversity, also congratulated the IRFU, saying,
“The Irish Rugby Football Union’s progress to Investors in Diversity Gold has been impressive. Bronze laid the foundations, Silver ensured the voice of all colleagues shaped belonging, and now the IRFU rightly celebrates achieving Gold. We look forward to supporting the next chapter of their journey.”
Investors in Diversity is Ireland’s premier accreditation to recognise progress in this vital area. The programme provides a three-tiered framework to holistically transform practices and culture for the journey of continuous improvement.
For more information visit: https://irishcentrefordiversity.ie/investors-in-diversity/