Two years into our Rugby Development Strategy, there is plenty of progress to celebrate and a clear focus on where we need to go next.
At the heart of the strategy is a simple ambition: to create great rugby experiences for everyone involved in the game. From players and coaches to referees, volunteers, clubs and schools, the contribution of our rugby community continues to drive the growth and development of the game.
The scale of that progress is clear. We have already surpassed our overall player participation target for 2028, while strong engagement through our development network, continued growth in coaching and refereeing, and positive levels of member satisfaction all point to a healthy and active game.
But the strategy is about more than participation numbers. It is about creating the right environment for people to enjoy rugby, develop their skills and remain connected to the game.
What we have achieved
Over the first two years, we have made good progress across a number of our strategic priorities.
We have continued to grow the number of female referees and increase access to qualified coaches, while more clubs now have trained medics in place. Investment through the facilities grant programme is helping clubs improve their environments, and work is continuing to broaden the ways people can participate through non-contact formats such as T1, Tag and Touch.
There have also been important developments behind the scenes. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan has been completed, the AIL and WAIL competition review has been undertaken, and our grassroots game now has a growing digital presence through the Grassroots Instagram community.
These achievements provide a strong foundation for the second half of the strategy.
The next phase
As we look towards 2028, our focus is shifting towards the areas that can have the biggest long-term impact on the game.
A major priority will be creating stronger pathways for women and girls. We want more clubs to offer a clear journey from mini rugby through to the adult game, supported by stronger links between schools, clubs and the wider rugby community. Our development officers, visibility campaigns and the Women in Rugby Network will all have an important role to play in this work.
We also need to make greater progress on gender balance within club leadership. Clubs are at their strongest when their leadership reflects the communities they serve, and the coming seasons will see a continued focus on creating opportunities for more women to take on leadership roles.
Supporting the people who make rugby happen
Coaches and volunteers are at the centre of every positive rugby experience.
Having made strong progress in youth coaching, the next step is to extend that focus across mini and adult rugby, ensuring players have access to quality coaching throughout their rugby journey.
We also recognise that we need to do more to support and develop volunteers. Over the next two years, initiatives such as the Better Clubs Project, Welcoming Clubs Toolkit, coach coordinator training and women in leadership programmes will help clubs and volunteers build their skills, share good practice and create stronger club environments.
Building for the future
The development of a new performance plan is another important part of the next phase. Academy and pathway reviews are underway, with recommendations being implemented to strengthen the journey for players with performance ambitions.
At club level, facilities will also become a greater strategic priority. Good facilities are essential to growing participation and creating positive experiences, and a new National Facilities Strategy will provide a more coordinated approach to capital investment and support clubs in planning for the future.
Continuing the journey
The progress made so far gives us plenty to be positive about, but the next two years are about turning that progress into lasting change.
We want to see more people playing and staying in rugby, stronger pathways for women and girls, better supported coaches and volunteers, more diverse club leadership, and clubs with the facilities and capacity to meet the needs of their communities.
Ultimately, the strategy is about people. Every player taking part, every coach giving their time, every referee supporting a game and every volunteer helping their club to thrive contributes to the future of Irish rugby.
There is a lot to celebrate and there is still plenty to do. Together, we can continue to build a game that inspires people to play, connects communities and provides great rugby experiences for all.