Disability Inclusion
Disability Inclusion Framework
In order to support the development of inclusive rugby and to promote opportunities for people with a disability to access the game, the IRFU aims to integrate as many players as is safe and practicable into existing rugby clubs. We also partner with disability organisations and community groups to ensure that rugby is accessible to all.
Our Aims
- Support participants with a physical, sensory, or learning disability to achieve their potential through rugby in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
- Understand the needs of different disability groups and address barriers that may prevent access to the game.
- Provide coaches, referees, and volunteers with disability-inclusive training, guidance, and resources.
- Create safe, fun, and meaningful playing opportunities for people with a disability, from grassroots to representative formats.
- Embed the principles of inclusion into coaching practice, club development, and volunteer training, ensuring rugby is open to more people across Ireland.
Key Areas for Development
- Expand the network of inclusive “hub” clubs that provide entry points to the game, particularly through Disability Tag, Mixed Ability, and Visually Impaired rugby.
- Provide clear resources and toolkits for clubs and schools setting up disability rugby programmes, helping them assess sustainability and long-term integration.
- Strengthen education and training pathways for coaches, referees, and volunteers to ensure activities are safe, enjoyable, and well-resourced.
- Develop formal partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with disability organisations, especially in the areas of sensory and learning disability.
- Promote inclusive match-day experiences and accessibility initiatives (such as sensory spaces and support teams) across the rugby landscape.
Background
A Disability Rugby Committee was first established in 2015 following demand from schools and clubs to expand inclusive opportunities. In 2017, this committee came under the umbrella of the Spirit of Rugby programme.
Since then, the IRFU has launched a range of initiatives, including the growth of Disability Tag, the establishment of Mixed Ability rugby teams, pilot projects in Visually Impaired rugby, and the development of sensory supports at match venues. In 2020, the Disability Rugby Framework was reviewed and updated, and in 2022 the role of Disability & Inclusion Officer was appointed to lead on delivery.
The Spirit of Rugby Committee continues to oversee this work, ensuring it aligns with IRFU values and the wider Spirit programme.
Contact
IRFU Disability Framework
|
AREA |
2020-2021 |
|
POLICY |
· IRFU Disability Framework agreed by Spirit Committee August 2020
· Mapping of nominated clubs in place for October 2020 · Link with Spirit theme, inclusivity to provide for club sustainability |
|
PROGRAMMES / ACTIONS |
· Consultation with clubs to assess interest and engagement for players with a disability
· Complete ‘map’ of disability hubs where disability teams can function sustainably within existing clubs and provide access across the country · Expand tag disability project to 50 clubs and identify links to suitable services, schools and related organisations · Expand Mixed Ability Rugby to from 5 to 7 clubs, 2 Leinster, 2 Munster, 2 Ulster and 1 Connacht · Signposting/Directory of Supports and Services for deaf rugby players/coaches included in resources, (link with NDCS & Chime) and create point of contact for deaf rugby for clubs · MOU with IWA formalised · Develop IRFU specific Disability inclusion training for Staff and Volunteers · Development of Disability Sub Committee in Ulster and Leinster · Update Disability section of IRFU website · Develop calendar of events for disability tag sections and mixed ability |
|
PEOPLE |
· Link Local Authorities, Sports Partnerships and public/health services to clubs
· 20 clubs complete rugby Disability Inclusion training · Disability Chair on Spirit reports on framework at Spirit Committee meetings, create provincial governance and link with rugby committees · Provide Cara Charter to Clubs in Ireland and investigate similar for clubs in NI |
| 2021/2022 |
| · Update Framework at Spirit Committee Meeting May 2022
· Update resources – ‘case study’ for clubs as model of best practice |
| · Evaluate Projects and make adjustments to disability hubs
· MOU with Deaf Sport Ireland · MOU with Vision Sport Ireland · Provide access to deaf at international and provincial matches · Promote and provide tag rugby sessions for deaf individuals · Encourage increased participation in deaf rugby in Ireland through schools’ programmes · Rules PDFs for various offerings of rugby (accessible format) with Lámh · Develop 2-hour module with Lámh – rugby specific communication for all club members and link with equivalent organisations in NI · MOU with Wooden Spoon Charity to formalise relationship with IRFU · Players with a sensory disability to participate in spring/spring rugby competitions
|
| · To partner with Cara to gather feedback from players through SI youth consultation model. Investigate similar in NI
· IRFU Development Staff to refresh disability training through staff development days and related session · To educate 200 volunteers in coaching and refereeing · To link disability resources to coach education programme through HIVE |
| 2022-2023 |
| · To investigate further formats of the game to include with other disability support organisation
· That people with a variety of disabilities can contribute to club environment, coaching, refereeing, volunteering. |
| · Contact CPI and others to investigate capacity for additional MOUs
· Investigate the possibility of a national deaf rugby team to compete at international level · Provide opportunities for players to undertake volunteer and coaching training (e.g. provide interpreters at training for deaf, tag players as coaches, etc) · Deaf Rugby teams participate in tag rugby competition (spring/ summer leagues) · Create link with university working on technology for people with a disability to open access to stadiums and related resources · Assist with IMART 2022 · Partner with Lámh to provide user guides for IMART 2022
|
| · To increase the number of females with a disability playing rugby
· IWA teams to form link with IRFU Provincial teams to raise profile of players · To educate 300 Volunteers in Coaching and refereeing
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