Beyond Rugby Highlights Social Change

As the world focuses on the elite game during the Rugby World Cup, a gathering will take place at London’s City Hall on 19th October exploring rugby’s ability to deliver social change in the toughest conditions.

Speakers and attendees at Beyond Rugby include the chief executives from the game’s governing bodies and federations: Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby; Ian Ritchie, CEO of the RFU; Mark McCafferty, CEO of Premiership Rugby; David Pond, CEO of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. They will join players including English Rugby World Cup winners Maggie Alphonsi, Lawrence Dallaglio and Will Greenwood; Great Britain Wheelchair athlete Ross Morrison plus international legends Bob Skinstad and Serge Betsen.

Those on the frontline of rugby for social change will be appearing on the same stage as the CEOs, as well as many more major governing bodies, federations and business leaders. All attendees will share experiences and the lessons they’ve learned, with a focus on getting more people of all backgrounds and abilities playing rugby. The day-long session will also explore how new technology can be the driving force for this change.

Beyond Rugby, part of the Beyond Sport Summit, will hear first-hand accounts from those who have been used rugby as a vehicle to an improved life for them and their community.

The talks and interactive workshops will explore how rugby has been used to tackle racial segregation in inner city America; improved the lives of disadvantaged urban communities in the UK; expand academic opportunities for youths and programmes to increase participation amongst the disabled community and women. Advances in digital technology and innovative partnerships with local government and governing bodies have all been key elements that have helped translate rugby’s culture and values on the pitch to make such an impact off it.

This is the third edition of Beyond Rugby, the inaugural event was held during the Beyond Sport Summit and Awards at Twickenham in 2012 and backed by the RFU, Premiership Rugby and sponsored by Canterbury.

Shane Young, co-founder, Memphis Inner City Rugby, an organisation that uses rugby to help low-income communities, said: “We have seen how rugby can take kids from the toughest areas and give them a sense of purpose and a focus. Most of them have never heard of rugby before they start yet after being involved with the game there is a marked improvement in their academic performance and behaviour. Beyond Rugby is a great chance for us to connect with like-minded influencers using the game for social change across the globe.”

Tim Griffin, CEO of Dell commented: “Rugby’s values can be incorporated in all walks of life and connecting sport and business through an initiative such as Beyond Rugby will only accentuate the shared values of this great game. This event is a significant opportunity for collaboration amongst our rugby peers; we can’t wait to get started.”

Beyond Rugby is invitation-only, for further information please email info@beyondsport.org