Industry Shorts: World Rugby, Zwift
World Rugby has announced the launch of Activate, a new injury prevention exercise programme designed to improve movement control, strength and power to reduce any risk while playing.
Research from the University of Bath, co-led by England Rugby, has shown that if the programme is regularly implemented, the risk of concussion can be cut to 60%, while soft tissue injuries may be reduced to 40%.
Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019, which kicks off in Japan later this month, World Rugby is rolling out the new programme across unions and regional associations as part of its wider Rugby Ready programme, which aims to educate players on risks and techniques in order to reduce injuries across all levels of the sport.
Zwift has announced the appointment of two new senior directors to its esports division as the online cycling platform aims to be included as an Olympic cycling discipline.
Nina Caplin and Philippe Bourdarias have joined the brand from Red Bull Media House and World Rugby respectively, with the brand emphasising Bourdarias’ involvement in bringing Rugby Sevens into the Olympic Games from 2016 onwards as a key motivator behind the hire.
London Regatta, the mass participation kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating event taking place on the River Thames later this month, has announced Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI) as the Sustainability Partner for its inaugural 2019 event.
The event was founded by Tideway, the company building a ‘super sewer’ below London to clean up the Thames, and will feature a host of measures to promote sustainability such as providing no single use plastic bottles, using branding materials made from only 100% recyclable material and giving out only compostable cups, cutlery and paper straws.
European Leagues, an association representing football clubs in 29 countries across Europe, has announced a set of ‘principles’ aimed at reforming European club competitions post-2024.
The leagues have put forward proposals to “protect domestic leagues, increase participation” and ensure “fairer financial distribution”. European Leagues has also launched a website, SupportYourLeague.com, in order to support its campaign.
