World Rugby Unveils Latest Strategic Plan
World Rugby has unveiled a revised strategic plan, designed to support and sustain continued rugby participation and popularity growth, while protecting the sport’s integrity beyond 2020, when rugby sevens returns at the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Chairman Bill Beaumont also said he was optimistic that a resolution could be found by early 2017 to solve the long-running challenge of developing a global rugby calendar.
The updated plan sets out to exceed targets of the original strategic plan for 2009 to 2020 and follows extensive consultation with the global rugby community.
To achieve its mission, World Rugby will focus on goals within three main pillars over the next four years.
Firstly, to protect the game through driving player welfare best practice and promoting and protecting rugby, its values, spirit and ethos. Secondly, to grow the sport through increased global participation and maximising commercial values, increasing the financial sustainability of international rugby. Thirdly, to inspire by ensuring Olympic participation is successful in every way and provides strong and inspirational leadership.
The strategic plan sets out some fresh targets for 2020, including total playing numbers to sustainably reach 11 million by 2020 and Japan’s 2019 Rugby World Cup to deliver a net surplus of 60% of England’s tournament in 2015.
World Rugby said it will also seek to be recognised as a leader and pioneer in player welfare best practice, including concussion education, prevention, management and research. It also wants rugby sevens to be considered to be one of the best team events at the Olympic Games.
However, speaking at the World Rugby ConfEx 2016, the former RFU chairman conceded the challenges to form a global calendar for the sport have proved greater than he imagined when he assumed the position as chairman earlier this year.
Beaumont told The Guardian: “I came in thinking it was something I could sort our pretty quickly but I found otherwise. I’m hopeful that by early next year we’ll reach a solution but there is no easy solution.”
