About the Research

Commissioned by Women of Union and conducted by the Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society, this landmark study explores the roles, experiences, and challenges of women working in and around rugby union. With over 215 survey responses and in-depth interviews with senior leaders, the research provides a rich understanding of the current landscape and offers actionable recommendations to drive meaningful change.

Key Findings

  • Women are employed across diverse roles in rugby including coaching, development, media, finance, and operations.

  • 85% of participants remain optimistic about the future for women in rugby.

  • 92% believe more must be done to improve opportunities for women.

  • Challenges include gender stereotyping, lack of resources, family constraints, and cultural barriers.

  • Women from Black and Global Majority backgrounds face additional systemic inequalities in employment and visibility.

Recommendations for Change

1. Employment & Professional Development

  • Map career pathways for women in rugby to identify entry, progression, and exit points.

  • Create transparent recruitment processes and reduce reliance on informal networks.

  • Develop bespoke CPD programmes that include leadership and interpersonal skills.

  • Promote flexible, family-friendly work practices and enforce anti-discrimination policies.

2. Building Supportive Networks

  • Move beyond mentoring to sponsorship models that actively promote women leaders.

  • Facilitate networking opportunities across clubs, regions, and industries.

  • Encourage male allyship and collaborative advocacy for gender equity.

3. Sharing Knowledge & Increasing Visibility

  • Enhance data collection on women’s roles and career progression.

  • Raise awareness of entry points into rugby careers and required skills.

  • Showcase women’s stories and achievements through media and storytelling.

  • Create platforms for cross-club and cross-sport knowledge exchange.

4. Driving Cultural Change

  • Develop a strategic gender equity roadmap with measurable targets.

  • Challenge stereotypes through leadership programmes and inclusive narratives.

  • Advocate for investment in women’s rugby, improved facilities, and working conditions.

  • Engage the entire rugby ecosystem—including men, governing bodies, and sponsors—in creating inclusive environments.