Rugby – Making An Impact is the most comprehensive study into participation trends in rugby union in England. 254 ex-players, 193 people involved in rugby at all levels, and 1,708 members of the public were interviewed between January and April 2003.

THE FINDINGS

• The England team is as successful as ever and ranked No 1 in the Zurich World Rankings.
• Zurich Premiership season ticket sales are up 12% on the start of the 2002/3 season.
• Half the population has been exposed to rugby in the past 12 months through television or newspapers.
• More than one in 10 of the adult population have watched professional or amateur rugby live.
• Less than one fifth population is interested in rugby union, down from a quarter in 1996. Only rugby league, boxing and snooker have suffered a greater decline in interest.
• Just 4% of the population (aged 15+) have played rugby, either 15-a-side, or modified versions.
• The number of active rugby clubs has fallen over the past two seasons, from 1,537 to 1,480.
• Over the past five seasons, the average number of sides fielded by each active club has fallen to an average of 2.7 per club, from 2.9 in the 1997-98 season.
• Three in ten ex-amateur players would be interested in non-contact rugby to prolong their careers.
• Rugby ranks 15th among school sports and physical activities, behind dance. Only volleyball has seen a greater decline in participation since 1994.
• Since 1994, participation in rugby among primary schoolchildren has increased by 3% to 18%. Participation in rugby in secondary schools has declined by 11% to 28%.
• There are fewer adult volunteers than in 1991 and those who are volunteering are now doing so for longer - an average of 4 hours a week, compared to less than 3 hours in 1991.
• 20% of rugby volunteers spend five or fewer hours volunteering a week, 39% between six and 15 hours, and 40% 16 or more hours.
• Women’s rugby is still a minority sport but is stronger than ever, particularly in universities.
• 40% of ethnic minorities participate in sport compared with 46% of whites. Few children from ethnic minorities have the opportunity to play rugby, due in part to the fact that areas with the highest concentrations of ethnic minorities are those also poorly served by rugby facilities.
• Rugby union is not an obvious sport for those with disabilities to play but modified versions of the game are popular.

Rugby - MAKING AN IMPACT STRATEGY

These are some of the RFU’s key action points which have been developed as a result of the research:

• The RFU’s ‘IMPACT’ strategy will be the focus of all activity to increase participation.
• By the end of the 2003/4 season there will be:
• 5% increase in the number of players involved in matches each week.
• 150 clubs targeted to ensure that they are able to run additional sides.
• 5% increase in number of players involved in matches each week through player/fixture pools.
• 15% increase in the number of players involved in non-contact rugby i.e touch or tag.
• 20% increase in number of youth and adult teams with a qualified coach.
• 2,000 people qualified as a mini/midi coach/referee.
• 4,000 people qualified as a Foundation referee.
• 200 new secondary schools introduced to rugby
• 2600 club/school links established.
• 227 coaching and refereeing courses delivered for 700 teachers.
• Emerging Schools Festival for up to 40,000 young people will have taken place.
• 30% of sports colleges delivering rugby union to both boys and girls as a core sport in both curriculum and out of school hours
• 8 FE/6th Form college leagues will be operating.
• 2,000 people trained in the RFU Child Protection programme.
• 100 rugby weeks/festivals, including ‘rugby in the park’ and ‘rugby on the beach’ run in conjunction with Local Authorities.
• 28 additional social inclusion projects to 73 currently running in the RFU’s Constituent Bodies.
• 15% increase in the number of volunteers.
• 20% of clubs will have a club volunteer coordinator