Irish rugby clubs are being offered a fresh opportunity to become stronger community health hubs, with applications now open for the IRFU Clubs Walking Track Upgrade Fund 2027. The initiative aims to improve access to safe, inclusive spaces for walking and physical activity across the 26 counties affiliated with the IRFU’s provinces.
Delivered by the IRFU in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the fund is designed to help clubs welcome more people through their gates—not only players and members, but also residents who may face barriers to exercise in their local area.
What the IRFU walking track fund will support
The 2027 fund is primarily focused on upgrading existing walking facilities rather than building entirely new tracks. Support may be available for projects that make club grounds safer, more accessible and more useful throughout the year.
Examples of eligible improvements include:
- Resurfacing existing walking tracks
- Adding hardcore surfaces to grass tracks
- Improving lighting for safer use during darker months
- Making routes more suitable for wheelchair users and buggies
- Improving access for people with mobility restrictions
A limited amount of funding will also be available to clubs that have already received grant support and wish to apply through the same process.
Community access is central to the scheme
Inclusivity is a key part of the programme. The IRFU wants clubs to act as welcoming local resources that contribute to physical activity, health and wellbeing beyond the traditional rugby audience.
Applications are likely to receive priority where clubs can demonstrate a clear local need. This could include providing a safe, traffic-free walking route in a rural area without footpaths or street lighting, or creating a manageable surface for people who cannot comfortably use uneven ground.
Clubs that can show strong links with local community organisations may also be well placed. Potential partners include men’s sheds, groups supporting inactive women and girls, and organisations working with local ethnic communities.
Funding of up to €20,000
Successful clubs may receive funding in allocations ranging from €10,000 to €20,000, depending on the scale of the proposed work and the expected benefit to the surrounding community. The process will be competitive, with applications assessed against a number of criteria before the successful clubs are announced by the Department of Health and the IRFU.
The scheme adds to the growing role of rugby clubs in Ireland’s community sports landscape. For many towns and villages, club grounds are among the few accessible spaces capable of supporting regular activity for people of different ages and abilities.
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Important dates for clubs
Applications opened on 22 September 2026 and will remain open until 16 October 2026. Funding decisions are expected to be announced by the end of 2026, allowing successful clubs to plan improvement work during 2027.
Clubs considering an application should set out the condition of their current track, explain who will benefit and provide clear evidence of local demand. Showing how a project will improve year-round access, safety and inclusion will be important in a competitive process.
How to apply
Affiliated clubs can complete the online application form for the 2027 fund through the IRFU. Questions about the process can be directed to IRFU Health and Wellbeing Co-Ordinator Meadhbh Lewis at meadhbh.lewis@irfu.ie.
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Why this matters for Irish rugby clubs
The fund gives clubs a practical route to expand their contribution to local life. A safer, better-lit track can support casual walkers, older residents, families, people with disabilities and groups that may not currently feel connected to organised sport.
For clubs, the next step is clear: review the condition of existing facilities, identify the community need and submit an application before the 16 October deadline. The successful projects will show how rugby grounds can serve the whole community, not just match-day participants.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby Football Union