Irish rugby has reached an important point in its development strategy, with participation already exceeding the overall target set for 2028. The progress offers encouragement across clubs, schools and communities, while also highlighting the work still needed to make the game more accessible and sustainable.
Two years into the Rugby Development Strategy, the emphasis is moving beyond growth in player numbers. The next phase will focus on stronger pathways for women and girls, better support for coaches and volunteers, improved facilities and a more effective route for players with performance ambitions.
Irish rugby participation target already surpassed
The strategy was built around a straightforward ambition: to deliver great rugby experiences for everyone involved in the sport. That includes players, coaches, referees, volunteers, schools, clubs and families.
According to the progress update, the overall player participation target for 2028 has already been exceeded. Positive engagement through the development network, continued growth in coaching and refereeing, and encouraging member satisfaction figures have also provided evidence of a healthy game.
Participation, however, is only one measure of success. Retaining players, creating welcoming club environments and ensuring people can develop at every stage will be central to the remaining years of the plan.
Women and girls identified as a major priority
One of the clearest priorities for the next phase is creating stronger opportunities for women and girls in Irish rugby. The aim is for more clubs to provide a visible pathway from mini rugby through to adult competition.
That pathway will depend on closer connections between schools, clubs and the wider rugby community. Development officers, visibility campaigns and the Women in Rugby Network are expected to support that work, helping more players see a long-term place for themselves in the sport.
Gender balance in club leadership will also receive greater attention. Strong clubs need leadership that reflects the communities they serve, and new opportunities for women to take on decision-making and organisational roles will be an important part of the strategy.
Progress across coaching, refereeing and club support
The first two years have delivered progress in several practical areas:
- Growth in the number of female referees.
- Improved access to qualified coaches.
- More clubs with trained medics.
- Facilities investment through the grants programme.
- Greater access to non-contact formats including T1, Tag and Touch.
There have also been developments away from the pitch. An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan has been completed, while reviews of the All-Ireland League and Women’s All-Ireland League have been undertaken. The Grassroots Instagram community is also helping the game build a stronger digital connection with clubs and members.
Coaches and volunteers remain central to growth
Every successful rugby club depends on people willing to coach, organise, referee, provide medical support and manage teams. The strategy recognises that the quality of those experiences is closely linked to the support available to volunteers.
After progress in youth coaching, the next objective is to extend that focus across mini and adult rugby. Players should be able to access quality coaching throughout their journey, whether they are entering the game for the first time or continuing into senior competition.
Projects such as the Better Clubs Project, the Welcoming Clubs Toolkit, coach coordinator training and women in leadership programmes are designed to strengthen club structures and share effective practice.
Performance pathways and facilities set for further investment
A new performance plan will shape another important part of the strategy. Academy and pathway reviews are under way, with recommendations intended to improve the route for players who have ambitions to progress.
Facilities will also become a larger strategic priority. Pitches, changing rooms, medical areas and clubhouses all influence whether people enjoy taking part and remain involved. A proposed National Facilities Strategy is expected to create a more coordinated approach to investment and help clubs plan for future demand.
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What comes next for Irish rugby?
The progress report provides a positive halfway point, but it also makes clear that participation figures alone will not define the strategy’s success. The test will be whether clubs can retain players, support their volunteers, improve their facilities and offer meaningful opportunities across the game.
For supporters, the next two years should bring closer attention to women’s pathways, club leadership, coaching standards, performance development and the rollout of facilities planning. Those priorities will influence the strength of rugby in communities across Ireland long after the current strategy reaches its 2028 target.
Irish rugby has built a strong platform. The next step is turning that progress into lasting change for every player, coach, referee and volunteer who keeps the game moving.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
