STRATEGIC PLAN Irish Rugby: Building success, together 2018 - 2023 - cloudfront.net
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STRATEGIC PLAN
2018 - 2023
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 1
2
Irish Rugby:
Rugby –Building
A gamesuccess,
for all together
OUR VALUES
RESPECT INTEGRITY INCLUSIVITY FUN EXCELLENCE
Irish Rugby aspires to act in a responsible manner and
show leadership throughout the game by empowering the
rugby family to make informed decisions and demonstrate
these behaviours in all rugby related activities.
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 3
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
SPIRIT OF RUGBY
The Spirit of Rugby Charter sets out how the
Irish Rugby family aspires to live its values through
its actions in each aspect of the game from grassroots
to professional rugby. The values and standards of
all involved, from player, coach, volunteer to spectator
are vital to the work and reputation of the game.
Our values are our moral compass, on and off the pitch.
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 4
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
SPIRIT OF RUGBY
RESPECT INTEGRITY INCLUSIVITY FUN EXCELLENCE
For all those involved Actions on and off Diversity of opinion and A passion for the Strive to be the best
in the rugby family, the pitch that are culture means working game, on and off that we can be.
the wider community open and transparent. together to be a vibrant, the pitch, rugby is a
and self. respectful organisation. source of joy for all. There may be others
We aspire to always who play better, make
Gratitude to coaches, have the best interests Rugby is a sport of choice Everyone has an better decisions and
officials, volunteers of the player and for all, it transcends equal right to learn, perform under pressure
and other leaders in those involved in the barriers and differences play and administer better, but we complete
the game. Discipline game, especially youth of race, gender, religion the game and should each task knowing that
while playing the players, at heart. and sexual orientation. be respected for the we could not have done
game. Respect for the In rugby we aspire Players that have a positive age and stage of more for ourselves, our
physicality of the game to do the right thing life-long experience of the development that team, club or school;
and commitment to and endeavour not game can remain within they are at; especially we are comfortable in
the safety of the player to be bystanders. the Irish Rugby family youth players. the knowledge that we
as paramount. throughout their lives, are doing our best.
fulfilling roles that enable
them to be the best version
of themselves.
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 5
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Introduction 6
Our Vision And Mission 8
Funding The Game 9
Overview Of Our Strategy 10
Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 11
High Performance Programme
Core Principles
Player Pathways
Our Headline Targets
Developing The Game: Delivering A Vibrant Club
And School Network 22
Core Principles
Our Headline Targets
Rugby Development Programme
Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow
The Women’s Game 28
Women’s Action Plan
Core Principles
Our Headline Targets
Keeping Rugby At The Forefront Of Irish Communities 35
Strengthen Our Commercial Base 36
Prudent Financial Management 38
Right People, Right Place, Right Time
– Living Our Core Values 39
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 6
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
INTRODUCTION 2018 2023
The Irish Rugby Football Union has long The result is the presentation of our fourth Strategic
recognised the importance of planning Plan, covering the period 2018–2023, and aptly
and accountability in its approach to titled: Irish Rugby: Building success, together.
sustaining and developing the game
of rugby across the island of Ireland.
Circumstances and societal expectations
are ever changing. The needs of, and
The period of our previous Strategic Plan was The period of our
one of significant success for Irish Rugby with
opportunities for, our game reflect the standout achievements seeing our senior previous Strategic Plan
these evolving conditions. It is against men’s team standing at No. 2 in the World, was one of significant
the securing of a men’s grand slam and three
this background that the IRFU, as the success for Irish Rugby.
Six Nations Championship victories, across our
governing body for rugby in Ireland, men’s and women’s teams. Our women’s team
consulted with its various stakeholders qualified for the Women’s Rugby World Cup
and relevant outside agencies, researched Semi-Final in 2014, while our U20s progressed
to the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship
trends and considered the learnings from Final. These achievements were accompanied by
previous strategic assessments in its historic wins over New Zealand for our women,
quest for improvement. U20s and men’s teams and the development
of strong teams across women’s and men’s
Sevens. At provincial level, Connacht secured
their first Guinness PRO 12 Championship
and Leinster enjoyed success in the 2018
European Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14
Championship.
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Introduction 7
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
2018 2023
Off the field, Ireland staged a hugely successful extremely narrow base from which every other In presenting this strategic plan we wish to
Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 and the IRFU strand of the game must be funded. acknowledge the ongoing support of Sport Ireland
lead the way in relation to player welfare issues and Sport Northern Ireland, whose funding has
such as concussion education and awareness. Apart from the critical importance of success at allowed the Union and the Provinces to deliver
the elite level, this strategic review correctly places critical participation programmes which are key
The higher profile of rugby has resulted in an significant emphasis on a number of key strands, to achieving our goals.
increase in participation, especially through identified by the IRFU as central to the future well-
Age Grade and the use of modified formats. being of rugby in Ireland. We thank our clubs and volunteers for everything
they do for rugby, and those who participated so
All cause for optimism, but of course we recognise • Championing our core values of Respect, enthusiastically in the many facets of this strategic
the many challenges the game faces and we have Integrity, Inclusivity, Fun, Excellence plan. Responsibility for developing this plan rests
sought to address these in this Strategic Plan as with the Irish Rugby Football Union but its success
part of our effort to ensure the game, over the • Delivering a vibrant club and school network
is in the hands of the entire rugby family, from
next five years and beyond, will be put on an even • Building a strong base from which to expand those performing at the pinnacle of the game to
stronger footing for the generations to come. the women’s game those organising mini rugby on Sunday mornings
The game continues to expand at every level and the vast army of passionate rugby people at
• Keeping rugby at the forefront of communities
and central to this expansion is funding. Currently, every level in between.
across the island of Ireland
our professional teams, at National and Provincial This Strategic Plan is about continuing to put
level, account for 93% of the game’s revenues, • Strengthening our commercial base
the steps in place to allow the diverse dreams
of this some 80% is generated by the men’s of all within the Irish Rugby family turn to reality.
• Continued prudent financial management
international team. We invite you to share in this exciting odyssey of
This stark statistic is reassuring and concerning challenge and opportunity for rugby in Ireland.
in equal measure; the former as it recognises the
phenomenal attraction of our senior international
team to television rights holders, sponsors and
supporters alike, while the latter highlights the
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 8
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
OUR VISION OUR MISSION
To develop and grow the game through:
Irish Rugby: • Excellence in performance
• Quality experiences
Building success, • Effective engagement
together • Great people
• Strong leadership
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 9
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
FUNDING
THE GAME
Our professional teams at a Women’s 0.7% 0.5% Referees
National and Provincial level Other 2.3% 2.5% Marketing
Domestic/ 4% 8% Match &
continue to be the financial Government ground costs
engine of the game in Ireland, Provincial 13%
9% Overheads
accounting for over 93% of our
revenue base.
11% Elite player
The Men’s International team generate development
80% of our income and only 12.5% of
our expenditure. The surplus generated 14% Domestic
through the Men’s International Team
provides the investment income to
support every strand of the game and
its development. International 80% 16% International
(Men & Women)
EXPENDITURE
39% Provincial
INCOME
Expenditure Legend
Pro Game
Administration
Domestic Game
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 10
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
OVERVIEW OF OUR STRATEGY
Rugby: Our Core Business
Delivering Performance: Developing the Game: Women in Rugby:
Producing winning Delivering a vibrant club Building a strong base to
teams and school network grow the women’s game
SUPPORTING ENABLERS: ALLOWING US TO DELIVER OUR CORE BUSINESS
Keeping rugby Strengthening our Prudent financial Right people,
at the forefront of commercial base management right time, right place
Irish communities - living our core valuesIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 11
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
DELIVERING PERFORMANCE:
PRODUCING WINNING TEAMSIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 12
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
High Performance Programme
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TARGETED INVESTMENT
4
2 3
1
1. GAME DEVELOPMENT 2. PLAYER WELFARE 3. TALENT 4. PEOPLE
High Performance to drive SYSTEM Nationally align coach Recruit and retain world leading
alignment in game and Build on existing systems education with talent experts and ensure their retention
competition development to fully nationalise player development and through provision of a quality
programmes that will construct management through a identification throughout and supportive work environment
talent pathways to feed the continuing investment in the pathway by further that includes the provision of top
HP systems with particular staff development and sports investment in focused class professional development
emphasis on Sevens rugby science best practice. research, quality systems in the areas of coaching, talent
and the interface between the and expertise. and, development, athletic
club and schools game and the performance, sports medicine
professional game. and performance analytics.IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 13
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
High Performance Programme
SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
6
7
5
5. COMMUNICATION 6. DATA MANAGEMENT 7. FACILITIES
Establish a cohesive and Establish a coordinated national Ensure that our High
targeted communications performance data strategy Performance athletes/teams/
strategy that delivers through that integrates business, staff have access to world
a designated department rugby, science and medicine class facilities in the High
resource ongoing information to requirements in an efficient Performance Training Centre
all stakeholders about what the manner that will help to inform located in Abbotstown that
High Performance department all strategic decisions. allow optimum performance
are delivering. outcomes.IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 14 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 15
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Core Principles
Our vision is to drive a
performance system that WINNING MENTALITY
delivers developmental and
Our aim is to win at all times - creating winning teams and winning players
is central to why we exist – This should always be our primary focus.
competitive excellence.
We can only deliver our vision by NO COMPROMISE
adopting a truly high performing The standard of OK is not OK! – we will always strive for the highest
culture, which means: standards possible in everything we do.
CHALLENGE
We must always question if we are doing things as well as they can be done.
We will robustly review on a continual basis every aspect of the performance
programme – making the tough calls when they need to be made.
SHARED GOALS
Everyone working within the performance programme will be aligned to
common goals – we will adopt a ‘One Team’ mind-set working towards those
goals – people will be made accountable with clear KPIs for delivery.
EXCELLENCE
We will benchmark ourselves to the standard of best in the world.
This will be grounded in fact, based on research.IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 16
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Our Headline Targets: Men’s Rugby
XVs
International team Provincial teams
2 1 3
World Cup 2 or more Consistently be Teams consistently 2 or more 2 or more
semi-final or better Six Nations titles ranked in the top 3 in knockout stages European titles Pro 14 titles
in 2019 and 2023 teams in the world of European Cup
7s
Senior team Under 18
1–8
1
2 1 3 2
Qualify for Qualify for the Finish the World Finish in the top Finish top 2 in
Tokyo Olympics World Rugby Rugby Sevens 3 consistently Europe consistently
2020 Sevens Series Series in top in Europe
8 consistentlyIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 17 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 18
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Our Headline Targets: Women’s Rugby
XVs 7s
International team Senior team Under 18
1–6
1
2 1 3 2
Women’s Six Women’s Rugby Women’s Sevens Olympic Games World Rugby Under 18 Sevens
Nations World Cup World Cup Sevens Sevens Series -
- - - - - Consistent Top 2
Consistent WRWC21 2022 Qualification Tokyo Olympics Win two finish in Europe
Top 3 finish and Qualification & Top 6 Finish Qualification tournaments
win 1 Championship & Top 6 finish and consistent
during the term top 6 finish
of the planIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 19
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU Player Pathway: Male Game
Our Community Children’s Rugby 6–12 CHILDREN’S RUGBY (U6–U12)
Living the Rugby Club & Schools
values of Respect, CLUB SCHOOLS
Integrity, Inclusivity, • Aviva Mini Rugby • Aldi Play Rugby
Fun and Excellence (U6, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12) • Tag Rugby
• Inter-club Festivals • Rugby Prime
• Aviva Provincial Festivals • Invitational Provincial Festivals
Aviva National Festivals • Invitational National Festivals
6–12 •
Youth Rugby
Club & Schools
Representative
Teams and
13–18 YOUTH RUGBY (U13–U18)
Development
Programmes CLUB SCHOOLS REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS &
Youth Leagues • Schools Rugby
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
(U13, U14, U15, U16, U17,U18) • Schools Cup Competition • Provincial Regional Development Squads
(Junior/medallion & Senior Cup) • Provincial Talent
• Emerging & Developing Identification Programmes
Schools Competitions • Provincial U18 & U19
(Sevens & XVs) Representative Teams
• National Talent Squad Programmes
• National U18 Schools Clubs & U19 Teams
13–18 • National U18 Sevens team
Adult Rugby
Social, Club
Representative
Teams and
Provincial
Academy
Professional
Teams
18 + ADULT RUGBY (18+)
Development
& Third Level SOCIAL GAME VARIANTS THIRD LEVEL PROVINCIAL ACADEMIES
Programmes
• Volkswagen Tag Rugby SSI College Leagues & Cups • Provincial Sub-Academy
• Lucozade Sport (Sevens & XVs) & Academy Programmes
Touch Rugby
REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS & PROFESSIONAL TEAMS
• Disability Rugby
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Ireland National Men’s Team
CLUB
•
• Ireland Club Representative Team • Ireland Sevens Team
• All Ireland League (Div 1–5) • Ireland Students Representative • Connacht, Leinster, Munster
• Provincial Leagues & Cups Team & Ulster Men’s Team
Provincial U20 Squads
18+ • U20 Provincial Leagues •
• Club Sevens Competitions • National U20 Team
• Provincial ‘A’ TeamsIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 20 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Delivering Performance: Producing Winning Teams 21
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU Player Pathway: Female Game
Our Community Children’s Rugby 6–12 CHILDREN’S RUGBY (U6–U12)
Living the rugby Club & Schools
values of Respect, CLUB SCHOOLS
Integrity, Inclusivity, • Aviva Mini Rugby • Aldi Play Rugby
Fun and Excellence (U8, U10, U12) • Tag Rugby
• Rugby Prime
• Inter-club Festivals
• Invitational Provincial Festivals
• Aviva Provincial Festivals
• Invitational National Festivals
• Aviva National Festivals
6–12
Youth Rugby Representative Teams 13–18 YOUTH RUGBY (U13–U18)
and Development
Club & Schools
Programmes CLUB SCHOOLS REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS AND
Youth Leagues & Festivals • Full Contact Rugby DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
(U14, U16, U18) (XRugby7s and Sevens) (XVS AND SEVENS)
• Non-contact rugby • Provincial Regional
(Tag/Touch Introduction Development Squads
to rugby programmes) • Provincial U18 Representative Team
13–18 • Ireland U18 Sevens Team
Adult Rugby Representative
Teams and
National
Teams and
18 + ADULT RUGBY (18+)
Social, Club
Development Development
& Third Level SOCIAL GAME VARIANTS CLUB REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS &
Programmes Programmes
• Volkswagen Tag Rugby • All Ireland League & Cup DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
• Lucozade Sport • Provincial Leagues & Cups • Provincial Representative Team
Touch Rugby • Club Sevens Competitions • Provincial TID Programmes
• Disability Rugby
THIRD LEVEL NATIONAL SQUADS
18 + SSI College Leagues & Cups
(Sevens & XVs)
•
•
Ireland National Women’s Team
Ireland Women’s Sevens
• U23 Emerging Talent Program
(XVs and 7s)IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 22
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
DEVELOPING THE GAME: DELIVERING A
VIBRANT CLUB AND SCHOOL NETWORKIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Developing The Game: Delivering A Vibrant Club And School Network 23
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Core Principles
Our philosophy is to optimise We recognise that one of rugby’s principal challenges is to retain Age
the quality of experience Grade players; and if such retention can be maximised, the game will grow.
Players of all ages have a clear choice as to whether to participate in rugby
provided for male and female or not. The strongest influence on the choice they make will be the quality
age-grade rugby players. of the experience which they have within the game during their formative
years. If the experience is positive, then they are likely to remain within the
game; if negative, they will be lost from it.
Therefore, our priorities should be to build a system which provides the
best sporting experience for young people in Ireland, and which gives them
good reason to continue in rugby. In parallel the IRFU will work to establish
competition formats across XVs and Sevens which will allow more players
to transition to adult rugby and beyond. At the same time the IRFU will
embark on a programme of facilities modernisation and development of a
network of artificial pitches. The key drivers of this will be:
Ensuring age-grade Ensuring that clubs, Providing competition Building a structured Providing leadership
coaches and teachers schools and other rugby formats for age-grade season plan which allows and governance
have the technical, environments which live and adult players which players of all abilities to structures which
organisational and our core values, are safe, fulfil their expressed participate in XVs and support these
interactive skills to welcoming and fit for needs and expectations, Sevens pathways to principles
provide an excellent purpose, in their physical, in terms of the nature and achieve their aspirations
playing and recreational organisational and social frequency of competition, within the game
experience infrastructures and the support
structures providedIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Developing The Game: Delivering A Vibrant Club And School Network 24
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Our Headline Targets
CLUBS &
PLAYERS1 TEAMS2 COACHES REFEREES SPIRIT
VOLUNTEERS
210,000 1,900 90% 95% 80% 60%
(i.e. increasing (i.e. increasing of teams branch competition of clubs ‘Green’ of clubs ‘Green’ on
by 8% on by 11% on with accredited games refereed by on Health Check Spirit Programme
current figures) current figures) coaches [U14 – branch referee Analysis
Adult teams] 100% compliant on
safe-guarding and
anti-doping
2017/18 2017/18 2017/18 2017/18 2017/18 2017/18
194,000 1,706 78% 80% N/A N/A
1 Participants in rugby football across all formats. Goal is to maintain XVs participation 2 Teams in a branch competition, any format, playing 6+ games
levels with increased numbers through modified formats across male and female players. (i.e. XVs, 7s, VW Tag etc.), male and female inclusiveIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Developing The Game: Delivering A Vibrant Club And School Network 25 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Developing The Game: Delivering A Vibrant Club And School Network 26
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Rugby Development Programme
PLACE
Place Ensuring quality places to play
• Vibrant clubs and schools with the appropriate infrastructure
Playing
and facilities
the game
• Modernisation of clubs’ social, training and playing facilities
AGE GRADE • Provide club volunteers with support required to create a quality
FOCUS community club
• Continued investment in databases and CRM systems to optimise
Promotion &
volunteer time in managing club activities
Engagement
• Development of a network of artificial pitches to allow rugby to be
People played in all weathers and available to the community
PLAYING THE GAME
A quality player experience
• Competition formats which promote player development and our clubs
within the community
• Competition formats for age grade players which fulfil their needs in terms
of nature and frequency of competition
• Develop XRugby7s competitions for girls and boys in traditional
and non-traditional rugby schools and 3rd level institutions
• Continue to promote Aldi ‘Play Rugby’ as a primary school entry point,
with emphasis on a quality experience and onward transition to clubs and
secondary school competitions
• Rejuvenate social rugby through the implementation of initiatives which
allow players to play on their termsIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Developing The Game: Delivering A Vibrant Club And School Network 27
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Rugby Development Programme
PEOPLE
Place The best people creating a quality environment to play
• Establish a culture of collaboration, learning and professional development
Playing
the game
across all disciplines in Irish Rugby
• Recruit, retain and develop volunteers and staff for Irish Rugby
AGE GRADE • Utilise digital learning to support the development of coaches,
FOCUS referees and volunteers
• Provide a high-quality rugby experience for all through coaching
Promotion &
Engagement
and refereeing education programmes
• Promote and recognise our volunteers as the rugby-makers within our system
People
PROMOTION & ENGAGEMENT
Promoting a quality rugby and community experience
• Expand the Spirit Programme to promote positive aspects of rugby
(including values, health, teamwork, discipline, anti-doping, safeguarding etc.)
• Promotion of rugby department initiatives to recognise the army of volunteers
across the country who develop the game
• Enhanced data capture and communication for non-traditional formats of the
game to create a ‘value connection’ and promote pathways to the club game
(i.e. Volkswagen Tag/Lucozade Sport Touch Fit/XRugby etc)IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 28
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
WOMEN IN RUGBY:
BUILDING A STRONG BASE TO
GROW THE WOMEN’S GAMEIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow The Women’s Game 29
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Women in Rugby
Our five strategic priorities for women in rugby are:
1 2 3 4 5
PARTICIPATION THROUGH
QUALITY EXPERIENCES EXCELLENCE IN EFFECTIVE GREAT STRONG
UNDERPINNED BY OUR PERFORMANCE ENGAGEMENT PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
CORE VALUES
Increase female participation Create a player Deliver communications Endeavour to have Improve governance for
in all sectors through a development pathway which give out a clear, more women involved in the women’s and girls’
wide range of accessible for girls and systems consistent and compelling volunteering, coaching game, and an increased
playing opportunities via a which support high- message around the vital and refereeing, with involvement for women
structured XVs and Sevens quality outcomes in role of women and girls improved support for in the leadership of Irish
competition season, defined representative rugby in Irish rugby including women’s and girls’ rugby rugby at all levels to
player pathway and ‘give it including maintaining promotional campaigns on in each of these areas accelerate the growth
a try’ opportunities to attract and developing a world these initiatives to increase to ensure we deliver and development of
girls to the game at club, class performance participation our ambitious goals for female leaders across
school and third-level, and programme, women in rugby the game
support resources for those developing Under
involved in the game 18 and Talent ID
programmes across
XVs and Sevens rugby
For more detailed information on the targets for the women’s game
see the separate ‘Women’s Action Plan’ document.IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow The Women’s Game 30
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Core Principles
To achieve our objectives for Women’s rugby we
recognise the need to build from the base to create
a sustainable model for the game. This will involve
attracting more girls into playing the game and
providing more opportunities to try the game.
We will focus on building participation levels in
schools through XRugby7s and Sevens and transition
them into the club game across U14, 16 and 18.
We will support clubs to establish girls-only mini
We will be a sport with equal rugby teams to increase participation. We will work
opportunity and access for all with schools and 3rd level institutions to provide more
opportunities for players to try rugby, in various formats.
20% or more of our players, coaches,
referees, volunteers and committee We will seek to attract more volunteers (male and
officials will be females female) to service all of the above and encourage more
females to become involved.
Increase the opportunities to
By bringing all of this together we can create and better
play the game through a defined
service an improved player development pathway
pathway and establishment of that will allow players to reach their full potential and
competitions to reflect the needs increase the flow of players, at a higher skill level,
and level of the players through to the national panels. This will create a
platform for consistent long-term performance for
our national teams in the XVs and Sevens game.IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow The Women’s Game 31 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow The Women’s Game 32
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Our Headline Targets
5,000 300 150 6,500
Adult players Women’s/Girls’ teams Secondary schools Youth players
(an increase on current (an increase on current engaged in girls’ rugby (an increase on the
figure of 2,125) figure of 190) (an increase on current current figure of 2,500)
figure of 87)
1,000 100 450 80
Female players in Clubs with girls’ Female coaches Female referees
3rd level competitions mini-rugby (an increase on current (an increase on current
(an increase on (an increase on figure of 179) figure of 12)
the current figure of 553) the current figure of 44)
PLUS: XVs and Sevens season calendar established with opportunities to play bothIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow The Women’s Game 33
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
Our Headline Targets
Exploit the commercial
Consistent identity, Communications
opportunities presented
voice and narrative programmes on women’s
by the women’s rugby
for all women’s rugby rugby initiatives
programmes and initiatives
20%+ female representation on all IRFU committees
Equal opportunities regardless of gender, for
selection to IRFU leadership training
30% females on IRFU National Youth CouncilIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN Women In Rugby: Building A Strong Base To Grow The Women’s Game 34 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 35
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
KEEPING RUGBY AT THE FOREFRONT
OF IRISH COMMUNITIES
We will achieve this by:
Positioning Irish Rugby
Effectively positioning Irish Rugby in the minds of all stakeholders
through an agreed brand strategy supported by an inspiring narrative
and underpinned by our values
Leading the way in digital communications
Rugby enjoys a prominent profile Leveraging our strong digital platforms to ensure Irish Rugby engages with
within the Irish sporting and and communicates effectively with the global Irish Rugby audience
cultural landscape. Both at home Promoting the values of the game
and abroad Irish rugby has an Capitalise on the IRFU Spirit of Rugby programme and other initiatives to promote
the strong and distinct values of the game and reinforce these
increasing following and impact.
We will continue to build and Maximising the profile of our events and teams
develop this profile to ensure that Utilising our rugby events, teams and programmes — National, Provincial, Clubs
and Schools — to create memorable occasions for all
we keep rugby at the forefront of
Promoting the best of Ireland
Irish communities.
By becoming synonymous with the game of rugby around the world, we can give the
people of Ireland something to be proud ofIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 36
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
STRENGTHEN OUR
COMMERCIAL BASE
Irish Rugby’s income needs to We will achieve this by:
continue to grow to maintain the
Further developing our rugby brands and developing a global platform
level of investment required at all Undertaking a strategic review of our commercial model, core brands
levels of the game. The primary and marketing communications strategy, and invest in their development
sources of commercial revenue include to ensure that we have iconic brands to support our domestic and
international growth plans
broadcasting, commercial partnerships,
match related revenues (ticketing, gate Growing and optimising our commercial revenue streams
receipts, hospitality etc.). Broadening our commercial base nationally and internationally and aim
to outperform commercial market growth rates in Irish sport. We will also
aim to maximise game, event, and rugby programme activity to drive
We must maintain and grow our commercial growth
commercial revenues, fan engagement Innovating to develop a commercial digital strategy
and loyalty in an ever more challenging Identifying opportunities to leverage the strong digital footprint
competitive environment. of Irish Rugby from a commercial perspective
Enhancing our fan engagement strategy
Building on our understanding of rugby fans through market
research and CRM tools. We will engage fans through compelling
content and continue to explore ways to monetise our fan base
through modern digital and media marketing practicesIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 37 Irish Rugby: Building success, together
IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 38
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
PRUDENT FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT
We will manage the business of rugby efficiently by:
Ensuring robust financial management is in place
Continuing to maintain financial sustainability
and integrity with prudent financial management,
planning and practices
Operating with transparent oversight
Maintaining transparent financial
Whilst our revenues oversight across Irish Rugby
continue to grow so too do
Effective financial resource utilisation
our costs. We must always Utilising our financial resources in an
ensure that our finances efficient fashion
are managed in a prudent Building our infrastructure
manner to safeguard the Investing in our physical and IT infrastructure
future of the game. to support and further our administration and processes
As with planning across all aspects of Irish Rugby, the ability
to deliver on proposed programmes will be subject to income
fluctuations that may occur annually. In years where finances fall,
investment will be adjusted accordingly.IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 39
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
RIGHT PEOPLE, RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
– LIVING OUR CORE VALUES
We will support our people by:
We rely on great people to help
deliver our plans. Irish Rugby Supporting staff and volunteers to enable them to deliver
cannot survive without the Providing the highest level of support, advice and service to all
countless hours of volunteer our stakeholders by:
input that support the game at • Embracing, recognising and celebrating the contribution
every level. These volunteers volunteers make in supporting the game at all levels
are supported by professional • Embedding robust people processes throughout the IRFU
• Ensuring fit for purpose policies and procedures are
staff across each aspect of our implemented
organisation creating a rugby • Delivering effective HR services to staff and volunteers
‘workforce’ with the capacity to Championing player welfare
meet our ambitions for the next Continuing to invest in research and promotional activity
five years and beyond. around key player welfare issues such as player burnout,
concussion, injury analysis and nutritionIRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 40
Irish Rugby: Building success, together
RIGHT PEOPLE, RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
– LIVING OUR CORE VALUES
Developing a high performance organisational culture
We will deliver learning and development solutions to enhance skills and
promote a high-performance culture by:
• Embedding the Personal Review Process for all staff
• Delivering a learning and development framework across the IRFU
• Promoting our values and behaviours with staff and volunteers
Providing effective leadership at all levels of the game
We will implement changes to Irish Rugby’s governance model
in line with modern sports best practice to ensure that the IRFU
and the provincial branches can lead the game effectively at national
and provincial level
Introducing an organisational scorecard to hold ourselves accountable
on an annual basis against our key rugby and strategic targets
Developing our new High Performance facility at the
National Sports CampusYou can also read
