​Making Rugby Everyone’s Game conference registration now open

The conference aims to support and encourage clubs as they continue to be open, welcoming and inclusive spaces within their communities.

Hosted via Zoom, the conference includes informative workshops delivered by clubs and key partners, along with speakers from the inclusion and diversity sector who will offer advice and guidance.

The conference will be opened by Scottish Rugby Board member, Lesley Thomson QC. Appointed in 2013, Lesley was the first woman to sit on the Board, and currently Chairs Scottish Rugby’s Safeguarding, Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion committee.

“I am delighted to be opening the Making Rugby Everyone’s Game conference next month. Improving inclusion and diversity across our game starts by listening to stories of those with lived experience, and by engaging in conversations such as those we’ll hear on the day.

“We have some inspiring speakers lined-up from groups including Emerge UK, Scottish Disability Sport and Rugby Memories Scotland. We’ll also hear from experts in the field and club representatives including members from Unified Rugby Clans.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the day with lots of inspirational people and chatting with players and volunteers from across the country.”

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie said: “Everyone deserves to feel that rugby is a game for them. We have a responsibility to support clubs across Scotland in our collective determination to create a positive and inclusive environment, which encourages diversity amongst its membership in a meaningful way.

“It’s set to be a fantastic day, and I hope to see every club in Scotland registering to join the conversation and learn from each other.”

Making Rugby Everyone’s Game conference is open to all players, coaches, match officials, volunteers, club and committee members across the club and school game in Scotland.

Click here to register for the event and view the full programme.

Programme Overview

Welcome Address: 9.30am

Lesley Thomson QC, Scottish Rugby Board 
Keith MacLeod, President of Harris Rugby Club
Gillian Jones-Williams, Emerge UK

Workshop 1: 10.00am

Tackling Barriers to Rugby & Focusing on Ability, Not Disability

• Presented by Heather Lowden, Education and Development Manager at Scottish Disability Sport & Stephen Main (Coach) and Andy Scotland (Player) from one of Scotland’s Unified Rugby Clans.

Tackling Homophobic, Biphobic & Transphobic Behaviour & Building an LGBTI-Inclusive Club

• Presented by Chris Gibbons, Director of Inside Inclusion & Robert Forrester from Dunfermline RFC.

Workshop 2: 11.15am

Supporting the Ageing Population through Rugby

• Presented by Michael White from Rugby Memories Scotland, Murray Watson from Hawick RFC, and representatives from Linlithgow RFC and Moray RFC.

Inclusion starts with ‘I’ – Transinclusion

• Presented by Claire Birkenshaw (Lecturer in Childhood and Education at the Carnegie School of Education Leeds Becket University), Inclusion Consultant Chris Gibbons and Dr James/Richard Wood from Scottish Rugby.

Keynote Speaker and Close – 12.15pm

Speaker to be announced