Sheila Begbie launches Rugby Development Strategy 2019-2023

The Strategy’s core objectives are to;

• Build sustainable, vibrant and inclusive rugby clubs and communities, that will increase the number of quality opportunities for people to participate at all levels of our game.

• Increase the number of playing opportunities through improving player retention, supporting transition from the youth to the adult game and by providing alternative game formats.

• Support and develop rugby people to evolve the game across Scotland through the delivery of an inclusive coach, teacher, match- official and volunteer development programme.

A complete picture of rugby’s playing strength is being published for the first time. A new player registration system – SCRUMS – replaced the previous system (CDMS) at the end of the 2017/18 season. The new system allows individual registration of player details and for the first time, delivers an accurate and valid picture of how many players are playing and how often.

The Rugby Development Strategy sets out what clubs and Scottish Rugby will do over the next four years in response to the player numbers data now available.

Launching the Strategy Director of Rugby Development Sheila Begbie said: “Club rugby is the engine-room of the sport. This new Strategy recognises that rugby competes with many varied leisure time activities, all looking for a share of peoples’ precious time and money.

“We want to make it easier to get involved with rugby; remove barriers to playing and adapt to changes in society as the number of people playing team sports decline.

“Scottish Rugby’s regional delivery model is based on developing strong relationships with our clubs and key stakeholders. Five regional teams working with clubs have built this strategy and will deliver an inclusive game the length and breadth of Scotland. Decision-making and budgets are decentralised across the regions with a focus on building ‘local solutions for local issues.

“We are determined to tackle the challenge of playing numbers. So, the performance targets we set out today are about doing exactly that.

“We will retain our current number of 36,207 registered players playing XV rugby across Scotland as our target for next year, with a key focus at present being the transition and retention of players.

“Our clubs are the heart of the game and we will support them to manage the issues we collectively face around keeping rugby a viable and attractive sport to be involved in, at every level.”

The four-year strategy is based on rugby being a values-driven game for all. This demonstrates that Scotland has a committed club network and a body of passionate volunteers who provide opportunities for people to take part in rugby.

The Strategy, through this working collaboration between Scottish Rugby Development staff and the clubs, will support volunteers, working together to maintain, encourage and sustain club membership. Teachers, coaches and match-officials are the foundation of rugby and they are critical to the development of the game. The Strategy will provide development opportunities to allow them to deliver to the highest level.

The Strategy will be judged against clear performance indicators, with an annual review of realistic targets for key areas of the game. This review will involve clubs and Scottish Rugby’s development team and cover;

• expanding player opportunities,
• developing people and volunteers,
• delivering quality rugby experiences for all and
• ensuring a well governed and safe rugby environment.

Scottish Rugby’s Development Department recognise that for the future of our game to flourish, there must be a clear focus on producing competitive club rugby to prevent unfulfilled fixtures and one-sided games.

A consultation period has already taken place between Rugby Development and clubs to help address these issues. Initiatives such as “Game On”, which helps de-regulates aspects of the game, will ensure we retain players and allow them to play in a safe environment.

Sheila Begbie added, “Rugby’s future depends on players being at the centre of their clubs. On having competitive structures that recognise modern lifestyles. On making sure games can be played and a renewed focus on player retention so that men and women can enjoy rugby through school, youth and adult life.

“Having accurate information about how many men and women, boys and girls play rugby is therefore a huge step forward for the development of the game. We can develop new ways of doing things building on international sporting and business experience. But the bottom line is retaining more people in the game and this Strategy shows how that will be done.”

• Scottish Rugby Development Strategy
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