Asia Rugby Athletes Committee Commits to Sustainability Goals

During the Q1 2024 Asia Rugby Athletes Committee meeting, the group reaffirmed its dedication to promoting its sustainability goals and ensuring Asia Rugby tournaments follow sustainability models.

The players’ committee is chaired by Japan XVs player Michel Leitch, who is also the first Asia Rugby Players Ambassador after being appointed in early 2022, and the quarterly meeting discussed how Asian tournaments can adopt a more environmentally conscious and sustainable model.

What Sustainable Practises Were Endorsed – Asia Rugby

The group endorsed the decision to use recycled rugby balls, specifically the Rhino Vortex Elite Recycled ball, which was also used during its tournaments in 2023 at the second leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Korea and the Asia Rugby Qualifiers for Paris 2024 in Japan.

Benjamin van Rooyen, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Rugby said; “Asia Rugby is initiating sustainability within our tournaments and organisation.

The introduction of the Rhino Vortex Recycled Match Ball, made from 60% recycled rubber last year was one step. The positive feedback from teams, noting no noticeable difference from our regular Vortex, reinforces our efforts. We value these small yet significant steps towards a greener future. By collaborating with the Athletes Committee, we aim to raise awareness and catalyse further positive change in the future.”

Editors note – These Rhino balls don’t have the same chip technology used at other World Rugby tournaments, notably the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup 2023 which provides additional data useful for teams, the media, and fans.

Rhino Rugby CEO Reg Clark said, “Rhino has been delighted to receive the wholesale support of Asia Rugby for our groundbreaking initiative in developing the world’s first range of rugby balls made from recycled materials.

The Asian Men’s and Women’s Olympic 7s qualifiers in Osaka, Japan last November were a massive breakthrough for the Vortex Recycled match ball.  We were delighted with the positive reception from the players and coaches at that tournament and even more so that Asia Rugby have decided moving ahead to use the ball for all major tournaments.”

Photo Credit: Rhino

Asia Rugby says it is dedicated to sustainability by:

• Promoting sustainable transportation
• Implementing waste reduction strategies
• Utilising reusable/compostable packaging
• Providing water refill station
• Partnering with eco-friendly organizations
• Launching educational campaigns
• Implementing post-event cleanup plans

We have been to several Asia Rugby events and watch as many as we can when streams are available – it’s fair to say these missions are not always put into practice from what we have seen at events on the ground.

Michael Leitch explained, “Embracing sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Through collective efforts and a shared vision, We hope the Athletes Committee and Asia Rugby stay true to the values of Rugby, demonstrating integrity, respect, and teamwork. As athletes, we have the power to influence and inspire, and I hope that by championing sustainability, we can help change the mindset of the next generation for the better.”

Photo Credit: World Rugby – Michael Leitch – Japan Brave Blossoms

Rhino – ‘A Ball for the Planet’ Campaign

Rhino recently launched its commitment to sustainability with a new campaign ‘A Ball for the Planet’.

Dave Reynish, Managing Director for Rhino Sport Global said online “Millions of rugby balls are purchased every year, with many ending up in landfill. Rhino is the world’s first rugby brand to introduce a ball range made with up to 80% recycled rubber, setting a new standard for sustainability in rugby. Thank you to everyone who has embraced this initiative, we’re hoping to continue taking the necessary steps to a greener future for rugby.”

The campaign was produced by Sporting Eric, which claims that the rugby ball market is thought to be around 11 million units a year!

You can find out more about the Rhino video and its stars at Khelo Rugby in India here.

Rugby Development News

• Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit 2024.
• Sports Matters North Asia 2024.
• Gallagher High-Performance Academy Extended By World Rugby.
• World Rugby Shape of the Game 2024 Recommendations.