The Five Core Values of Rugby

Rugby is one of the most beloved sports out there, followed by over 400 million people all around the globe. The reasons behind the love for this sport are very diverse, but five pillars unite them all: the core values of rugby. Especially with the recent coming to light of abuse directed at match officials following the RWC 2023, this article will offer a timely reminder of what the core values are and why they are important to the integrity of rugby.

Teamwork

Teamwork is the first core value in the field of rugby, and many people believe that it is essential to the whole discipline. In rugby, players welcome new team members and make them feel included from the beginning, as it is believed that working as a team is an important aspect of life. Rugby players try their best to work selflessly and give their whole selves to the team instead. The team is a source of pride, and knowing that they can rely on each other adds a layer of camaraderie that builds a spirit of teamwork and collaboration.

Respect

Rugby considers respect as one of the most important aspects of this discipline. Rugby is a sport full of traditions and history; because of this, many athletes claim that a ground level of respect is necessary to honour this sport in the best possible way. Respecting figures such as match officials and their decisions seems to be another crucial factor in the structure of this game. Respect extends also to opposition players, as well as supporters and institutions. All of this is without mentioning the level of respect that is needed when interacting with coaches and people who run clubs.

Enjoyment

Teamwork and respect are core factors of rugby, but so is enjoyment. People play rugby because it is a very enjoyable discipline that requires dedication, passion, patience, and skills. Even from the point of view of supporters, enjoyment is of core importance.

Many rugby supporters out there are so invested in this sport that to engage in passionate discussions and even bets and casino payments based on the outcome of some of the biggest rugby events out there, as we could see during this last rugby World Cup. Regardless of all the other more ideological core values of rugby, enjoyment has been a fundamental pillar for this sport.

Fans enjoying rugby in the stands. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

Discipline

Discipline is a core value of many sports, and rugby is no exception. Controlled physical endeavour is held in extremely high regard, and so are honesty and fairness. The disciplinary system of rugby is very present in every game, and it also features heavily when it comes to training and preparation for games. This core value is there to protect the sport and its other values, as discipline is often one of the biggest elements and forma mentis of any sportive discipline.

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship can be defined as the fair and generous behaviour and treatment of others in any sporting contest. This matter is fundamental in the field of rugby because it lays the foundation for fair and correct gameplay and adequate treatment of players and other people involved.

Rugby cherishes its tradition of camaraderie with teammates and even with the opposition, and this tradition has become more and more important with time. Of course, players play to win, but not at the expense of the values of the sport itself. Honouring sportsmanship also means playing correctly and honouring the rules of rugby. 

Other Important Values

These were the five pillars of rugby, but many other values have been implemented in this discipline over the years. For example, nowadays, there is an enhanced sense of equality and opportunities when it comes to women’s rugby, as well as other sportive disciplines of course.

Fairness and transparency in the game would be another important aspect, as well as support and knowledge when it comes to rugby followers as well as amateur players. 

Teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are to be considered crucial to the sport of rugby because they perfectly encompass the nature of this beloved sport. Sports evolve, just like any other human activity, and this means that with the passing of the years, people will slowly recognize other values to be implemented in this list. Equality and equal opportunities were mentioned, but strategic thought, as well as commitment and passion, should also be taken into account when thinking about the core values of rugby. 

In this article, these core values were named and explained, and other core values were added to the list. Now that you know more, you can watch rugby with a more informed and knowledgeable eye and honour this traditional sport in light of what values it represents.

Every sport has core values, and it is important to remember them and make sure that they are recognised by other fans, players and all involved as much as possible, no matter your role or position.

This is an invited post not written by Rugby Asia 247.