World Rugby Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

World Rugby released its first Sustainability Report in March 2025 which highlighted the significant progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives as they aim to drive positive change across the sport.

This is the first dedicated Sustainability Report published and shared with the international federation’s stakeholders as well as being the first organisation-wide carbon footprint certified by a third party. The governing body claims it has achieved “tangible progress against the organisation’s environmental, social and governance objectives”.

World Rugby Chair, Dr Brett Robinson said: “This report isn’t just a record of progress; it’s a statement of our shared ambition to create a sport that thrives today and inspires for generations to come. With its diverse voice, inspiring personalities, and core values of integrity, solidarity, and respect, rugby is well-placed to drive meaningful positive change.”

Dr Brett Robinson added, “This past year has seen important steps forward on our sustainability journey. We’ve strengthened governance to broaden representation on our decision-making structures and ensure that transparency and accountability guide every decision. We’ve embedded social impact initiatives in our flagship tournaments, supporting communities and fostering inclusivity at every level of the game. And, importantly, we’ve made tangible progress in addressing rugby’s environmental impact, helping to secure a more resilient future for our sport.

“While this report celebrates significant achievements, it’s also a reminder of the work still to be done. The challenges are real, but so too is our resolve to be part of the solution. Together, we have the opportunity to create a future where rugby thrives both socially and economically while protecting the natural environment that sustains us all.”

It is important to note that the report says the global community in rugby now accounts for more than 500 million fans and 7.36 million players across 133 national unions within six regional associations – so the long-term changes are needed as the sport scales up.

World Rugby Releases 2024 Sustainability Report – Key Outcomes

The sustainability report outlines World Rugby’s “commitment to environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and governance excellence. Some of the key takeaways from the 2024 report, include:

• New Sustainable Sourcing Framework was established to guide purchasing decisions by focusing on environmental impact and responsible supply chain management.
• A report was commissioned to outline the risks and projected impacts of climate change on rugby, studying 10 countries representative of World Rugby’s membership.
• 36 regional associations and member unions took part in sustainability regional workshops.
• New group-wide travel policy and online booking platform to reduce carbon emissions, enhance staff welfare and reduce costs.
• Rugby for Nature toolkit to designed to help local rugby clubs and communities safeguard the natural environment and biodiversity within and around rugby facilities.
• Continued collaboration with the international community as an active signatory to the Sports for Climate Action and Sports for Nature frameworks.

Climate Change

The in-depth read does raise several topics of concern, including the rising temperatures of the globe which the report says means has led to a +2°C increase on the pitch, training ground or in the stands, and that rugby will be increasingly impacted by climate change

• 80% of rugby nations studied face an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation and flash floods.
• 60% will experience more than 10 additional days of extreme heat each year.
• 11% of major stadiums studied will be exposed to an annual submersion risk.

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) was also highlighted as a good case study as the union in October 2024 strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability by signing the Sports for Climate Action Framework.

Apparently, the JRFU will by March 2025, develop and publish its ‘Environmental Sustainability Action Policy’ based on the current state of Japanese rugby, outlining quantitative targets and plans for promoting sustainability across the nation.

Rugby As a Tool For Social Impact and Inclusion

World Rugby’s strategic partnerships with ChildFund Rugby, Capgemini, and Gallagher have amplified rugby’s social and legacy programmes, and helped make the sport more inclusive and accessible said the governing body.

Key highlights included:

• 30 Grassroots to Global forums and masterclasses, engaging 500 female rugby leaders ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
• £1.3 million raised with World Rugby’s Social Impact Partner ChildFund Rugby.
• 160,000 people benefited from the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 social programmes.
• 32 female coaches supported by the Gallagher High Performance Academy since 2023.
• Global rugby participation is estimated to generate US$8.4bn in value to society based on a range of health, social and economic factors and US$1.5bn in healthcare savings.
• Impact Beyond 2025 legacy programme designed to leverage the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England to increase global participation and visibility in the women’s game – the report claims that as many as 5,000 girls will get opportunities to play through Impact Beyond 2025.

Image Credit – World Rugby 2024 Sustainability Report

Good Governance and Rugby

World Rugby said it was recognised as a leader in international sports governance, achieving a top A1 ranking in the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) 2024 review.

• There was increased female representation in decision-making structures with female members now representing 38 per cent of the World Rugby Council and 42 per cent of the Executive Board.
• Two former international rugby players were added to World Rugby’s Executive Board to increase the athletes’ voice in major decisions shaping the future of the sport (Rob Kearney and Melodie Robinson).
• 80 per cent of all World Rugby member unions report having a sustainability and/or Diversity and Inclusion plan in place.

We should highlight some of the concerns we have raised previously when it comes to Asia Rugby in this regard.

Also from a leadership point of view, there are very few rugby unions or federations with a female President. We know of the Phillippines Rugby Football Union (Ada Milby), the recently announced appointment of Ghana Rugby Football Union President Rafatu Inusah for the next four years was announced in March 2025. But in the past couple of years, the Brazilian and Cambodian Rugby Federations have seen their women leaders step down.

You can download the full report at sustainability.world.rugby.

Hong Kong Sport and Sustainability Summit 2025

The Hong Kong Sport and Sustainability Summit 2025 will be taking place as part of the 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens week on Wednesday 26th March 2025 and the theme is “Inspiring action and driving impact.

Former GB Sevens player Jamie Farndale, who is now General Manager Club Development & Sustainability at Hong Kong China, is due to present his HKCR Sustainability report at the Summit.

Rugby News 2025

• Asia Rugby Releases Partial 2025 15s Rugby International Fixtures Calendar.
• Asia Rugby’s Leadership & Governance Called Into Question With Damning World Rugby Independent Financial Audit.
• Dr Brett Robinson Elected As New World Rugby Chair & Exec Board Elected 2024-2028.
• Newest Cohort of 2025 Gallagher High Performance Academy Coaches Announced.