Attracting people from across the globe, the 2014 IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition provided something for everyone. Covering all aspects of the game, it’s history, it’s future, it’s ever present demons that threaten the nature of the sport, the conference failed to disappoint. It brought together the well-known faces of the game, professionals in area’s of hot debate and representatives from a variety of establishments to discuss important matters within rugby, and Last Word On Sports was there to witness all the action.
Prior to more in-depth articles about particular topics, here is an overview of the two-day conference to whet your appetite, and then watch this space for featured pieces.
Day One
A warm welcome from IRB Chairman Bernard Lappasset began proceedings and naturally led into the first discussion of the conference; the state of the Union and reflection on the past year in rugby. Featured were the achievements and growth of the Women’s game, the upcoming World Cup 2015, and then onto 2019 World Cup. They spoke about how Sevens can use the Olympic stage in Rio 2016 to deliver rugby to the masses, on centralising contracts in each nations’ Union and most importantly, spoke about the core values of rugby; how inclusive and accessible the sport is and how by honing these values can only allow the game to grow. A resounding quote from Thomas Castaignede reflecting the wholesome nature of the sport, saying
“In rugby, difference is a gift.”
Following on from this was a talk about Event Sponsorship, primarily focussing on next year’s World Cup, and examining the importance of sponsorship. It was acknowledge by all how important grass-roots rugby is and by how using ambassadors, setting up programmes (such as the All Schools plan that is being rolled out across England) and establishing a legacy ahead of 2015 can ensure rugby continues to grow to inevitably increase target audiences.
A presentation about Wheelchair rugby captured the attention of all in attendance, with GB Paralympic captain Steven Brown giving an honest and insightful speech into his life after obtaining an injury that led him to finding this exciting and exhilarating game. David Pond, CEO of GB Wheelchair Rugby, talked about next years Wheelchair Rugby World Cup that fits neatly in the programme of RWC2015 and spoke of how London 2012 and this years Invictus Games put the game proudly in the spotlight enabling it to become more popular around the world.
The Sevens form of the sport is growing at an exponential rate and in the second plenary it was discussed how the sport can ensure it becomes a permanent fixture on the Olympic Sports programme after it is reintroduced at Rio. It was universally agreed that everything possible must be done to ensure Sevens is successful in the 2016 Games and how learning from it’s popularity at the 2014 Commonwealth Games can make it become a passion in countries that are not heart-lands of the XV’s game.
Next, Adam Crozier of ITV spoke about next year’s programming rights, his hopes of how rugby can be shown to attract those who may not be avid watchers of the game and he even took questions wanting his opinion on FIFA’s recent news developments (yes, football still managed to grasp a bit of the limelight).
Concussion is such a huge topic, and is quite rightly the number one player welfare issue within the IRB. Undoubtedly an interesting debate, this is certainly an ongoing issue worthy of a more detailed write up. There were plenty of revelations when it came to statistics and plans for how everyone involved with the game can help towards measuring this condition.
The IRB Awards commended those who have dedicated their lives to the sport, whether it be on the pitch or off it. Many names from years gone by were inducted into the Hall of Fame and videos of their achievements were greeted by rapturous applause. This enjoyable evening rounded off a brilliant first day of the conference.
Day Two
Delivering the keynote address was former England player Maggie Alphonsi, who became a World Cup champion in 2014 in the Women’s game. An inspirational and insightful speech, she showed why and how Women’s rugby is taking off at such incredible pace.
Former World Cup Wallaby Ben Darwin displayed the importance of having an effective player recruitment strategy, alongside performance analysis company Prozone. They showed how key the technology is to delivering a return that clubs invest into their players, not only in rugby but across a whole range of sports.
Another topic to be delved further into, the mind games talk with greats such as Sir Clive Woodward and cricketer Jeremy Snape was more than thought provoking. Picking the brains of Sir Clive, it was interesting to learn the tactics he enforced and used on the journey to winning the 2003 World Cup, and how simple actions can completely transform a team. If sports psychology seemed boring before, this discussion put that claim to bed.
Rugby over the next five years is going to take the sporting world by storm; alongside the Olympics in 2016, the next two World Cup’s were put at centre stage so that attendees could understand the long-term plans for the game’s biggest occasion. It was an occurring message that Unions for both the English and Japanese events are learning from past campaigns to aid them in the organisation of future tournaments, and Debbie Jevens of England Rugby 2015 revealed that the London 2012 games has helped enormously in the planning process.
Continuing the theme of next year’s big event, the penultimate plenary session covered how important fan engagement is and how technology these days means broadcasters have to go down various avenues to keep viewers interested. It was fascinating to see how experts plan to combine modern day technology with the traditional game.
The last discussion was about protecting the integrity of the sport from threats such as doping and match-fixing, and about how the most important tool IRB have is the education of players, coaches and officials. Using various methods, it looks as if the rugby world can expect an effective approach to anti-corruption to eradicate these dangers. Also discussed was how inclusion is an important factor in providing a fair game, an especially key point after the success of the Women’s World Cup earlier this year.
Closing the conference, CEO Brett Gosper could not have given a more spectacular presentation, finally launching the IRB re-brand, World Rugby. Delegates and media were given the first look at the new logo and brand proposals, leaving all excited for the next chapter in rugby’s professional era. It certainly is a great time to be involved in the sport in whichever way you can.
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Photo Credit: WorldRugby.org media centre
