The Rugby Football Union and its partners have launched a national campaign called ‘This is Rugby’ to promote and protect the core values of the sport. The project is the first time a sport has set out to define its value system in formal terms. Following a two year consultation process, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship have been identifies the core values that underpin rugby union and the ‘This is Rugby’ campaign will vigorously promote their place at the heart of the game. According to Sport England, rugby union is the fastest growing major sport in the country, attracting more people than ever to enjoy a vibrant game as professional and amateur players, volunteers and supporters. But the expansion of the game has brought new challenges, and in 2007 the RFU identified a need to sustain the standards that are rugby’s strengths. The response was to put together the Core Values Task Group two years ago to run an extensive consultation exercise. The evidence assessed included written and oral testimonies, focus groups and an online survey.

“These five values are what brought us into the sport and what keep us part of it, they are what rugby union has to offer and go way beyond the pitch and the clubhouse,” said RFU President John Owen.

“Rugby can be proud of its unique spirit but it’s important to make sure that is protected for the future. Our next task is to share and promote them within the whole game.”

Promoting the core values

Now the RFU, in partnership with Eastern Counties Rugby will work to promote the Core Values through the ‘This is Rugby’ campaign to everyone involved in rugby. Promotional material and advice has been sent to all clubs around the Eastern Counties to help them educate players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and supporters about the core values. This includes a values DVD. The Constituent Body (CB) also has Pop-up banners available to loan out in support of club events. The Rugby Development team has already used these resources at events in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

If you intend holding a “This is Rugby” promotional event please contact Rugby Development Officer Lee Adamson for advice and support. Leeadamson@rfu.com

 It is supported by the International Rugby Board and closely linked to the IRB Playing Charter, the expression of the sport’s principles made by the game’s global governing body.