New report confirms community rugby contributes US$8.4 billion in social value as global participation grows

A recent report commissioned by World Rugby and developed in partnership with Portas Consulting, has revealed the astounding global influence of the sport, highlighting its contribution of $8.4 billion in societal value. The report, called ‘The Global Value of Grassroots Rugby,’ not only focuses on the sport’s economic significance but also on its ability to enhance individual well-being and foster a sense of community.

Economic Contribution

The report, developed in collaboration with Portas Consulting, demonstrates that grassroots rugby plays a substantial role in the global economy. This impressive $8.4 billion figure takes into account various health, social, and economic factors, including physical and mental health, social cohesion, education, and employment.

A Healthier Lifestyle

One of the key findings of the report is the positive impact of rugby on health. It suggests that playing rugby results in healthier, happier individuals and generates significant cost savings for healthcare systems worldwide. For instance:

• A 33% reduction in the risk of mental illness.
• A 30% reduction in childhood obesity.
• A 25% reduction in the risk of breast cancer in women.
• A 15% reduction in the risk of heart disease.

These health benefits translate to approximately $1.5 billion in savings for healthcare systems across the globe.

Community Building

Rugby isn’t just a sport; it’s a means of creating inclusive and strong communities. The report reveals that an average community club provides around 44,000 hours of positive social interaction, totaling a massive 1.1 billion additional positive interaction hours worldwide. These interactions contribute to improved life satisfaction and well-being, adding an extra $1.9 billion in well-being value on a global scale.

Personal Development and Economic Gains

Rugby’s values support personal development, increased confidence, and better employment prospects. Active children who participate in rugby report 14% higher confidence scores, while young graduates who engage in sports earn an average of $9,581 more. On a global scale, rugby’s collective contributions amount to nearly $4.5 billion in economic benefits.

Key Growth Areas

The report provides valuable insights for World Rugby’s future investments in three core growth areas:

1. Targeting Key Growth Markets: Expanding rugby in emerging markets, like the USA, could add an extra $213 million in value.
2. Improving Player Retention: Increasing participation and retaining players has the potential to generate an additional $830 million in value globally.
3. Increasing Women and Girls’ Participation: Encouraging more women and girls to participate in rugby has the potential to add an extra $2.8 billion in value globally.

Empowering Women and Girls

The report underscores the importance of closing the gender gap in rugby. Women’s rugby represents a significant opportunity for the sport’s growth, with the potential to increase the number of female players by 2.3 million. Women’s rugby currently contributes $2 billion in value globally, with an individual female player worth an average of $3,132, compared to $1,900 for males.

Positive Social Impact

The report highlights the positive social impact of rugby, with physically active children who play rugby reporting higher leadership and confidence scores. These benefits are even more pronounced in girls compared to those who do not participate in sports.

World Rugby’s Commitment

World Rugby is committed to player welfare, with €3 million invested in cutting-edge research and collaborations with independent experts to ensure the safety and well-being of all players.

In conclusion, the report showcases the immense positive impact that rugby has on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It emphasizes the sport’s potential for growth, inclusivity, and health benefits. World Rugby is now equipped with valuable insights to expand the accessibility and global presence of rugby, ensuring it continues to be a powerful force for positive change.