Ms Anne Marie Hughes:

I thank members for the opportunity to attend today and outline the experience of and commitment by the IRFU regarding inclusion in sport. I address the committee in my capacity as head of equity, diversity and inclusivity, EDI, a new role created within the IRFU demonstrating its commitment to this area of the game. Having previously worked as the safeguarding and inclusion officer and as manager of the spirit of rugby programme, inclusivity has been a key element of my work on behalf of the IRFU. I am joined by Mr O’Callaghan, head of rugby development, and both of us will be more than happy to answer any questions members may have.

The spirit of rugby programme was created in 2017 to protect and promote the values of the game and to encourage a culture within clubs where the values of the game can be demonstrated in all activities. Inclusivity is one of these core values and is embedded in the IRFU's strategic plan, which outlines the values and behaviours acceptable within the Irish rugby family, where diversity of opinion and culture means working together to be a vibrant and respectful organisation. We aim to make the game as accessible as possible and to provide a positive experience for those who walk through the gate of their local rugby club.

In 2020, the IRFU appointed a dedicated disability and inclusion officer. The focus of the officer's work is the expansion of our rugby offerings for players with a disability and, in recent times, this remit has widened to attract players from the LGBTQI+ community. The IRFU is currently providing rugby activities to over 1,000 players with a disability across the four provinces. Increased participation of women at all levels of the game is a very specific target for the IRFU and this programme is now showing significant results, with participation increasing from 2022 by 21% in mini rugby, 28% in youth rugby and 26% in adult rugby. In addition, we record female coaching up by 58% and refereeing up by 50%, while more than 145 clubs are now providing a specific female pathway. The 2018 women in rugby action plan articulates the IRFU’s aim for rugby to be a sport of equal opportunity. A deep, independent review of the action plan in 2022 added even greater impetus to our approach.

As head of EDI for the IRFU, a significant part of my role is to develop a detailed EDI policy and to ensure the implementation of best practice in the area of inclusion, including the attainment of 40% female representation within the governance of the game by the end of this year. To support the next generation of volunteers, a leadership programme has been established with 50% of places targeted for female leaders.

The IRFU’s spirit of rugby charter states that everyone has a right to learn, play and administer the game, irrespective of differences in age, orientation, socioeconomic or ethnic background. It is the intention of the IRFU that all clubs will become inclusive spaces, irrespective of one's sexual orientation or ethnic background. While we have several clubs using tag rugby as a welcoming entry point to rugby, the aim is that clubs will feel welcoming to all players.

In September, the IRFU partnered with the Irish Centre for Diversity to complete an EDI survey with staff and this will continue in 2024 with the input of clubs across the country. Results will form the framework for the IRFU EDI action plan. As recently as this weekend, we collaborated with the GAA and FAI to kick-start the respect our games campaign, highlighting that when people feel respected and involved, they have a positive experience and are more likely to stay involved throughout their lives. The IRFU will continue to provide leadership, guidance and support to our clubs to enable an inclusive environment to pervade across our membership. Every participant needs to know they will be offered a positive experience through rugby and that starts with the welcome at the gate. I assure the committee that Irish rugby is committed to inclusivity within our sport. I thank members for their time.