As the women’s sports arena grows globally, there is an expanding amount of sports science research specially tailored to the needs of the women’s game. This enables those that work with female players to move away from the standard blueprint of using what has always been done in the past, which generally was based on sports science research based on the male population. We are now able to equip those working with females in rugby, knowledge and experience that specifically relates to the female body. Discussions in this theme will include a focus on injury prevention through prehab and rehab programs as well as recommended nutrition and mental skills for the female rugby player.

There is an ever-growing need of support across women’s rugby to assist with the expansion and development of game. Womens rugby in Asia has the capacity to be a major growth opportunity to the global game and it is important commercial and non-commercial partners, as well as governing bodies understand this. This theme will include discussions on strategies and methods in relation to broadening the appeal of the game to new players, commercial partners and government stakeholders and NGO’s. We will explore how an effective marketing and communication strategy can widen the exposure of the game and grow its commercial value to maximise opportunity for development and growth.

To develop lifelong rugby players and to achieve rugby success on the international stage we need to develop effective programs and structures that align the efforts of all those involved. From first touch programs and first year junior players, all the way through to the senior rugby and national representation for those who are keen. The key to this is to produce clear guiding pathways to help players fulfil their potential and retain them in the game. Through this theme, we will share best practice and long-term player development models that aid with retention and development as well as methods used to maximise success in the international arena.

A key focus of World Rugby’s Accelerating the Global Development of Women in Rugby plan is focused on developing the women’s game both and off the pitch at all levels. It is important Unions strive to increase the number of females across areas of coaching, match officiating and governance and leadership roles as this significantly aids with the game’s development. A major target for World Rugby and regional unions is to increase female representation in decision-making at the highest level, this is the impetus of the World Rugby Executive Leadership Scholarship. This theme will include discussions and talks that explore the various challenges, barriers and experience women face as more move into the areas of coaching, match officiating and governance and leadership roles, as well as strategies used to increase the workforce.

The growth and evolution of girls and women’s participation across the various Unions in Asia is having a positive impact on overall game, not only at international level but also through to community level. Many countries have shown that how through partnering with NGO’s, rugby has been used as a vehicle for positive social impact and development on women and girls across Asia. The Get Into Rugby Program has also been a contributing part to increased participation across Asia.  A key catalyst to global growth is the pinnacle of our sport, the 2021 Rugby World Cup which will be held in New Zealand. Through this theme, we will explore these various programs as well as leagues run across Asia that aid with increasing participating and inclusion.