World Rugby invites applications for 2019-2020 Spirit of Rugby projects

Dublin, July 13, 2018: World Rugby today announced the second edition of its successful Spirit of Rugby projects programme.

The programme was first launched in 2016 when organisations using rugby for social development projects were invited to apply for support from World Rugby to further develop and grow their activities.

A diverse list of organisations from across the globe applied to partner with World Rugby during the first edition of the programme with five eventual partners selected:

• Khelo Rugby – Social inclusion projects through rugby in India, Pakistan and Nepal

• Rio Rugby FC – Urban rugby project in Rio de Janeiro’s favela communities promoting rugby and its values

• SOS Kit Aid – Environmental initiative redistributing new and used rugby kit and equipment to developing unions

• Terres en Mêlées – Education, gender equality and sustainability actions through rugby in France and Madagascar

• Trust Rugby International – Building training and education networks to support inclusive rugby for players with a disability/Rugby projects

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “The Spirit of Rugby programme is a wonderful opportunity for World Rugby to lend its support to those organisations working at the community level which live and breathe the values of the game – discipline, respect, integrity, passion and of course, solidarity.

• Second edition of the rugby for social development programme launched/Rugby projects

• 2017-2018 partners using rugby and its values to help grow the global game

• Programme aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In aligning the programme to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and through working in close collaboration with our unions, regions and Spirit of Rugby partners, we can use the game to support actions which benefit not just our sport, but wider society, be it through focusing on gender equality, education, health, social inclusion, youth leadership or peace building initiatives”.

Applications, which are invited until 31 August 2018, will be evaluated against a range of criteria including expected impact, reach, sustainability and scalability of the project as well as collaboration with World Rugby Members and Regional Associations.

For more information, please visit world.rugby/spirit-of-rugby