Introduction

Rugby is a growing sport, and most notably female participation is on the rise. World Rugby is investing significantly to increase the number and profile of women in the game, resulting in rapid participation growth inspired by Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) in New Zealand that set new attendance and viewership records. 

Between 2022 and 2023 the number of active registered male players grew by 26 per cent when active registered female players grew by 37 per cent. Twenty-five percent of the world’s rugby players are now female, and one in seven is a pre-teen girl. 

More girls and women joining rugby is a very positive step towards building a truly inclusive and equal sport for all. The next is to keep these new female participants in the sport.  

The 2020 Rally Report found that one in three girls in Canada drop out of sport, compared to 1 in 10 boys, and 43 per cent of adolescent girls said that the quality of the sport experience was a factor in leaving (Reference 1). As more women and girls get into rugby, we have a collective responsibility to make their experience the best it can be. 

With that objective in mind, World Rugby has prepared this “Coaching Women and Girls” module to offer ideas and encourage thinking on coaching methods that may help to recruit and retain more women and girls in the game.

While most of these recommended methods will work with both men and women, the module will cover specificities of coaching women and girls to help them reach their playing potential. 

This module is a guide, and not a one-size-fits-all approach. Coaches and players must remember to reflect on what methods best suit their own team and environment. The methods presented are also not limited to girls and women but can be applied when coaching any players, regardless of their gender.