David Gibson’s Post

As the US’s first professional women’s rugby league embarks on its inaugural season, Women’s Elite Rugby - WER - reveals their newly-developed team identities created in partnership with London-based creative agency MATTA. Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing team sports in the world. Hot on the heels of a phenomenal Olympic games in Paris for the US team and Ilona Maher—the most followed rugby player in the world, male or female—the first American professional women’s rugby league has been established. Women’s Elite Rugby aims to be the defining standard of rugby in North America, raising world-class women’s rugby to new heights in the run up to hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033. To create the identities of the six new teams, WER has partnered with specialist sports brand and creative agency MATTA—who have committed to accelerating the growth of women’s rugby ever since creating the Red Roses team brand for England Rugby in 2016. https://lnkd.in/eSFmXZGN #News

Excited to launch Australian Rugby’s strategy for 2025 - 2029 yesterday. Australian Rugby’s “From Green To Gold” strategy towards 2029 - formed in collaboration with stakeholders across the game including member unions, Super Rugby clubs and the Rugby Union Players’ Association - features three key pillars: performance excellence, participation growth and promotion effectiveness. Performance excellence: To consistently build winning teams in Gold, connecting and inspiring Australians and our rugby community. Participation growth: To increase support for clubs, schools, coaches and match officials to enable growth in participation and strengthen the rugby community. Promotion effectiveness: To leverage major events and engage bigger audiences across platforms increasing visibility, support and interest in rugby and driving commercial value.

I've written 3 suggestions for fixing Welsh Rugby #1 Reimagining Welsh Rugby's Professional Game Welsh Rugby is at a crossroads, and bold reform is needed to secure its future. The current structure has diluted resources, fractured fan bases, and struggled to compete on the global stage. It's time to return to their roots while building for the future. Imagine a professional system with three historic clubs—Llanelli, Cardiff, and Newport—at its heart. These iconic names carry decades of tradition, pride, and a deep connection to their communities. By focusing on quality over quantity, this streamlined model can create stronger teams capable of competing internationally, reignite local passion, and offer clear pathways for young talent to succeed. But it’s not just about the pro game. These clubs must be the cornerstone of their districts, (see #3) supporting grassroots rugby by funding development programs, coaching initiatives, and community engagement. Strong pro clubs can be beacons of inspiration, but their success must ripple through every level of the sport. Welsh Rugby’s future depends on honoring their history while embracing the changes needed to thrive in a modern game. It’s time to unify behind a vision that works for players, fans, and communities alike. Wales can build a rugby system that reflects their values, supports their talent, and secures their place on the global stage. #regionsarefinished #focusonfuture #nosoftoptions #itstime

Four Asian Rugby Unions Join Forces for Unions Cup to Boost 15s Rugby Growth As we wrapped up the Singapore Rugby Sevens, a landmark event took place that promises to enhance the landscape of rugby in Asia. The Singapore Rugby Union, alongside the rugby unions of Thailand , Chinese Taipei, and the Philippine Rugby Football Union Inc, have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 🤝 The Unions Cup: A New Chapter for Rugby in Asia Set to kick off from June 28 to July 6, 2024, the inaugural Unions Cup aims to boost 15s rugby and increase playing opportunities across Eastern and Southeast Asia. This marks a significant commitment to nurturing close-border rivalries, increased playing opportunities and the potential to expand to women's games next year. 🔄 Rotating Hosts, Building Traditions Each participating country will take turns hosting the annual tournament, enhancing the engagement and excitement around #rugby in the region. This collaborative effort not only aims to strengthen the #sport but also to attract commercial partners and align with the broader goals of World Rugby. 🌏 A Unified Vision The aspiration for the Unions Cup is to grow into a six-country tournament to become the equivalent of the Six Nations Rugby. As we look towards the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, initiatives like the Unions Cup are pivotal in promoting the 15s game.   The future of rugby in Asia is stronger, united, and more exciting than ever!   RugbyDAO Web3 Sports Ventures #AsiaRugby #RugbyUnion #UnionsCup Photo Credit: Asia Rugby

A very disappointing day for rugby in Australia. It seems history is set to repeat itself with another Australian Super Rugby Team ceasing to exist. It is naive to think reducing the professional contracting opportunities by 20% will increase depth and competition. The NRL and AFL have 17 and 18 teams respectively, Rugby will have 4. Which code do you think juniors will steer towards? A 1/4 chance or a 1/17 or 1/18, less career opportunities will equal less depth as potential players seek certainty and better odds of making it professional. How could a governing body be ignorant to a franchise operating insolvent for multiple years? I question whether this failure of corporate governance raises more concerns for the future of professional rugby in Australia.

It’s always controversial to talk about Welsh rugby and the WRU - Welsh Rugby Union, especially now when there is a real crisis in the game. In this excellent article in the Western Mail yesterday, one of Wales’s greatest former players Jonathan Davies OBE calls for a major reform of Welsh rugby if it is to succeed and thrive in the future. Given we now have a new CEO in the WRU and a chairman from a big four accountancy firm background, then it may be worth looking at his proposals through a strategy and business lens rather than just one of rugby. So here goes: 🏉Consolidating Regions – Reducing the number of professional teams ensures resources and talent are concentrated, improving performance and competitiveness. This follows the principle of resource optimisation, ensuring quality is prioritised over spreading too thin. 🏉 Strengthening Development Pathways: Investing in grassroots rugby and the SRC creates a sustainable flow of talented players, much like businesses developing future leaders and managers through training. 🏉 Appointing Leadership: Bringing in a world-class Director of Rugby is critical as strong leadership, guided by vision and expertise, can unify stakeholders and drive the reform needed just as it does in successful organisations. 🏉 Improving Transparency: Sharing a clear, actionable plan fosters trust and engagement is essential for change, especially as transparency attracts investment and reassures all stakeholders that progress is being made. 🏉 Reassessing Professionalism: Accepting that some players may remain semi-professional ensures resources are focused where they’re most effective. This approach prioritises financial sustainability while maintaining opportunities for development. 🏉 Unifying Stakeholders: Aligning clubs, regions, and the WRU under one shared vision eliminates inefficiencies and fosters progress with collaboration creating a stronger, more cohesive system, much like in high-performing business ecosystems. Obviously this is just my take on these proposals and I am sure there are many other opinions on what needs to be done. Also, as someone who has not only been watching the international team at the “Arms Park” through the good and bad for the last 40 years but also as a season ticket holder at Cardiff Rugby and a Vice-President at my local club, I know that the heart often rules the head when it comes to Welsh rugby. But I believe this is the worst it has been in four decades and it’s clear that reform is essential and all such proposals, especially from people with experience of the game, should be looked at carefully by the WRU board. More importantly, I’d also be applying the same strategic lens to any proposals that the WRU management team itself has developed and justifying every one in terms of its impact on the future of the game here in #Wales. https://lnkd.in/eMGHcbRE

Twickenham Stadium becomes the Allianz Stadium: Could this be the turning point for English rugby? Rugby fans across England have felt ‘personally attacked’ by the loss of their beloved “Twickers”. ’How could you?’, they scream. Well, considering the state of the game, quite easily. Our rugby specialist, Will Thompson, breaks down why this deal isn’t all doom and gloom, and could actually be the game-changer rugby in England so desperately needs: 🏟 This deal is reportedly worth more than £100m over 10 years, a staggering figure in rugby terms that will see record numbers invested in the grassroots game and professional clubs. After a difficult few years since Covid, the RFU are keen to avoid any more pain. Fans, players, and key voices in the media have been calling out for the desperate need for investment, and this is the answer. 🏟 This investment will also provide vital funding into the professional game and senior teams, particularly enhancing growth in the women’s game with Allianz already title partner of the Premiership Women's Rugby 🏟 With that, Allianz is a known sponsor of rugby across the world, so it feels an authentic and genuine partnership 🏟 The press release from the RFU mentions ‘improving experiences’ at the stadium too, essential in bringing Rugby HQ into the modern day with a stadium that attracts new fans to generate more revenue, which forms a huge part of the funding for the whole English game; multiple routes to the station might be a start... 🏟 The other alternative at one stage was selling Twickenham altogether and merging the Home of Rugby with the Home of Football – yes Wembley! So we were relieved this deal means our iconic home remains 🏟 Accusations of Twickenham ‘selling its soul’ are somewhat naive, as these types of investments are exactly what every other mainstream sport has done to survive and grow. And just as people still affectionally call Wembley Stadium Connected by EE simply ‘Wembley’, The Kia Oval simply ‘The Oval’, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium simply ‘Murrayfield’, and the DHL Stadium ‘Cape Town Stadium’, Twickers will always be Twickers to rugby fans After what’s felt like years of ‘what do we do’, this deal feels like the first huge step towards growing and changing the game this nation loves so much. #Rugby #Twickenham #AllianzStadium #RFU

"The women's game is the single biggest growth opportunity for rugby." This is the view of World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, shared during an interview with Leaders in Sport, shortly after the completion of RWC23. Gilpin was sharing his thoughts on realizing the potential of women's rugby. The biggest challenge he sees is the current investment proposition, i.e. invest now for future commercial gain. That's why the sports governing body is exploring new investment strategies, e.g. investment partners, to guarantee the funding needed to rapidly expand the women's game. Gilpin stressed the importance of establishing women's professional rugby in new markets, i.e. in places other than where this is already men's professional rugby leagues; think France, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. It was no surprise then to hear him mention the U.S.A. The foundations for women's rugby in the US are strong. The USA Rugby Eagles 7s are evidence of this, having built a team that are genuine medal contenders for the upcoming Paris Olympics. And with a 10-year runway of events that includes hosting rights of LA28 and RWC33, it's plain to see the commercial opportunity that exists for women's rugby in the US market. Gilpin's concluded his remarks by saying the opportunity for growing the women's game is huge and that what's needed is, "sensible but fast investment." The team at Women's Elite Rugby seem to be reading the playbook. They recently announced the launch of the first US professional women's league in 2025 and have already raised over 50% of their seed funding round. Hearing the big boss talk, it's clear that women's rugby is about take off. Also has me thinking that it might just be the women's game that finally draws in a wider US sports audience. https://lnkd.in/gRCekXHQ

  Are you ready for the clash of the Titans as South Africa and Ireland go head-to-head in yet another historic rugby showdown? When these two teams take to the field, it isn't just a match; it's a celebration of rugby heritage, mutual respect, and camaraderie. Both nations have carved out legendary statuses on the rugby field, and the upcoming encounter at Loftus in Pretoria promises to be nothing short of spectacular.    🏉 Did you know? The rivalry dates back to their first encounter in 1906 when South Africa embarked on their maiden tour to the Northern Hemisphere. This historic match set the stage for a century of thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments that have woven a rich tapestry of rugby tradition. This time, according to World Rugby, they will line up as the number one and two ranked teams.     🏉 Did you know? South Africa and Ireland have a knack for producing nail-biting encounters. The Springboks and the Irish have faced each other 28 times, with South Africa winning 18, Ireland 9, and 1 draw. Their most recent encounter in last year’s World Cup was one of the most intense. Ireland narrowly beat the Springboks in their pool stage contest. Undeterred, the Boks went on to win the tournament while the Irish went out in the quarterfinals.       As the teams prepare to line up once again, let’s celebrate the spirit of a game that unites us all. Whether you're a die-hard Bokke supporter or cheering on the Boys in Green, this match is a testament to the strength, skill, and sportsmanship that defines the great game of rugby.     Who will emerge victorious this time? 🏆🍀🇿🇦    #SAvsIreland    

BKT has agreed a new long-term partnership with Six Nations Rugby that will see the tyre manufacturer support both international men’s and women’s rugby. The agreement as official tyre partner to the Six Nations Rugby, spans the Guinness Men’s Six Nations and Guinness Women’s Six Nations, starting with the upcoming 2025 instalments of the Championships. BKT will also introduce a new award for rising stars in international rugby, which it says will spotlight the next generation of exciting international rugby talent and reflects the company’s mission to empower growth and celebrate potential. Agrigear Tyre and Wheel Specialists BKT Tires https://lnkd.in/eNKx7dps