Welsh Rugby Union Commits to Advancing Gender Equity in Sport at Global Summit

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has officially joined the global movement for gender equity in movement, physical activity, and sport by signing the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport's Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration.

The signing took place on 11 July 2026 at the IWG's 2026 Global Summit in Birmingham, the world's foremost gathering on gender equality in sport.

This formal commitment reinforces the WRU's ongoing dedication to building an inclusive, safe, and empowering culture for women and girls across all levels of Welsh rugby, all underpinned by wide ranging governance reforms, a unified culture of inclusivity, and vital investment in Women & Girls Rugby.

By joining a collaborative global network of over 700 organisations, the WRU is aligning its strategic goals with international standards and ensuring accountability for its ambitions.

Liam Scott, Head of EDI at the Welsh Rugby Union, shared the organisation's vision for the future:

"Rugby, our national sport, is so much more than a game, it's a powerful force for community and connection where everyone feels welcomed, valued and empowered to participate, both on and off the field. Our goal is to create community rugby spaces that welcome and support individuals of all genders and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in rugby and decision making processes."

The WRU is translating these commitments into tangible action through its Crys I Bawb EDI Strategy, driving sustainable change from grassroots to high performance.

Key initiatives include linking club funding to gender equity on committees and driving towards 10,000 registered female players via regional Community Hubs and Player Development Centres. Alongside a transformative £5m investment into the WRU Performance Pathway through to 2030, the organisation has also established two semi professional women's club teams for the Celtic Challenge, an initiative expanding to support 45 full time contracted players next year.

Annamarie Phelps, Co Chair of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, welcomed the commitment:

"The WRU's comprehensive approach to embedding gender equity perfectly embodies the principles of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. Having the WRU officially sign the Declaration in person at our Global Summit in Birmingham is a statement of their dedication to moving beyond the breakthrough, and we look forward to supporting their ongoing journey to make rugby a truly inclusive sport for all women and girls."