World Rugby launches bold new six-year strategy to shape the future of the game

The strategy reframes how World Rugby will drive the sport forward on and off the field via a clear purpose: bringing people and rugby together through iconic events, impactful investment, and leadership, and support for of our members.

Built through consultation with unions, regions, players, fans, partners and stakeholders across the sport, the strategy is designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sport in a constantly evolving environment, setting out a clear roadmap to strengthen and advance the sport on and off the field.

The new strategy builds on momentum across the game. Participation is growing in many markets, fan engagement is increasing, the women’s game continues to accelerate, men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups are reaching new heights, player welfare programmes are setting global standards, and the cornerstones of a reimagined international calendar are in place with the Nations Championship, World Rugby Nations Cup and reimagined WXV Global Series and Challenger debuting in 2026.

In a consistently evolving sporting and entertainment landscape, the new strategy provides a focused framework for how rugby can respond to the needs of players, fans and commercial partners while staying true to the values that define the game.

The full World Rugby Strategy can be read here >>

WATCH: World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson explain the impact of the new strategy

Over the next six years, World Rugby will focus on strengthening rugby’s foundations, increasing the impact of its iconic events, growing the sport’s audience, unlocking further opportunities in the women’s game, supporting members and protecting player welfare and long-term sustainability at every level.

This is a strategy shaped by the game, for the game – ambitious in vision, clear in focus and grounded in the belief that rugby can continue to make a positive difference in communities around the world.