Energia have launched the ‘Rugby for All’ initiative in partnership with Leinster Rugby. It is aimed at giving people with a love of the game who have a physical or learning disabilities to ‘Think of the Possibilities’ by getting involved in ‘Rugby for All’ in their local communities.

Energia have conducted extensive research to understand the landscape of the game for those with physical and learning difficulties. From the resulting research findings, they have planned a significant level of activity over the remainder of the partnership with Leinster Rugby which runs to 2028.

Over the coming months, activity will include a mixed ability blitz which will take place at Energia Park on Sunday the 10th of September while Energia are currently in the process of issuing sensory toolkits to rugby clubhouses across Leinster with aim of making the trip to their local club more enjoyable for those with sensory issues.

James Martin, the world’s first actor with Down Syndrome to win an Oscar award, and an active tag rugby player was on hand to help launch the initiative as an ambassador.

“We are delighted to launch ‘Rugby for All’ in partnership with Leinster Rugby,” said Energia Sponsorship Manager Lorna Danaher.

“Community is at the core of our purpose. Our research has helped us to understand the needs and challenges in improving the game for mixed-ability players and we’re excited to roll out our initiative to address them over the next 5 years.”

“We want to ensure that individuals with physical and learning difficulties are supported and facilitated.”

The research taken from 520 players across 26 Rugby Clubs throughout Leinster revealed that:

  • The top priority among respondents was to grow the ‘Rugby for All’ community i.e. rugby players and volunteers with physical or learning difficulties.
  • Awareness of the ‘Rugby for All’ community and the opportunities for players with physical or learning difficulties to play rugby was at 22%
  • The key barrier to growing the ‘Rugby for All’ community was stated as a lack of volunteers/coaches (23%)
  • When asked about the perceived level of support this game receives from sponsors or third parties, the average rating was 2.8 out of 5.
  • When asked about the role a sponsor could play in developing the ‘Rugby for All’ community, responses centred around the supply of equipment, growth of awareness and training support.

“I really believe this is a fantastic initiative by Energia,” said Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen.

“Here at Leinster, we are trying to grow the game of rugby at all ages and levels so that everyone feels welcomed and catered for. It is a huge credit to Energia for putting together this initiative and we at Leinster are happy to help in getting more people involved in the game.”