Energia has expanded its community-facing ‘Rugby for All’ programme with the launch of portable sensory boxes, developed in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union and Sport Ireland.
The initiative is designed to create a more inclusive environment for rugby players and spectators with sensory sensitivities, providing practical supports at club and provincial events across the country.
Under the programme, the IRFU — working alongside the four provinces — will make the portable sensory boxes available to clubs nationwide for use at designated Rugby for All events.
Carlow Hosts First Rollout
The rollout began at Co. Carlow FC on February 28th, where the Co. Carlow Bees staged a Mixed Ability Blitz featuring teams from Connacht, Leinster and Munster.
The event provided an opportunity to showcase the sensory boxes in action, offering a controlled and supportive space for individuals who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation during busy matchday environments.
Leinster and Ireland A player Diarmuid Mangan attended the blitz and met players taking part, reinforcing the connection between the professional and grassroots game.
In advance of the blitz, Energia ambassador Hugo Keenan visited the Carlow side for a surprise training session, providing equipment and highlighting the role of inclusion within the broader Rugby for All framework.
Inclusion as a Strategic Priority
Energia’s Sponsorship and Events Manager Lorna Danaher said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to accessibility within its long-standing rugby partnerships.
“Co. Carlow FC was one of the first clubs to use the Portable Sensory Boxes at the recent blitz, and we look forward to seeing them roll out nationwide with all four provinces,” she said.
“As part of the Rugby for All initiative, Energia want to make sure everyone has access to rugby, whether as a player or spectator, and these Sensory Boxes will help that.”
The IRFU’s Disability and Inclusion Officer David McKay said the resource will be available to clubs across the country through existing governance structures.
“Sensory Rooms are a valuable resource for anyone that needs to use them. We are thrilled to partner with Energia on this project ensuring clubs have access to the rooms for events they host,” he said.
“We would advise all clubs around the country to reach out to their Spirit of Rugby Officers and reserve the Portable Sensory Rooms for their members and players.”
Building on ‘Rugby for All’
The portable sensory boxes form part of Energia’s broader Rugby for All initiative, which aims to widen access and participation across Irish rugby communities.
From a Sport for Business perspective, the programme represents a continued shift among sponsors towards measurable social impact within sports partnerships — embedding inclusion, accessibility and community engagement into the activation strategy rather than limiting involvement to brand visibility.
With the support of the IRFU and Sport Ireland, the nationwide rollout signals a coordinated approach to inclusive infrastructure in Irish sport, aligning commercial sponsorship with long-term participation growth and social responsibility objectives.
Image Credit: Energia
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