The IRFU has announced a new partnership with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to deliver a nationwide education programme aimed at raising awareness of the reality and impact of sexual violence within sport, and reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach across Irish rugby.

The partnership brings together the reach and influence of rugby clubs within communities across Ireland with the specialist knowledge and expertise of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

Its core objective is to help make rugby a happier, healthier environment where everyone can engage with the sport in a way that is safe, supported and enjoyable.

Central to the initiative is the development of a rugby-specific online workshop focused on Respect, Consent and Allyship. The programme is designed to encourage a shift in attitudes and behaviours, supporting a culture of respect and accountability throughout the game. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to recognise, prevent and respond appropriately to instances of sexual violence.

While participation in sport delivers significant physical, social and mental health benefits, it is not immune from wider societal issues. Across Irish society, 52 per cent of women and 28 per cent of men have reported experiencing sexual violence, while attitudes towards consent remain mixed, with persistent misconceptions continuing to influence behaviour, particularly in social settings.

By bringing these conversations into community spaces such as sport, the IRFU and DRCC believe meaningful and lasting change can be driven at grassroots level. The education programme is intended to support clubs in creating safe and inclusive environments for players, coaches, volunteers and administrators at all levels of the game.

Resources

The 90-minute online workshops are interactive and action-oriented, with additional web-based resources provided to support learning and implementation within clubs. The tailored training programme covers gendered stereotypes in sport, the forms sexual violence can take, myths and misconceptions, consent and the law, how to be an ally, and how to signpost individuals towards appropriate supports.

Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to cultural change.

“Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is delighted to be partnering with the IRFU to deliver a nationwide programme of education and training,” she said. “This programme reflects the acknowledgement that each of us has a role to play in eliminating sexual violence and fostering a culture of consent in Ireland.”

She added that the IRFU’s position at the heart of communities gives the programme significant potential impact.

“We greatly welcome the proactive and genuine commitment from the IRFU to work with us to deliver cultural change within sport. The IRFU often plays an important role in players’ and supporters’ sporting and social lives, and that influence can be a powerful force for good.”

Morrogh said the programme would support those connected to rugby to model healthy and respectful behaviours, while also ensuring that survivors feel supported.

“This programme will support those who have experienced sexual violence to come forward into a safe and trauma-informed space. While this is a first step, we believe this partnership will grow and evolve, with the ultimate aim of eliminating sexual violence in sport and inspiring other national governing bodies to take similar action.”

The workshops are open to all players, coaches, volunteers and administrators across the four provinces, with resources signposting participants to local rape crisis centres and support organisations nationwide.

Five free online workshops will take place between 6.30pm and 8pm on January 27, February 9, February 25, March 10 and March 24, with registration now open.

Sport for Business Perspective

Sport has the ability to reach people in a powerful and responsive way and its being used as a platform for societal issues that might otherwise be left to others is a very positive development.

 

 

 

 

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