World Rugby urges men to learn from women’s game on engaging with fans

ENGAGING WITH FANS: Ireland's Linda Djougang takes a selfie with fans after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

The head of World Rugby has urged the men’s game to learn lessons from how players at the Women’s Rugby World Cup have shown off their personalities and interacted more with fans.

Alan Gilpin also suggested that World Rugby would be preparing a dossier of “great facts and stats” to show teams at the men’s World Cup in 2027 that engaging more with supporters would not take the edge off their performances.

“Perceptions about our sport are being challenged, are being changed, and, in many cases, are being blown out of the water,” said Gilpin. “And we believe there’s a real opportunity for the men’s games to actually follow the lead. We’re seeing greater accessibility and more personality creates more stars.” 

Players have been posing for selfies, signing autographs and, in the case of Japan, even bowing to the crowd to show their support. Gilpin insisted that it was making a huge difference to the vibe of the tournament with 90% of fans – many of whom had never been to a rugby game before – saying they would return.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of Rugby World Cups,” said Gilpin. “I don’t think I’ve been involved in one with an atmosphere quite like this.

“Whether it’s the dancing between the teams after a match, the interaction with fans after the final whistle or their engagement individually on social media, it is a genie you can’t put back very easily in the bottle.

ENGAGEMENT: Ireland's Fiona Tuite signs autographs for fans after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

“I hope that we continue to see that in the women’s game. And I hope that in the men’s game there’s some lessons or observations made of that. That it doesn’t have to be a performance inhibitor. If something is engaging fans, and creating joy for the players, maybe it’s something that can actually be a performance enablement.

“When we get to the end of the tournament we’ll have some great content, some great facts and stats to really share as we look forward to the men’s edition in Australia in 2027.” 

World Rugby also confirmed that four of the final group games this weekend were expected to be a sell out, but conceded that the attention the tournament has received had led to some players being trolled on social media.

One of those affected, the Wales No 8 Georgia Evans, insisted that the abuse would not lead to her changing appearance, which includes wearing ribbons in her hair and make-up during matches.

“In an old-school, man’s game, I’m bringing a bit of Barbie to the party,” she said in an Instagram post. “To those who don’t like it, that’s OK. To those who’ve shown love and support – thank you. Don’t worry, I won’t be changing.

Guardian