“Shape Of The Game is an opportunity to define rugby’s future”

International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) is calling on rugby’s stakeholders to be “brave and innovative” when considering options that can improve the sport.

Unions bosses, coaches, players, referees and tournament organisers from all over the world will meet at the Shape of the Game conference in London this week to examine ways to improve the elite game, both on and off the field. 

Members of IRPA’s High Performance group will represent the player voice at a range of sessions, which will look at various aspects of the men’s and women’s professional game. 

IRPA Chief of Rugby Operations Conrad Smith, said: “Our game has huge strengths but it also needs to keep evolving. Players want to see improved consistency and want the game to flow. We need to improve the spectacle without losing that which makes rugby unique.”

Head of Women’s Rugby Rachael Burford said: “From a player point of view, clarity is key. Laws and sanctions need to be applied the same way across competitions so everyone understands what is expected. 

“But we’re also fans of the game and we need to make matches easier to follow, more enjoyable to watch and from that, we can attract more fans to our sport. Rugby’s stakeholders need to make brave and innovative decisions with that in mind,” added Burford. 

The conference, organised by World Rugby, will also feature a commercial meeting that will discuss opportunities for all parties to discuss ways to increase revenue into the game. 

IRPA Chief Executive, Omar Hassanein, said: “There’s a general acceptance that rugby’s commercial model is underachieving and that more can be done to entice revenues into the sport. We encourage the sport’s stakeholders to be innovative and use Shape of the Game as a starting point for a new and exciting revenue model for Rugby.”