“From shamrocks to springboks, silver ferns and red roses, wallabies, cockerels and toucans, nature is deeply connected with the heart and soul of rugby.” 

That’s how World Rugby introduces the sport’s deep connection to the natural environment through the Rugby for Nature Toolkit – a resource designed to help local rugby clubs and communities protect biodiversity in and around rugby facilities. 

Encouraging readers to make it a ‘10-point game’ for rugby and nature, the Toolkit draws a parallel to a rugby match scenario where a team with a 10-point lead has a greater chance to go on and win the match. 

Phase One: The Try (5 Points) 

A try, worth five points in rugby, marks the first phase of the plan, consisting of five key steps: 

  • 1. Build your ‘Nature Squad’ by engaging colleagues, players, coaches and sponsors in biodiversity efforts.
  • 2. Understand your starting position by assessing how operations and activities impact nature.
  • 3. Draft and share your nature game plan.
  • 4. Be mindful of nature on and off the field.
  • 5. Give nature a home within your club.

Phase Two: The Conversion (2 Points)

A successful conversion, worth two points, represents the next stage with two additional steps:

  • 6. Make healthy food choices that benefit the mind, body and nature
  • 7. Get suppliers and partners on board.

Phase Three: The Drop Goal (3 Points)

A drop goal, typically worth three points, completes the plan with three final steps: 

  • 8. Make some noise – raise awareness and involve the entire club.
  • 9. Lift the ‘trophy’ together by celebrating positive impact.
  • 10. Raise the bar – commit to continuous improvement.

As a Sports for Nature signatory since 2023, World Rugby also introduces the ‘Five Rs’ to guide rugby’s environmental efforts: refrain from harm, recognise impact and scope, reduce waste, restore spaces and report on progress. 

On Earth Day 2024, World Rugby called on the ‘global rugby family’ to join the Rugby for Nature Squad, emphasising the importance of a healthy natural environment for the sport and launching the Toolkit to support this mission. One year later, the Toolkit features prominently in World Rugby’s recently published sustainability report.