MADRID, 21 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Royal Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER) presented its new strategy for women's rugby on Thursday, which aims to double the number of licenses in the cycle that begins with the 2025 World Cup in England and culminates with the next edition of the tournament in 2029, according to a statement.
This project, part of the RFER's initiatives in the context of the World Cup, was born from an analysis of the current situation of Spanish women's rugby, thanks to the joint work with the regional federations and clubs. It is aligned with the conclusions of the global study presented this week by World Rugby, considered "the most comprehensive analysis ever conducted on the development, fan base, and growth opportunities of women's rugby internationally."
The RFER's strategy, designed by its Development Department under the direction of Rugby, regarding players focuses on two main areas: retention, especially in the 14-16 age group, and recruitment, with the aim of attracting new players through "more accessible and tailored" offerings.
To this end, following a pilot test carried out last season and following the lead of other major world rugby federations, the RFER is firmly committed to implementing the T1 modality as the centerpiece of its strategy.
And it will be implemented in two distinct ways: the non-contact recruitment program, already established internationally; and the contact competition program, with the aim of offering clubs and regional federations new ways to strengthen player retention.
Following the joint work carried out last season, the RFER announced that a consensus has been reached for the 10-a-side format and a working committee has been established to finalize the regulations for this format for the new season, with the aim of ensuring they are "as aligned as possible with the reality of women's rugby at its grassroots level."
Furthermore, the RFER strengthens its commitment to the development of women's rugby through its Women and Rugby program, which will continue to deploy initiatives aimed at all levels of the sport. This project, whose actions will be announced shortly, seeks to "consolidate an inclusive, sustainable, and nationally-oriented ecosystem, in which, in addition to players, coaches, referees, managers, and fans play a leading role."
"With this roadmap, the Royal Spanish Rugby Federation reaffirms its commitment to the growth of women's rugby, in line with international trends and with the 2029 World Cup as a clear target," the statement concluded.
