Former England star Ugo Monye will chair a new independent diversity and inclusion advisory group created by the RFU with the goal of helping rugby in England reflect the diversity of society in the country.
Monye – who won 16 caps for England between 2008 and 2012 – is part of a panel that also includes the likes Wasps Ladies director of rugby Giselle Mather, trustee of the Women’s Sport Trust Sue Anstiss, England Women Sevens head coach James Bailey and Richmond Women player and chairwoman Laura Kapo.
The group will provide insights to shape plans as well as challenge the RFU on its progress in delivering on its diversity and inclusion goals and Monye is eager to get going on a project very close to his heart.
“The RFU has made diversity and inclusion a core priority with clear plans being worked on that should make a substantive difference to the game,” explained the former England winger and current rugby pundit.
“It’s really important that we get this right so that the anyone, from anywhere, feels rugby is a game for them.
“There is a wealth of experience in the advisory group and we’re all pleased to be able to contribute in driving an important agenda within the sport.”
The RFU say that priorities include raising awareness, educating a wide range of stakeholders and refreshing policies and guidance. Currently the priority areas for action are ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and age.
The RFU have a number of headline goals – which you can read more about here – including growing fans and followers in under-represented groups, increasing the number of female rugby players and players from lower socio-economic groups and ensuring a more diverse composition on rugby boards.
Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, said: “To be able to draw on the wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in this group will be invaluable to us as we embark on plans to increase diversity in our sport and ensure it is open and inclusive to all.
“Consulting with others outside our organisation will provide us with different perspectives and help us to ensure that our plans are robust, meaningful, and result in tangible action.”
