27 Aug 2019
World Rugby to introduce gender-neutral names for major tournaments
BY Tom Walker
Rugby's world governing body has announced that its flagship Rugby World Cup properties will no longer include gender in their titles.
Making the announcement, World Rugby said the move was part of a "commitment to equality and brand consistency across its portfolio".
In a first for a major sporting federation, the women’s designation will be dropped from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand. It will be named Rugby World Cup 2021, starting the global rollout.
According to Bill Beaumont, World Rugby chair, the move will ensure that the competitions have equal billing from a brand perspective, regardless of whether the events feature men or women.
He added that the purpose is to elevate the profile of the women’s game, while eliminating any inherent or perceived bias towards men’s only competitions and tournaments, which traditionally haven’t specified gender.
"Unintentional gender bias in sport is an ongoing issue," Beaumont said.
"As a global sporting federation, we need to be leading from the front on the issue of equality.
"By adopting gender balance in the naming of men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup competitions, we are setting new standards of equality in rugby."
The announcement follows the unveiling of World Rugby’s landmark Women in Rugby brand identity and global campaign, entitled 'Try and Stop Us'.
Launched in May in partnership with member unions, the campaign aims to drive greater growth and investment in the women’s game.
The campaign uses striking imagery and inspirational stories to showcase 15 "unstoppable women and girls" in rugby from around the world, who have challenged barriers to participation and used rugby to overcome life’s hurdles.
Close Window