For a game built on loyalty, unity, and respect, rugby has 500+ million fans but less than 10 million players, this leaves the game with player-to-support ratio of 50:1. Surpassing that of most sports including soccer.
Think about it âŚ
Despite its global following, deep-rooted loyalty and community spirit, the grassroots game is struggling. Funding is scarce, clubs are closing, participation is dwindling, and young players in developing nations take to the field without rugby balls, boots and proper facilities. How can a sport with such a passionate and engaged fan base be in this state?
More Questions Than Answers.
How come funding from the top down to grassroots rugby, across playing nations, pays less than the player payroll of a top-tier soccer club?
Why, with more ârugby peopleâ than ever, are grassroots clubs disappearing?
Given its massive global following: why the struggle to harness the energy, influence, and passion needed to strengthen the game from the bottom up?
Admittedly, access to live rugby in emerging nations is limited. National broadcasters ignore the sport, financial constraints, and a system which historically relied on trickle-down funding , which never trickles down far enough. It all takes its toll!
The Reality is much Simpler.
Until now we havenât joined forces globally to collectively embrace the responsibility to safeguard the game we claim to love.
Hence the Iceberg Effect. We only see the tip, the professional game, the tournaments, the spectacle. Whilst beneath the surface, where most of the game lives and breathes, rugby is struggling to stay afloat.
Are you the Real Deal?
Real rugby people take pride in the values of the game. Camaraderie, inclusivity, respect, and resilience. They walk the talk. They wear their values like a badge of honour.
In Truth.
Were we to live these values and stood as one, grassroots rugby would not be in crisis, clubs wonât be closing their doors and thousands of children wonât be left playing in dust bowls without gear and structured coaching.
Given rugbyâs supporter-to-player ratio is significantly greater than soccerâs, how is it that grassroots clubs are struggling to survive whilst other sports flourish at every level?
The Reality.
We did not do enough, we relied on the system to fix itself, assuming someone else would step in. Well, they didnât because itâs our responsibility!
A Different Approach.
Turning the Iceberg on its head. Unstoppable Rugby⢠is taking a bottom-up approach. Imagine if you will the change that would be brought about if a mere 10% of rugbyâs 500 million + followers huddled under one umbrella?
The grassroots game, clubs and players, and the millions of rugby lovers the world over. One for All. All for One.
A Lesson Learnt.
The richness of togetherness, the true power of rugby, has never come from the top-down. It can only come from people like us! For too long, we have walked the isolated path, separated by borders, clubs, rivalries, and divisions that were never meant to exist.
We stood by whilst the foundation of our game crumbled below our feet, hoping someone else, governing bodies, sponsors, or the pros, would come to the rescue.
Calling on the Elders and Legends
The gameâs ethos, spirit, and values were vested in its elders, legends, and lifelong custodians. Those whoâve seen and experienced it all and have carried the game on its shoulders.
We now need you! Not to reminisce from the sidelines on how things used to be. But to make rugby grow again and to lead the charge towards a new future. A future where rugbyâs true values are restored, its history preserved, and a legacy secured for generations to come.
Itâs all about You!
Thereâs no time like the present. For the first time ever we have technology, connectivity, and The Unstoppables behind us to mobilize a rugby movement like no other.
Not unlike the Redwood trees, our roots are intertwined, we are stronger together, than we will ever be apart. It is time to step up, to reach out, for the grassroots game to come alive and thrive with 500 million passionate rugby lovers on our side.
The Question Begs.
Can we count on you? Because without you we are one short.
One for All. All for One.
#unstoppabletogether
