1. Rugby’s Core Values
Ethos and Culture of the Game Task Group established in early The Group’s name was subsequently changed to Rugby and Core Values Task Group
Group was established as the result of an emergence of undesired behaviour at all levels e.g. aggression from parents towards match officials and hostility at elite matches similar to that seen at football matches
Feedback suggested that a number of events and developments may have had an adverse impact on the game:
Growth of the game away from the traditional roots e.g. football parents
A ‘win at all costs’ mentality as a result of league rugby
Advent of professionalism
Task Group established a clear definition of the fundamental elements of the game that must be retained and five Core Values which lie at the heart of Rugby Union
The values that characterise the sport are recognised by those within and outside of the Game as being unique and worthy of emulation by other sports
The values are Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship

2. ‘This is Rugby’ is the title of the campaign to promote the Core Values
The Core Values were launched to the media at the end of September 2009
The values are now being promoted in the following ways:
Each club and school has received/is to receive the Core Values DVD and Z Cards
Community Rugby resources will carry the Core Values
Core Values stories have been carried in ‘Touchline’
England players have received a presentation on the Core Values
Core Values workshops to be delivered within each CB

3. Teamwork HEADING HERE SUBHEADING HERE Body copy here
Holding slide only

8. Teamwork – Key Points The game is interdependent and reliant on others
Without teamwork, there would be no game
All new team members, irrespective of size, shape or
background, welcomed and included

9. Respect
Holding slide only

10. Respect – Key Points Mutual respect forms the basis of the sport
We should treat others how we would ourselves expect to
be treated
We should hold in high esteem the sport, its values and traditions
We should earn the respect of others by the way we behave
We must respect match officials and accept their decisions
We must respect opposition players and supporters
We must value coaches and those who run clubs

11. Discipline

12. Discipline – Key Points
Safety is of paramount importance. Lack of discipline on the
field of play can lead to serious harm to self and others
Breaches in discipline will be dealt with by the disciplinary
process
Without discipline, there would be damage and injury to
participants and a breakdown in authority
We must ensure that the sport is one of controlled physical
endeavour
We support our disciplinary system, which protects our sport

13. Enjoyment

14. Enjoyment – Key Points
Enjoyment should be the primary reason we play and
support rugby union
The game, at all levels, must be fun and entertaining for all
involved
Participants enjoy the sport for different reasons

15. Sportsmanship

20. Sportsmanship – Desirable Behaviours
Captains shaking hands before kick off
Buying your opposite number a drink post match
Thanking the referee
Thanking club volunteers
Player of the match awards for opposition
Speeches by team captains post match
Parents sharing a drink post match

21. Matthew Syed (The Times): “…a deeply affecting moment that spoke volumes about human empathy and true sportsmanship”

22. Sportsmanship – Key Points
Fair play should be observed both on and off the pitch
Participants should be in victory and dignified in defeat
We must uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with
team mates and opposition
Effort as well as achievement must be recognised

23. Rugby’s Core Values