Climate change is significantly transforming our planet and the sports industry will not be immune, in fact it may suffer significant economic and competitive impacts. A recent report commissioned by World Rugby, the governing body of the oval-ball sport that organizes the Rugby World Cup every four years and other international competitions, analyzed the impact of a +2°C increase in global temperature on its events, highlighting some of the risks but also some of the opportunities to adapt and contribute to environmental sustainability [1].

World Rugby is already a signatory to the Sports for Nature Framework led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Sir Bill Beaumont, chairman of the federation, stated: “We believe rugby can play its part in fighting the drastic loss of biodiversity on our planet by showing leadership and empowering members of our global family to safeguard our natural environment” [2]. The voice of the athletes was instead heard through the words of former player and current Australian Senator David Pocock: “Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is already here. The choices the rugby world makes today will determine the future of the sport and its ability to inspire sustainable action globally” [1]. The report used the latest scientific research, contained in the one of the latest version of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, to outline the climate context to which the rugby world will have to adapt in the short and medium term, presenting and focusing on the main impacts of climate change for ten representative rugby nations (Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA) from different climate regions [1].

Fig. 1: Rugby player in the field. Image by Pawel Grzegorz from Pixabay

Among the main risks is a substantial increase in heat waves and humidity. Six of the ten nations analysed in the report are experiencing an increase in days with temperatures above 35°C, which will make training and competitions increasingly difficult, if not impossible, and increase the risk of heat stroke for athletes, spectators and staff [1]. Another important challenge will be posed by droughts, as reduced water resources compromise the quality and maintenance of turf fields, leading to hard surfaces and more injuries [1]. Finally, the increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as tornadoes and flooding, will put infrastructures at serious risk and may even submerge entire stadiums in coastal areas and islands, requiring costly maintenance work [1].

Thirty per cent of the analyzed venues (one hundred and eleven in total) are located in cyclonic zones, which will be subject to a steady increase in their destructive activity. Groups of turf management experts from all over the world have already been consulted in various working groups and are unanimous on the need to adapt playing surfaces to the changing climatic conditions, especially for the hotter and/or wetter ones. World Rugby’s natural turf guidelines already provide useful guidance on best practices and recommended turf types according to climatic specificities. These are only the direct effects, but there will also be indirect ones, which will affect the economy and the image of rugby. Insurance, facility maintenance and materials will become increasingly expensive. The governance of World Rugby will also face significant pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices, it could be even necessary to change regulations and calendars to safeguard the well-being of players and spectators.

The report points out that while athletes and spectators can adapt with preventive measures (hydration, scheduling of matches at cooler times), the fields and infrastructure show lower levels of resilience to these impacts. Investments in new technologies, heat-resistant grass varieties and sustainable infrastructure are key to mitigating the risks [1].

Recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by global warming, in 2022 World Rugby adopted an ambitious Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030 to systemically integrate sustainability issues into its governance, organizing and supporting sustainable events and promoting environmental protection in its sport through education, and knowledge sharing. One of the final recommendations in the report is that all national and international rugby organizations should promote and support local climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Initiatives such as Rugby for Nature [2], launched by rugby communities globally to safeguard the natural environment and biodiversity in and around rugby facilities, demonstrate how governing bodies and affiliated unions can support local initiatives with practical resources adapted to the realities of climate change and biodiversity loss. The international federation will use the findings of the report to support its long-term planning, including the organization of major events as the future Rugby World Cups, as it continues to work with its stakeholders to make the sport more resilient for the future ahead.

This article is part of the project “Quiz Ambientali per un Trentino Più Verde!” carried out by Econtrovertia APS and sponsored by Fondazione Cassa Rurale di Trento (Notice of Approval of December 20, 2024).

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