World Rugby exploring strategies to speed up game and increase fan engagement

The world governing body hosted its Shape of the Game forum on Thursday in London where major stakeholders met to "reimagine the spectacle and grow rugby's share of attention within an increasingly competitive global sports and entertainment market".

The group agreed to five areas for World Rugby "to explore in collaboration with key stakeholders" before a detailed plan is presented to the federation's executive board for consideration.

These include 'speed and flow', 'language and presentation of the game', the women's game, player welfare and wellbeing and a disciplinary process review to "aid efficiency, consistency and fan understanding".

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "Shape of the Game 2024 represents an important milestone in defining the future of our sport.

"It is born from a need and opportunity to grow rugby's audience by considering how the on-field product and off-field experience can cement long-term growth within a new calendar that delivers long-term certainty of exciting content from expanded Rugby World Cups to new global competitions.

"It is fantastic to see such a strong desire from all stakeholders - players, coaches, match officials, competition owners, unions and regions - to evolve the game to set us up for success, not just at the elite level, but at the community game."