“Game Changer: How Climate Change is Impacting Rugby and What We Can Do About It”

World Rugby has recently released a report detailing the significant impacts of climate change on the sport of rugby. The report, which analyzes the projected impact of climate change on rugby in 10 different countries, highlights the various climate hazards that will affect the game in the coming years.

One major concern identified in the report is the increase in the number of hot days. As temperatures rise, player safety becomes a concern, as rugby requires suitable temperatures and humidity levels for optimal performance. The report advises following Heat Illness Prevention Interventions when the Heat Stress Index exceeds 150, which can occur at temperatures as low as 35°C with 50% humidity. In a climate that is 2°C warmer, all countries studied will experience more hot days, with some countries seeing up to 15 additional hot days exceeding 35°C.

Another significant impact of climate change on rugby is the increased frequency and intensity of droughts. Droughts affect water availability for irrigating turf pitches, making them harder and more injury-prone. The report explains that a turf pitch requires up to 50,000 liters of water per day in summer, equivalent to about 1,000 showers. Reduced irrigation and water rationing may limit the use of grass pitches, leading to increased damage during training or matches.

Additionally, the report highlights the increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation and flash floods, which can damage turf health, stadium access, and structure. Marine submersion due to rising sea levels poses a threat to turf health and stadium structures in some regions. Severe cyclones, intensified by global warming, can cause flooding, damage equipment and infrastructure, and disrupt rugby events.

The report also notes the impact of increased humidity on rugby, as warmer air holds more humidity, leading to higher humidity levels in some regions. This can increase the risk of heat strokes and heat-related illnesses, posing a threat to player safety.

In response to these climate hazards, World Rugby has outlined several recommendations to help reduce rugby’s environmental impact and prepare for the expected impacts of climate change. These recommendations include developing individual sustainability plans, integrating climate projections into decision-making processes, establishing solidarity funding mechanisms, and promoting local climate change adaptation strategies for rugby.

Overall, the report emphasizes the need for rugby to anticipate and prepare for the challenges posed by climate change in order to ensure the resilience of the sport in the face of evolving climate impacts.