9/28/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Rugby.
Whether you are playing sevens or 15s, it will take everything you have to score a try or drop a goal. Rugby players need speed, strength, and toughness to run, kick, and pass the ball down the pitch. And all of that while dodging and being tackled to the ground. Stay on your feet in the ruck, show off your strength in the scrum, and don’t get sent off with a red card. When we protect rugby players, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Rugby Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Rugby has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Rugby is a contact sport that often involves heavy tackling and physical aggression. Athletes are put at high risk for injury. Injuries can leave athletes vulnerable to abuse. In addition, if the physical aggression goes unchecked, it could lead to off-field violence and/or abuse. In addition, there is often close contact between athletes and coaches. There is a high level of trust that could be taken advantage of, especially if athletes and coaches are not properly educated on appropriate contact and consent.
- Rugby is a team sport, and team environments can be potential havens for peer-on-peer abuse, hazing, and bullying. These behaviors are often encouraged, minimized, or normalized rather than taken seriously.
- Rugby often requires frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
9/23/2026
AFL umpire felt 'threatened' by abuse from Hawks players and fans as police charges spectator
9/23/2026
Fiji Rugby League executive under police investigation over sexual harassment allegations
8/3/2026
Former Australian radio host and national rugby coach on trial for sex charges
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Rugby Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Safeguarding, Governing Bodies, and Coaching within Rugby.
Filter by…
No resources under that filter for Rugby yet.
Coaching Women and Girls
Coaching
Gain an understanding of coaching women's and girls' rugby.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Overview - Rugby Research & Injury Prevention Group
Safeguarding
Learn about injury prevention and safety in rugby.
Rugby League Respect Code of Conduct
Governing Bodies
A code of conduct used in rugby to promote safety and respect.
World Rugby - Concussion Guidance
Governing Bodies
Learn about concussion symptoms, aftercare, and returning to play rules and recommendations.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
View Crisis Resources
