DYSGU WRU

The Welsh Rugby Union today launched DYSGU WRU, a free online resource platform for the exclusive use of rugby clubs across Wales.

The online portal is live and available for all rugby clubs now, with the aim of educating and informing members in a way that will enable club houses to thrive.

Dysgu WRU is a free resource to all rugby clubs and affiliated providers.

Webinars will be delivered by industry experts on a range of topics that have been identified as priority areas for Rugby Clubs in Wales.

Clubs can register and enroll volunteers and club staff onto a variety of the seminars on a wide range of topics which include education about finances such as ‘an Introduction to VAT’ and guidance on other issues from ‘Engaging Diverse Communities’ to ‘Creating a Period Positive Club House’.

“Rugby clubs across Wales are at the hearts of their communities” said WRU Community Director, Geraint John.

“We know the value good clubs add to their community and, whilst rugby is at the heart of any club, the use of rugby clubs must adapt to reflect the diverse and changing needs of the communities in which they sit.

“It’s vital rugby clubs are welcoming places and offer multifunctional spaces for use by all sections of their surrounding communities. Our ‘jersey for all’ approach to the community game is as important now as it always has been in order to engage more people and volunteers in the sport at all levels and of all abilities.

“Our ambition is to ensure rugby continues to thrive throughout Wales – and this starts with an vibrant club house. We want every rugby club to reach its full potential and we don’t want the lack of easy access to training or education to be a barrier to a club’s development.

“DYSGU WRU has been over 10 months in its planning and researching and I’d like to thank the independent industry experts in working with us to develop and tailor each webinar.

“LooseHeadz, Show Racism the Red Card, Digital Communities Wales, Accelerate Sport and Welsh Government who have been tremendously supportive in helping us developing the programme. I’m delighted that we are finally, after many months, now in a position to offer these fantastic resources, free of charge to rugby clubs across Wales.”

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Dawn Bowden said: “Dysgu WRU will make rugby clubs across Wales more inclusive and ensure they have the tools, knowledge and ability to welcome people from all levels to the sport.

“Initiatives like this are crucial in making sure clubs remain at the heart of their communities and can meet the needs of those who use them. I look forward to seeing this benefiting the next generation of rugby players in Wales.”

For every seminar a rugby club attends, the WRU will provide a ‘badge’ that the club or individual can promote via their social media channels, confirming that they have completed DYSGU WRU training in a given area.

Alongside the launch of Dysgu WRU, the WRU community department will launch a self-assessment tool available to all clubs that enables committees to assess themselves against a set of criteria of governance, playing and participation, compliance and culture.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to engage across a number of key working areas with an education tool that will support them in becoming community hubs of the future in a way that’s sustainable and adds long term value,” added John.

Rugby clubs can sign up to the DYSGU WRU platform here www.dysguwru.wales

The platform will available in English and Welsh with further seminars to be added over the coming months.

The full list of current webinars available is:

• Understanding unconscious bias
• Tackling Racism
• Engaging with diverse communities
• Introduction to VAT
• How to make your clubhouse more welcoming to women and girls
• Creating a period positive clubhouse
• Creating a menopause positive clubhouse
• Good governance in your club
• Creating an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) plan for your clubhouse
• Health and safety in your clubhouse
• Running an efficient committee meeting
• Clubhouse and facilities projects – VAT issues to consider
• Recruiting and retaining volunteers at your club
• Social media for clubs