World Rugby Launches Free Webinars for Girls' Coaches

Getting girls excited about rugby is one thing, but helping them stick with it requires the right support.

World Rugby launched a free webinar series focused on women's health and development in the sport. The first 2026 session happens June 23 at 11:00 AM GMT, specifically designed for coaches and parents of girls just starting their rugby journey.

The timing couldn't be better. Women's rugby is experiencing explosive growth following England's Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 victory, which broke attendance records and inspired countless young girls to pick up the sport.

Dr. Lindsay Starling, World Rugby's Science and Medical Manager, recognized a gap in accessible resources. "It's an exciting time for young girls when they first take up a team sport like rugby," she explained. But parents and coaches often have questions about contact sports, and quality information can be hard to find.

The webinar addresses these concerns head-on. Participants will learn practical tools for supporting girls when they take their first steps in rugby, from safety basics to keeping young players engaged long-term.

Registration is completely free and open to anyone worldwide. Can't make the live session? No problem. All webinars get recorded and posted to the World Rugby website for viewing anytime.

The Ripple Effect

This initiative reaches far beyond one webinar. World Rugby planned three sessions for 2026, including upcoming topics on knee injury prevention in female players and other women's health issues in rugby.

The series builds on momentum from 2025, when World Rugby first launched the women's health webinar program. Those sessions remain available online, creating a growing library of resources for the global rugby community.

By equipping coaches and parents with expert knowledge, World Rugby is removing barriers that might prevent girls from discovering their love of the game. When adults feel confident supporting young players, girls get the encouragement they need to stick with rugby through those crucial early months.

The program represents a simple but powerful investment in the next generation of female players, ensuring today's inspired youngsters become tomorrow's World Cup champions.