How World Rugby is Embracing Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable procurement is becoming vital in sports organisations to lower carbon emissions, reduce environmental impact and promote the ethical sourcing of materials such as equipment, uniforms and stadium infrastructure.

With this in mind, the leading sports governing body World Rugby has released its inaugural sustainability report, establishing a roadmap for making rugby a more inclusive, sustainable and socially responsible sport.

The report highlights the organisation’s commitment to sustainability and outlines its progress. It also details World Rugby’s role in enhancing diversity, inclusivity and supply chain sustainability. 

Dr. Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, explains: “The challenges we face – as a sport and a society – are complex. Climate change poses significant risks, including existential threats to many of our unions. Tackling these challenges requires bold, thoughtful and collaborative action. Rugby, with its diverse voice, inspiring personalities and core values of integrity, solidarity and respect, is well-placed to drive meaningful change. 

“This past year has seen important steps forward. We’ve strengthened governance to broaden representation on our decision-making structures and ensure that transparency and accountability guide every decision. 

“We’ve embedded social impact initiatives in our flagship tournaments, supporting communities and fostering inclusivity at every level of the game. And importantly, we’ve made tangible progress in addressing rugby’s environmental impact, helping to secure a more resilient future for our sport. While this report celebrates significant achievements, it’s also a reminder of the work still to be done.”

World Rugby’s Sustainable Sourcing Framework, developed with Capgemini

World Rugby has collaborated with Capgemini to craft a Sustainable Sourcing Framework as part of its wider sustainability and environmental strategy.

It will help reduce the environmental impact of rugby operations and events while integrating sustainability into procurement decisions. 

The framework features two key components:

Heatmap 

• This helps uncover and prioritise sustainable sourcing issues in procurement (based on services and goods sourced).
• It categorises sustainability concerns based on World Rugby’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030. Priority themes include climate action, circular economy and nature protection. 

Factsheets 

• Factsheets offer key sustainability questions and best practices for suppliers and buyers. 
• Departments in World Rugby can assesses the necessity of purchases and consider more sustainable options. 
• Suppliers must demonstrate their ability to focus on responsible supply chains, low-impact production and ethical labour practices.

The framework is shared with member unions to promote sustainable procurement and will soon be turned into a formal Sustainable Sourcing Code that suppliers must follow to ensure sustainability is integrated effectively across the supply chain. 

Capgemini has also helped craft carbon reporting tools to ensure World Rugby can manage, measure and reduce emissions across its tournaments.

This framework will ensure rugby events and operations promote responsible procurement, align with global sustainability goals and reiterate environmental and social responsibility.

Rob Walker, UK Managing Director at Capgemini, states: “We’ve teamed up to develop a framework for sustainable procurement across facilities, travel and food services. This, coupled with our digital solutions, will give World Rugby enhanced oversight and control over sustainability data and operations.

"This initiative highlights the importance of sustainable purchasing in sports, benefitting fans and the community. We're looking forward to supporting World Rugby in achieving their net zero goals.”

How World Rugby embraces procurement 

World Rugby has laid out strict ethical and sustainability standards for the procurement of uniforms for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England. 

World Rugby examined details across its supply chain, such as manufacturing, packaging, material selection and end-of-life solutions.

The procurement process entailed:

• Supplier selection criteria: suppliers evaluated on labour practices, supply chain transparency and environmental impact.
• Virtual sizing technology
• Diversity and inclusivity: the supplier will ensure uniforms fit a diverse workforce.
• Empower women-owned businesses to strengthen their commitment to gender diversity in supply chain management .
• Ethical medal sourcing 

This will ensure World Rugby remains aligned with its sustainability goals and produces ethically procured uniforms. 

World Rugby has also centralised its procurement function to improve control over supply chain decisions and integrate sustainability into all aspects of procurement.

By implementing strict supplier requirements, enhancing supplier due diligence and managing procurement emissions, World Rugby ensures transparency, ethical labour practices and sustainability remain at the heart of its procurement strategy.

World Rugby’s long-term vision

World Rugby’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030 focuses on circular economy, climate action and protecting the natural environment. 

This will ensure sustainability is integrated into event planning, procurement strategies and operations. 

Its sustainability roadmap ensures ESG principles are embedded in all future operations, climate action is continued through partnerships with IOC, UN and private sector leaders and initiatives to grow women’s rugby participation.

World Rugby’s strategy for sustainability and procurement ensures rugby’s growth, events and procurement meet social and environmental responsibilities to future-proof the sustainable future of the sport.

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