At Mansfield Rugby Club we are proud to be a community where everyone can enjoy rugby. As part of our commitment to keeping our club safe, welcoming, and inclusive, this is to update you on a vital new RFU driven initiative across English rugby.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), in partnership with the charity Women in Sport, has launched a landmark standalone Anti-Sexism and Misogyny Policy. This policy makes rugby the first major sport in the UK to directly target these behaviours with a unified framework.

Why This Matters:

Recent research conducted by the RFU and Women in Sport highlighted a sobering reality in grassroots rugby:
• 83% of female respondents have experienced sexism within the sport.
• 1 in 4 female match officials frequently witness or experience sexist behaviour.
• Many members want to challenge inappropriate behaviour but feel they lack the confidence or tools to do so.

With the women and girls’ game growing faster than ever, our club is fully backing this policy to ensure our environment is one of mutual respect.

What This Means for Our Members:

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to sexism and misogyny. This includes:

• Language: Derogatory comments, sexualised jokes, and demeaning language are strictly unacceptable—whether on the pitch, in the clubhouse, or on club social media channels.
• Behaviour: Normalising harmful stereotypes, bullying, or exclusionary actions will not be tolerated.
• Allies: We encourage all members—players, coaches, parents, and spectators—to act as allies. If you see or hear something that isn’t right, please speak up.

How to Report an Incident:

The RFU has introduced strict processes for investigating and sanctioning incidents. If you experience or witness any form of sexism or misogyny at our club, you can report it through the following channels:

• Internally: Speak directly to our Club Safeguarding Officer Pete Quinn (contact details on website) or our Disciplinary Officer Martin Troop (contact details on website). Or you can use the club’s Speak Up Policy in strict confidence.
• Externally: Report it securely and confidentially to the RFU via their Speak Up platform at speakup@rfu.com.

Next Steps & Resources:

We want to support everyone in understanding these changes. You can access the RFU’s official Tackling Sexism and Misogyny Toolkit on the England Rugby website to learn more about identifying biases and fostering inclusivity.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our club a respectful, safe, and positive place for all.

Kind regards,
Andy Foster
Chairman
Mansfield Rugby Club