Page 23 - RFU Annual Report 2018

2
CEO’S REVIEW
OF THE YEAR

1

Our charities, the Injured Players
Foundation and Try for Change, are
making a real difference and our new
World Rugby Museum opened in the
South Stand in time for the Six Nations,
telling the story of a sport of which
we continue to be immensely proud.
The Museum was recently awarded
full accreditation by the Arts Council
England, which means it meets the
same standards as venerable national
institutions such as the British Museum
and the Natural History Museum.

As we reach the anniversary of the
1918 Armistice we will conclude our
commemoration of all rugby players
who died in the First World War and the
27 England players who gave their lives
for our freedom.
A hundred years later, it is important to
remember what they stood for and the
values that we hope the game continues
to represent.

So in summary, it has been both
a challenging and rewarding
year, but also a year where we
invested significantly in the game
and commenced plans to ensure
our capability to continue to do
so for many years to come.
We restructured RFU Medical Services The RFU continues to work
to create an integrated medical function constructively with World Rugby, Rugby A picture of the future outlook is
comprising: Clinical Services, Research, Europe, the Six Nations, British & Irish outlined on the next two pages.
Player Welfare and Anti-Doping. Lions, and European Professional Club
Rugby to ensure the game is governed Having informed the RFU Board that I
Supported by the Professional Game in an effective and impactful way, and am standing down from my role and will
Board, the Professional Rugby Injury that decisions made are for the good of leave the Union at the end of 2018, I am
Surveillance Project, now aligned the global game. proud to have made my contribution to
with the Community Rugby Injury the game I love, and am grateful for the
Surveillance Project, has informed an I was appointed to the Rugby World support I have received along the way. I
injury risk action plan. Cup Ltd Board and other representatives am especially proud of the people who
from the Union are also involved in make up the Union, which is in good
Anti-doping education and testing supporting the world game, for example: shape, with an excellent leadership team
has been further extended into the in place.
community game. The lowered height RFU Rugby Development Director Steve
tackle Law trial in the Championship Grainger has, through World Rugby, And I wish all our England teams,
Cup competition and the innovative been helping the Japan Rugby Union coaches, and everyone involved with the
salivary micro RNA study to help with legacy plans for their hosting game at all levels the very best for the
identify concussed players are key of the 2019 Rugby World Cup; and future, which looks bright for the English
concussion risk projects. The rollout Council member and Rugby Europe game.
of Activate, an exercise based injury Vice President Rob Udwin chairs
prevention programme, continues the the Rugby Europe Development and
focus on evidence-based injury Competitions Committee, working with
prevention throughout the game. countries across Europe to ensure the
game continues to go from strength to
strength.

Annual
Report
2018