World Rugby Boosts Sustainability Through Supply Chain Focus

Sustainable procurement is now a core priority for sports organisations, helping to lower carbon emissions and ensure responsible sourcing of equipment, uniforms and stadium infrastructure.

Recognising this, World Rugby has introduced its inaugural Sustainability Report, mapping out a long-term plan for creating a more inclusive and environmentally conscious sport.

The report highlights how World Rugby is embedding sustainability into its governance and supply chain, outlining progress made in reducing its environmental impact.

It also reinforces the organisation’s commitment to social responsibility, diversity and ethical sourcing.

Dr Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, states: “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.”

Sustainable sourcing framework developed with Capgemini

As part of its sustainability strategy, World Rugby has worked with Capgemini to develop a Sustainable Sourcing Framework to guide procurement and supply chain decisions.

This framework helps the organisation minimise the environmental impact of its events while ensuring procurement aligns with sustainability goals.

The framework is based on two key components:

• Heatmap – Identifies sustainability challenges across procurement categories based on World Rugby’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030. This focuses on climate action, circular economy and nature protection.
• Factsheets – Provide sustainability guidance to procurement teams, ensuring suppliers prioritise ethical sourcing, low-impact production and responsible supply chains.

Through this approach, World Rugby ensures its procurement function prioritises responsible purchasing and ethical labour practices. The framework is also shared with national unions, helping them improve their procurement processes.

The next step will be formalising a Sustainable Sourcing Code, which suppliers must follow to meet strict environmental and ethical procurement standards.

Capgemini has also assisted World Rugby in developing carbon reporting tools to track emissions across tournaments and operations.

Rob Walker, UK Managing Director at Capgemini, explains: “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.”

Improving ethical sourcing in rugby

World Rugby is enforcing strict sustainability standards across its procurement processes, including the sourcing of uniforms for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England.

The organisation has scrutinised every aspect of the supply chain, from manufacturing and packaging to material selection and end-of-life solutions.

Key procurement measures include:

• Supplier selection criteria – Suppliers are assessed on labour practices, supply chain transparency and environmental credentials.
• Virtual sizing technology – Reduces waste by improving accuracy in uniform production.
• Diversity and inclusivity – Ensures uniforms cater to a wide range of athletes and supports women-owned businesses within the supply chain.
• Ethical medal sourcing – Ensures awards and medals are procured responsibly, in line with sustainability targets.

World Rugby has also centralised its procurement function to improve oversight, reduce emissions and strengthen sustainability efforts across its supply chain.

By holding suppliers accountable for ethical and environmental standards, the organisation ensures responsible procurement remains a priority.

A long-term vision for sustainable rugby

World Rugby’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030 focuses on key themes, including circular economy principles, climate action and nature conservation.

These initiatives aim to embed sustainability into every aspect of rugby, from event planning and procurement to tournament operations.

By strengthening partnerships with global organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations (UN), World Rugby continues to improve sustainability within the sport.

The strategy also includes efforts to increase female participation in rugby, ensuring social responsibility remains central to the sport’s future.

Through responsible procurement and sustainable supply chain management, World Rugby is setting new standards for ethical sourcing in sports.

By prioritising transparency, accountability and environmental responsibility, the organisation is ensuring the long-term sustainability of rugby.

Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. 

Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand. ​​​​​​​