This report, commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU),
provides evidence relating to the level of participation in rugby in Ireland
and the factors that underpin it. It exploits five data sources – four from
the Republic of Ireland and one from Northern Ireland. The analysis
investigates patterns of participation in rugby among adults and children,
over time and by social group. It explores people’s motivations for active
participation and the extent of physical activity involved. In addition to
active participation, i.e. physically playing rugby, patterns of social
participation in the form of volunteering, club membership and
attendance at events are analysed
