A recent publication by Scottish Rugby has brought to attention the significant economic contribution that club rugby makes to the Scottish economy. This pioneering report, the first of its kind for Scottish grassroots rugby, emphasises the value of participation and voluntary work in the sport for both society and the economy. The report is the result of a year’s worth of research conducted by Substance, experts in comprehending and assessing the social impact of sport and physical activity.
Gav Scott, Scottish Rugby’s director of rugby development, expressed his gratitude for the publication of the report, characterising it as a celebration of the dedication and effort put in by clubs, schools, and volunteers in the game. The report’s findings, which align with similar studies conducted by the Irish Rugby Football Union and FIFA, accentuate the extensive impact of grassroots rugby within the wider community. Scott also extended thanks to all those involved in the game and expressed hope for increased participation in the future.
The report revealed that the total annual economic contribution of club rugby to Scotland’s economy was a significant £159.16 million. This figure, considered conservative by the report, encompasses three key areas: social impact (£41.2m), economic impact (£13.46m), and health and wellbeing (£103.31m).
The research involved data collection from over 1,600 players, parents, volunteers, and match officials, providing valuable insights into the positive effects of rugby participation. Beyond the economic contribution, the report highlighted the profound impact of rugby on mental and physical health, as well as its positive influence on educational performance, community engagement, and disease prevention.
The significant investment made into club rugby in Scotland, amounting to £24.4 million in 2022/23, was reflected in the use of facilities and rugby pitches, which collectively contributed a gross value add (GVA) of £7.5m. Scottish Rugby vice-president Keith Wallace emphasised the report’s role in providing concrete evidence of the invaluable contribution made by thousands of volunteers, while also underscoring the multitude of benefits derived from club rugby for players, clubs, communities, and the Scottish economy at large.
Maree Todd MSP, the Scottish Government’s minister for social care, mental wellbeing, and sport, expressed her support for the findings of the report, acknowledging the positive impact of grassroots sports such as rugby on both the social and economic fabric of society. She also conveyed her gratitude to all those involved in the report and committed to working with Scottish Rugby to further support the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, the report has succeeded in highlighting the substantial economic and social value generated by club rugby in Scotland, providing irrefutable evidence of the sport’s far-reaching benefits and its integral place within the fabric of the nation’s society and economy.