University of Warwick and RFU Launch Innovative Partnership to Promote Women’s Rugby

University of Warwick and RFU Launch Innovative Partnership to Promote Women’s Rugby

(IN BRIEF) The University of Warwick and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have launched a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) aimed at promoting women’s rugby in England through sociolinguistic insights. The initiative will explore how the language used by rugby coaches can create inclusive environments that attract and retain female players. Kieran File, an Associate Professor at Warwick, emphasized the importance of effective communication in fostering supportive spaces for women in the sport. The collaboration seeks to enhance coaches’ skills in language use as part of the RFU’s growth strategy for women’s rugby. Nigel Redman from the RFU expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its role in developing team cohesion. The KTP is co-funded by UKRI (Innovate UK) and the Economic and Social Research Council, marking a unique intersection of academia and sports.

(PRESS RELEASE) COVENTRY, 13-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) has been established between the University of Warwick and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), aimed at enhancing the growth of women’s rugby in England through sociolinguistic research.

The KTP seeks to leverage language expertise to understand how the communication styles of rugby coaches can foster inclusive and supportive environments that attract and retain female players. By focusing on language use, the partnership aims to equip coaches with the tools needed to create challenging yet welcoming atmospheres for women in the sport.

Kieran File, an Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick, stated, “The language that coaches use significantly influences the playing environment. Through this KTP, we aim to empower coaches with knowledge about effective communication in women’s rugby, enabling them to foster spaces where female athletes can excel. This initiative positions coaches as vital contributors to the RFU’s mission to expand the women’s game.”

This partnership highlights a unique intersection between academic research and sports, providing innovative solutions to address recruitment and retention challenges in women’s rugby.

The collaboration aims to support the RFU’s long-term strategies for promoting women’s rugby by enriching coaches’ understanding of effective language use. Nigel Redman, Team Performance Director at the RFU, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “England Rugby is dedicated to developing the women’s and girls’ game. We’re excited to collaborate with the University of Warwick to enhance our coaches’ communication skills, which are essential for fostering team cohesion and improvement.”

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are designed to enhance business competitiveness and productivity through the application of academic knowledge, technology, and skills. Shona Campbell, Knowledge Transfer Adviser at Innovate UK, noted, “The combination of linguistics and rugby is unprecedented in KTPs, but it opens up new avenues for impactful innovation. I am eager to see the positive outcomes of this collaboration on the women’s game.”

This KTP has been co-funded by UKRI (Innovate UK) and the Economic and Social Research Council.

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SOURCE: University of Warwick