The University of Warwick and Rugby Football Union (RFU) have launched a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) that will use sociolinguistic insights to support growth of the game of rugby for women and girls in England.

By integrating language expertise, the KTP will develop, test and solidify knowledge on how language use by rugby coaches can create thriving environments that attract and retain female players.

Kieran File, Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics at The University of Warwick said, “The language coaches use has the power to shape playing environments in a variety of ways. Our goal in this KTP is to better equip rugby coaches with specific knowledge on how language choices in women’s rugby can shape challenging but also inclusive and supportive environments in which female rugby players can thrive. With this knowledge, coaches will become a powerful force in the RFU’s overall efforts to grow the women’s game.”

“This partnership signifies a groundbreaking intersection of sports and sociolinguistics. It represents a unique opportunity to leverage academic research to address practical recruitment and retention challenges in women’s rugby in innovative ways.”

The purpose of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is to bring expertise to life in real-world ways. By working with the RFU, the University of Warwick’s Applied Linguistics department aims to support the organisation’s long term growth plans for women’s rugby by extending the knowledge base of coaches to include awareness of effective language use.

Nigel Redman, Team Performance Director at the Rugby Football Union said, “England Rugby is committed to growing the women and girls’ game and we are looking forward to working with The University of Warwick on this Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

“Our ability to adapt our language to create better connections with team members is crucial to creating an environment where we can learn, improve, and feel part of a team.”

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

Shona Campbell, Knowledge Transfer Adviser at Innovate UK said, “Linguistics and Rugby is a first for KTP, but the unexpected combination of business need and academic expertise is fertile ground for impactful innovation.

“It’s been fascinating to work with the team to explore their ideas and shape a Knowledge Transfer Partnership and I look forward to seeing how the women’s game benefits from this collaboration.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

This KTP project was funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK.