The Changing Face of Rugby: Designing More Inclusive Sports Spaces

The Changing Face of Rugby: Designing More Inclusive Sports Spaces

Women’s rugby is continuing to grow at an incredible pace, bringing new conversations around participation, visibility, accessibility and inclusivity within sport.

From grassroots clubs through to elite facilities, there is a growing recognition that sports architecture needs to better reflect the people using it.

At MOJO Architect we are experienced in designing for sport facilities, and are delighted to be part of conversations in the changing face of rugby.

These projects challenge us to think differently about how spaces function, how people experience them and ultimately, who they are designed for.

Inclusive design isn’t simply about adding additional changing rooms or adjusting layouts. It’s about fundamentally rethinking the experience of athletes, teams, supporters and communities from the very beginning of the design process.

Historically, sporting traditionally male-dominated sports environment, such as rugby, were never originally designed with women’s participation in mind. As the women’s game continues to expand, architecture now has an important role to play in helping facilities feel welcoming, equitable and future-ready.

Women’s rugby in the North is seeing huge growth, with clubs, schools and organisations investing heavily into the future of the game. England Rugby internationals such as Emily Scarratt have spoken openly about the importance of visibility and investment in the women’s game, famously stating:

“You can’t be what you can’t see.”

That sentiment extends far beyond the pitch itself.

The spaces surrounding sport matter. They shape participation, belonging and confidence. Good design can actively encourage more people into sport by creating environments where individuals feel considered, respected and included from the moment they arrive.

For us at MOJO, this is exactly the type of progressive, forward-thinking work we are passionate about being involved in.

Over the last year, we’ve had the opportunity to work within a variety of sports and leisure environments, and these projects continue to push important conversations around accessibility, inclusivity and the future of community-focused design.

The best sports architecture has always been about more than the building itself. It’s about creating spaces that bring people together, strengthen communities and evolve alongside the people using them.

And as rugby continues to change, the environments supporting it must evolve too.

That’s something we’re incredibly excited to continue being part of.