Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Expands Partnership with You Can Play Project

UNITED STATES — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is announcing an expanded partnership with the You Can Play Project, reinforcing the shared commitment to create team cultures where LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, officials, and fans are safe, supported, and able to compete authentically at every level of the game. 

The announcement comes after WER capped off Pride month on Sunday, June 21 with a slate of Pride games featuring all 6 teams. Players could be seen warming up in WER x You Can Play t-shirts with the message “If you can play, you can play.”  

Building on a partnership that began during WER’s inaugural season, the expanded collaboration with You Can Play will bring enhanced education, resources, and allyship programming directly into the rugby community. 

“Rugby has always been about community, connection, and belonging, and Women’s Elite Rugby firmly stands for inclusion,” said Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf, WER President and Chief Sporting Officer. “While we are required to operate within the bounds of our national governing body, we are grateful to partner with the folks at You Can Play to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at all levels of the game. Inclusion doesn’t start or end with WER - we need LGBTQ+ individuals as athletes, coaches, and administrators from youth through international competitions - so everyone can enjoy rugby.”

“We're excited to expand our partnership with Women’s Elite Rugby and work alongside a community that understands the power of inclusion and belonging," said Kurt Weaver, Executive Director of You Can Play. "WER is creating opportunities for athletes and the rugby community to compete in a safe and welcoming environment, and we're proud to support that work through education and resources that help coaches, officials, and teams build welcoming programs for everyone.”

A cornerstone of the expanded partnership will be WER working with You Can Play to host Inclusive Coach Courses, designed specifically for the rugby community. The program, built for coaches by coaches, will equip coaches with practical tools and training to foster inclusive, welcoming environments for all players. You Can Play’s Master Coaches will lead interactive and scenario based sessions, focused on exemplifying skills coaches can use immediately in their coaching and refereeing.

As WER continues its second season, the league remains focused on creating a professional environment that reflects the diversity of its athletes and the global rugby community, both on and off the field. All matches will be streamed live on Women’s Sports Network. Tickets can be purchased at womenseliterugby.us/tickets.  

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