What happens when sports, typically defined by intense competition and traditional norms, challenge the status quo? David Watter's journey into rugby offers insight into how the sport is breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and even teaching corporate environments how to evolve.
The drive to create inclusive workplaces is now well-established across many industries. In Banking, I’ve witnessed the changes probably around 10 years ago when I was at HSBC in Hong Kong - thanks Jack Guest!
However, sporting environments, where the pressure to conform to a traditional and often exclusionary culture has been strong, are only recently taking steps toward inclusivity.
David Watters, through his experience in rugby, shares his perspective to bring the two together.
"I thought if I join a traditional rugby club, being openly gay, I don't want people thinking, 'Oh, he's rubbish because he's gay.' At least if I join a gay club, if I'm rubbish, it's because I'm rubbish."
David couldn’t fully embrace rugby until he was 24, an age at which many would consider it too late to break into a physically demanding sport. What made his entry into rugby unique was the environment — one that welcomed him with open arms, free from judgment, and created a supportive space where he could grow, both as an athlete and an individual. It wasn’t just any team; it was an inclusive rugby club, part of a broader movement within the game to open its doors to everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals - Inclusive Gay Rugby: https://igrugby.org/
Why does Inclusivity in Sport Matter?
Sport has long been a reflection of societal values, and inclusive sports clubs like the Emerald Warriors, where David played, are working to redefine those values. Historically, many sports environments have been perceived as hostile or unwelcoming to anyone outside the “norm,” whether that’s due to race, gender, or sexual orientation. But inclusive teams are challenging these stereotypes, showing that diversity can lead to stronger, more cohesive teams.
In David’s case, the IGR wasn’t just about creating a safe space for players; it was about a sense of belonging that had far-reaching impacts beyond the field. Players, often marginalised or sidelined in traditional environments, found themselves not just playing the game but thriving within a community that valued and supported them.
Bridging the Gap: Sport as a Model for Workplaces
David’s journey in rugby offers lessons that can be directly applied to the workplace. Just as inclusivity can create stronger sports teams, the same principles apply to building high-performing teams in business. Rugby’s focus on teamwork, respect, and open communication has been mirrored by initiatives in the corporate world to foster diverse and inclusive work environments. From anonymous surveys to unconscious bias training, David outlined practical ways rugby teams — and businesses — can create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.
What rugby is teaching us, particularly through the work of organisations like International Gay Rugby (IGR), is that inclusivity is not just about compliance; it's about creating a sense of ownership and belonging. This sense of community drives performance, not only in sport but in life and work.
How to Bring Inclusivity to Your Team
In both sports and workplaces, creating genuinely inclusive cultures is vital. Here are key steps, as shared by David:
Encourage Open Dialogue - Facilitating conversations on inclusivity helps dismantle stereotypes. David sees Inclusive Gay Rugby as part of a broader movement to open doors for everyone. But it can start from a simple questionnaire to your members.
Be aware of Personal Biases - Recognise the culture and community you’re in and don’t ignore your club’s heritage….Be aware of where you’re coming from.
Create Supportive Spaces - Be proactive is making the space look and feel supportive - as simple as having a rainbow flag or specific competitive rounds to celebrate cultural heritage.
Celebrate Diversity - Visibly celebrate specific events such as specific cultural holidays and festivals that recognise individual contributions.
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