RUCK’ed Youth Leadership Development Programme Launched

The Japan Rugby Football Union, in collaboration with the Rugby Association of Maharashtra (permanent  member of Indian Rugby Football Union), have announced the launch of a joint Youth Leadership Development Programme under the title RUCK’ed. Short for ‘Rugby Uniting Changemakers for Knowledge, Empowerment and Development’, the programme aims to harnesses the power of rugby to tackle pressing environmental challenges, while at the same time, nurturing the next generation of youth leaders. 

The programme builds on the legacy of the Asian Scrum Project, in operation since 2011, and aligns with JRFU’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action Framework, to which the JRFU became a signatory in October this year. It is made possible through the support of the Japan Sports Council as part of SFT Action+, a project support programme open to members of the Sport for Tomorrow Consortium.

The RUCK’ed programme is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 30 and guides them to explore innovative solutions for environmental issues through their involvement with rugby. The programme also aims to equip participants with leadership and management skills, empowering them to take actionable steps in their communities and expand their involvement in addressing social issues through sport. 

Applications are currently open, with organisers looking for young, aspiring leaders, eager to take action and who share the vision of utilising the power of rugby and sport to effect positive social change, while addressing pressing environmental issues. Applicants should be flexible and open to learning about diverse values, cultures and societies, and using this knowledge and experience to work together to bring valuable, lasting and impactful change.

Commenting on the programme, Naofumi Yasui, Chief Development Officer, Rugby Development Division of Japan Rugby Football Union said:
“The JRFU is delighted to collaborate with the Rugby Association of Maharashtra on this initiative. This programme aligns with our mission to develop rugby across Asia while addressing social and environmental issues. We look forward to seeing youth leaders from both Japan and India come together and make a meaningful impact through this initiative.” 

Nasser Hussain, Secretary of the Rugby Association of Maharashtra and Former Captain of the Indian National Rugby Team added:
“The collaboration between Rugby Maharashtra and Japan Rugby is testament to the growth and development of the sport within the State and our commitment towards the youth and their future. We are excited to partner with Japan (a powerhouse in global rugby) and for both our countries to come together, learn, and grow through rugby. We are confident this relationship will not only help further develop the sport, both on and off the field, but also impact change and inspire.”

The inaugural RUCK’ed programme will be delivered across three key phases: 

Phase One:  Pre-Training (December 2024 – January 2025)
・Sessions will include online and in-person training, with Japanese participants attending face-to-face sessions and Indian participants joining virtually. 
・Topics include team building, understanding rugby in Japan and India, leadership and management, cultural synergy, and the intersection of rugby and environmental sustainability. 

Phase Two: On the Ground in the State of Maharashtra, India (3–9 February 2025) 
・Participants will manage the Green 7s Rugby Cup, visit NGOs addressing environmental issues, and engage in cultural exchange.
・The week-long experience will also involve reflective exercises and planning for individual community projects. 

Phase Three: Post-Programme Training (March – September 2025) 
・Participants will receive monthly online follow-ups, project support, and opportunities to present at conferences organised by the JRFU. 
・The Japan Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Association of Maharashtra invite aspiring changemakers to join RUCK’ed and contribute to building a better future through rugby.

Recruitment Details 
Applications will open on Monday, 21 November 2024 and close on Friday, 12 December 2024. 

Interested candidates must meet the following requirements: 
・Aged 18–30
・Hold a passport valid for at least six months from February 2025 with two unused visa pages
・Demonstrate a commitment to using rugby and sport to address social challenges
・Be proficient in English and willing to actively participate in discussions and activities in English. 
・Be available to participate fully in all programme activities. 

For more information and to apply, visit: RUCK’ed Application Form

https://business.form-mailer.jp/fms/8c9ffb5e259207