The number of people playing rugby in England has been on the down over the past few years, with a 65,000 decrease between 2016 and 2020, of those who play Rugby twice a month.
Bournemouth RFC coach Ian Moore gave his opinion on whether the game is on the decline in this country.
He said: “Yes massively, it’s a game that should be played and enjoyed by all and has been turned too elitist, and now with Covid finished and moved on players have decided that other things are easier to play and get involved in and there’s nothing being done about it.”
These truths are being shown at the elite side of the game with three sides in the Gallagher Premiership having financial issues and going under last year.
Here in Bournemouth though rugby is still important for those who are involved in the club.
Bournemouth Rugby Club first team player Ashley Taylor spoke on what the game can give to those who play it.
He said: “It teaches kids and even adults a lot of good values like hard work, teamwork and the ability to overcome things when they get tough, which is something you have to do in every game and that can be taken into all walks of life.”
When when questioned on the what if the club was no more, he added: “A lot of people would miss out on the community aspect it brings.
“Sometimes I think a link between schools and universities with the clubs is missing and building those links would definitely help participation numbers.”
Bournemouth benefit from Everton’s misfortunes