Report highlights need to normalise mental health discussions among professional rugby players

New research has suggested that normalising conversations around mental health in professional rugby needs to be ongoing to improve player wellbeing.  

Two studies conducted by Rugby Players Ireland, in collaboration with the University of Derby and Manchester Metropolitan University, explored the mental health of male professional rugby players.  

It evaluated the “5Rs of Rugby” programme, an initiative co-developed and delivered by Rugby Players Ireland to build mental health literacy, challenge stigma, and encourage help-seeking within elite rugby environments.

The 5Rs framework – Recognise, Reach Out, Refer, Remain Supportive and Realities of Rugby – was introduced through workshops with all four Irish provincial squads during the 2023/24 season.

Key findings found that most players are willing to support teammates facing mental health challenges, though awareness and confidence in how to do so can be strengthened, and that ongoing engagement is needed to normalise conversations around mental health.

Dr Philip Clarke, Senior Lecturer in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology at the University of Derby, who collaborated on the project and co-authored the two research papers, said:

“The 5Rs project offered a shared framework to better understand and support elite Irish rugby players’ mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. 

“What made this project distinctive was the genuine collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and players - evident in the co-design of the interventions and resources tailored to both rugby and the provinces respectively. 

“These papers not only capture the lived experience of delivering mental health interventions in high-performance environments but also offer valuable reflections for future research and practice aimed at fostering psychologically safe and supportive cultures in elite sport.”

Dr Deirdre Lyons, Director of Player Development and Welfare at Rugby Players Ireland and co-author on both studies, said:

“The 5Rs of Rugby gives players a shared language to look out for each other and to seek help when it’s needed.

“This research shows the importance of trusted relationships – players are far more likely to open up when support comes from people they know. It underlines our commitment to building environments where players can thrive as people as well as athletes.”

Dr Robert Dempsey, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Met and an expert in social norms, added:

“The strength of players’ social norms for supporting their team-mates was very striking and demonstrated how professional rugby can be a highly supportive environment.  
 
“This collaborative project with Rugby Players Ireland and the players shows the potential power of social norms in high-performance settings.” 

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