Government Relations Toolkit

Understanding government relations helps rugby organisations build bipartisan support, secure funding, influence policy, strengthen partnerships and improve reputation, turning community impact into practical outcomes for unions, clubs and members.

Government Relations (GR) is a discipline utilised by organisations to engage with local (municipal) / state (province) / federal (national) governments to influence outcomes and advance their interests.

It combines strategy, advocacy, stakeholder management and communications, and is most effective when together:

• it is deployed through a planned programme of engagement; and
• there is a clear understanding and alignment across your organisation of its purpose and deployment.

The purpose of engaging in GR is to shape decisions, influence and/or secure support relating to a particular issue, outcome or project relevant to your organisation.

GR has the potential to generate additional revenue or deliver cost savings, either directly (through investment into an existing project or programme) or indirectly (through policy / regulatory changes that reduce cost and/or improve efficiency).

Effective GR is a long‑term, relationship‑based discipline that requires patience, planning and disciplined execution.

Download the following documents for more information and practical advice.