Yorkshire RFU

PANEL EVENT TO EXPLORE REPRESENTATION, INCLUSION AND OPPORTUNITIES IN RUGBY

Yorkshire RFU is inviting players, coaches, club officials, volunteers and stakeholders to a free panel speaker event exploring representation, inclusion, barriers and opportunities for Black and South Asian communities in rugby.

Taking place at Wetherby RUFC on Friday 4 September 2026, the evening will bring together three inspiring speakers who will share their personal experiences and offer practical insights into inclusion and belonging within the game.

The panel will feature Manjinder Nagra, the first South Asian Sikh woman to wear the Red Rose through England Students Rugby and the 2026 English Sumo Heavyweight Champion.

She will be joined by Dr Ikram Butt, a rugby pioneer, former international player, author and Executive Director of the British Asian Rugby Association. Dr Butt made history as the first British Asian and first Muslim to represent England in rugby.

The third speaker is Nimrah Gul of Old Crossleyans RUFC. Her experiences across rugby league and rugby union provide valuable insight into representation, inclusion and the importance of feeling that you belong in sport.

The evening will explore how rugby can become more welcoming and representative, the barriers that players and communities may experience and the opportunities available to clubs through greater inclusion and community engagement.

This event is free and open to players, coaches, club officials, volunteers, stakeholders and anyone interested in helping to create a more inclusive game.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday 4 September 2026
Doors open: 6:00pm
Event begins: 6:30pm
Venue: Wetherby RUFC
Admission: Free

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

To register, email Lana Wilks, Yorkshire RFU Impact Lead, at [incldiversity@yorkshirerfu.co.uk](mailto:incldiversity@yorkshirerfu.co.uk).

Come along, join the conversation and discover how we can work together to create meaningful change and new opportunities across rugby.