Fill Your Boots Partners with Visually Impaired Rugby to Champion Inclusive Rugby Across the UK

Fill Your Boots (FYB) has announced a new partnership with Visually Impaired Rugby England, strengthening a shared mission to make rugby more inclusive, accessible, and visible for players across the UK.

The partnership will focus on raising awareness of visually impaired (VI) rugby, supporting participation growth, and helping clubs explore or expand their own VI programmes. With FYB’s nationwide reach and digital tools, the collaboration will highlight VI Rugby England initiatives, promote events, share player stories, and make it easier than ever for people to get involved.

FYB founder Sean Phelan said the partnership reflects the platform’s core belief that rugby should be open to everyone.

“Rugby is for everyone, and partnerships like this prove it. Visually impaired rugby is one of the most exciting and fast-growing formats of the game, and we’re thrilled to support VI Rugby England in giving more people the chance to pick up a ball and feel part of a team. FYB exists to bring rugby together — this partnership does exactly that.”

Jake Walker, who leads Partnerships at Visually Impaired Rugby England, emphasised the importance of visibility and opportunity in the sport’s continued growth.

“Visually Impaired Rugby England only grows when awareness, access, and opportunity move together. Fill Your Boots helps us connect with the right people at the right time — players, volunteers, and clubs who want to build something meaningful. This partnership strengthens the pathway for Visually Impaired Rugby across the UK, and we’re looking forward to driving that progress together.”

What the Partnership Will Deliver

As the collaboration rolls out, FYB will work alongside VI Rugby to:

Promote fixtures, training sessions, and taster days
Support VI teams in recruiting players and volunteers
Share resources to help clubs adopt or develop VI rugby
Celebrate the success and impact of inclusive rugby communities

With visually impaired rugby expanding rapidly and more clubs expressing interest in launching new teams, this partnership aims to make the journey smoother and more sustainable for everyone involved.