Does World Rugby needs fans on the board? Interview with Ultimate Rugby Fans founder Mark Philpott

David Pembroke is joined by Mark Philpott, a New Zealander based in Cancun who’s building United Rugby Fans, a fast-growing movement aimed at giving rugby supporters a real seat at the table with unions and World Rugby. Mark lays out why he thinks the game’s finances, grassroots infrastructure, and volunteer fatigue are the biggest pressure points, and why “fan empowerment” matters more than likes and clicks. They talk lessons from Football Supporters Europe, how fans ended the proposed Super League and earned a seat on UEFA’s board, and what rugby can copy to unlock smarter decision-making and better investment. Mark outlines URF’s plan to gather large-scale polling and survey data, plus early projects including a charity division, URF TV with Stacey Paetz, and a new global rugby book with contributors including Gordon Bray. The big question: can rugby act before a crisis forces change?

● United Rugby Fans aims for a seat at World Rugby

● Mark Philpott’s global nomad path to Cancun

● Grassroots rugby needs cash, facilities, and volunteer support

● Data, polling, and surveys to map fan priorities

● Football Supporters Europe model and UEFA board representation

● URF TV, charity work, book, and global awards

PLUS: A practical debate on how rugby can grow revenue beyond the World Cup cycle.

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