ON SATURDAY, Extinction Rebellion Cymru staged a rugby-themed action before the Six Nations match at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Activists staged a mock rugby match wearing snorkels and flippers to signify the danger of increased flooding to rugby pitches caused by climate change. Their match was accompanied by drummers and comedy commentary.

This was to protest the fact that insurers Howden, who provide cover to fossil fuel projects, are investing heavily in rugby sponsorship.

Welsh and English Rugby Unions are reciprocating by recommending Howden as the insurers of choice to grassroots rugby clubs in England and Wales. Howdens are also shirt sponsors for this year’s British and Irish Lions Tour, kicking off in Dublin in June.

The Rugby and Climate Change report by World Rugby highlights the dangers to the sport posed by the climate crisis. Environmentalists are concerned that sports like rugby will continue to be impacted as the climate crisis deepens.

Jo Brown, teacher, 39, of Splott, said: “Rugby fans may not realise that their clubs are being sponsored by insurance companies who have no interest in preserving our planet for the future, yet they get the benefit of publicity from being on our shirts. I don’t want my club and my game to be associated with companies who are complicit in wrecking our children’s future.”