French Rugby Pioneers Sensory Rooms for Autistic Children at TOP 14 Matches

Lyon, France – In a pioneering move for French sports, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), in collaboration with GMF, has introduced a dedicated sensory room at a recent TOP 14 rugby match, allowing children with autism to experience live games in a comfortable and supportive environment. This initiative marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity in major sporting events. Léandro, one of the six young autistic attendees, shared his previous difficulties with match attendance, stating, "It was hard. I didn't stay very long." The vibrant atmosphere of a stadium, with its intense noise, bright lights, and large crowds, can be overwhelming for individuals with autism. The newly established sensory room offers a calm refuge, equipped with features designed to mitigate sensory overload. Inside the room, children can find weighted blankets, which provide a sense of containment, along with compression canoes and a variety of sensory toys to stimulate different senses or help them self-regulate. "We have a great view of the match, a somewhat privileged view, but all while being calm," explained Alexandre, an RSE representative for the LNR. He emphasized that the children can choose when to enter the room based on their emotional state, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout the event. Another young attendee, Édouard, visibly relaxed in the sensory space, confirming, "Yes, we are comfortable here." The initiative aims to enable more individuals with autistic spectrum disorders to enjoy professional rugby. "Our ambition is truly to support all professional rugby clubs to be able to deploy this type of room across all matches, so that every TOP 14 or PRO D2 match can welcome people with autistic disorders in the best possible conditions," Alexandre added. This groundbreaking effort sets a precedent for making live sports accessible to everyone.