Kingsholm, home field of the Cherry and Whites since 1891, was one of ten major English stadiums that the report looked at and that might be impacted by more intense flooding.
It examined ten rugby-playing nations worldwide and concluded that there are “significant” effects of climate change on rugby.
“While varying from one climate region to another, the consequences of climate change on rugby’s practice and ecosystem are significant and will continue to deteriorate in the coming decades,” concluded the paper.
Heatwaves will still have an impact on spectator health and athlete performance.
Turf fields will be more frequently affected by droughts, but flooding and/or sea level rise will cause submersion.
The study examined the expected effects on rugby of a 2C global warming increase.
According to scientific evidence, global average temperatures are expected to rise by more than 1.5 degrees by 2026. It stated that there is a genuine chance of a two-degree rise in the average world temperature absent significant cuts in emissions.
It was discovered that 30% of the 111 stadiums examined worldwide would see an increase in wind and storm activity with a 2C warming, putting 11% at risk of yearly marine submersion.
The forecasts of marine submersion were derived from data on annual flooding, storm surges, and sea level rise.
With 1,700 teams and 1.94 million rugby players, England has “increased risk” for high rains and frequent flash floods.
