Rugby’s global governing body will fire the starting gun on a broad consultation before launching an eight-year strategy to boost the women’s game.

World Rugby will ask for feedback from players, fans, unions and regional associations, as well as commercial and broadcast partners, as it bids to further its development and sustainability.

The 2017-2025 plan for women’s rugby will aim to stimulate: increased participation; higher performance through competition; “inspirational leadership”; a profile that breaks down barriers; and a growing audience and investment avenues.

Katie Sadleir, World Rugby’s general manager for women’s rugby, said to increase participation the body had to “deliver opportunities in the playground, the podium and the boardroom”.

“It is critical that globally we are innovative, bold and prepared to act on the collective needs of the game and a whole new generation of players and fans,” she added.

According to World Rugby figures, more than 2.2m women and girls are now playing rugby worldwide, while 39 per cent of the 2m Get Into Rugby participants in 2016 were female.

“We are committed to working with the rugby community to develop a bold eight-year plan that identifies opportunities on and off the field, addresses challenges and builds a better, stronger game for all,” said World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont.