The Foundation Providing Financial Support for Grassroots Rugby
The Rugby Club Foundation’s unwavering commitment to community Rugby is exemplified by the announcement that this year’s financial grants funding of more than $500,000 has been distributed in support of 28 programs at the grassroots level of Rugby across Australia.
The beneficiaries of the Foundation’s Grant Program this year include Western Plains Junior Rugby Union, South Australian Rugby Referees Association, NSW Suburban Rugby Union, Bowral Rugby Club, Western Australia Rugby Referees Association, Central Coast Rugby Union, Melbourne Chargers Rugby Union Football Club, Wheelchair Rugby Australia, ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union, Shamrocks Rugby Club, Lloyd McDermott Development Team, NSW Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and Hunter Junior Rugby Union.
From minis to seniors across the country this latest round of financial grants will help grow participation, strengthen community ties, support wellbeing, and drive inclusion across every level of the game of Rugby.
Since launching its Grants Program in 2017, the Foundation has now assisted 219 grassroots Rugby projects with grants totalling more than $3.7 million.
Paula Ward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, said: “Over the last decade, the Grants Committee has seen the difference that well-supported community rugby initiatives can make. Their impact is often felt far beyond the original program, creating stronger connections, broader opportunities and a more resilient Rugby community. What stands out about this year's recipients is their commitment to creating opportunities for others and strengthening the game for future generations."
Rachael Marsh, Hunter Junior Rugby Union Competition Manager said: “Hunter Junior Rugby Union are grateful for the ongoing support of The Rugby Club Foundation, especially for the Hunter Schools Rugby programs. Their support of these competitions enabled over 1000 secondary school children to participate in Rugby in 2026. This would not have been achievable without the amazing support from The Rugby Club Foundation.”
Illawarra District Junior Rugby Union President Steve Chapman said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Rugby Club Foundation for helping fund our new Illawarra Junior Rugby Academy and Junior Friday Rugby 7s competition. The Academy will develop and retain young rugby players and offer an alternative program to compete with other sports that are more established in our region.
Our Friday Night Junior Rugby 7s program has been a huge success so far, and the boost from the Rugby Club Foundation will help us expand to new age groups in both boys and girls in 2026. We intend to expand the competition for U9 - U17 Boys and Girls, growing to over 600 players and around 60 teams! This wouldn't be possible without the support from the Foundation. We are so thankful to get this support to grow rugby in our region."
Angus Bruxner, the Foundation’s Chairman, said: “In accordance with its Constitution, the Foundation continues to pursue its primary object: ‘to encourage the sport of Rugby in the State of New South Wales and elsewhere at a grassroots level’.
This primary object remains the lynchpin of the Foundation’s strategic mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’, which is directed at developing and implementing strategic programs for the benefit of its key Rugby stakeholders.
The value of these strategic programs is evidenced by in the successful outcomes of the Foundation’s grants program. The diversity and scope of the various financial grants provided demonstrate the importance of this support to Rugby at the grassroots level.
It is extremely gratifying and rewarding for the Foundation’s Board and Members to see and hear about the tangible benefits that various sectors of the Rugby community gain from the grants program. Consequently, there could be no greater exemplification of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.
I know I speak for all members of the Board in expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Paula Ward, Chair of the Grants Committee, and to each member of the Committee for the professional and considered manner in which they have reviewed and approved this year’s grant applications.
On behalf of the entire Board, I extend the same gratitude to Lisa Kane, our Business Operations Manager, who formulates, implements and completes the annual grants program process in her usual admirable manner. Her passion for Rugby, capability, strong work ethic and care for the various sectors of Rugby within Australia are greatly valued.
I continue to feel honoured and privileged to serve as Chair of the Foundation, and I am fortunate and grateful to have the loyal support of a fantastic group of people who exhibit the highest levels of passion, diligence and acumen in fulfilling their respective roles with the Foundation.
The commitment shown by each Director and by Lisa ensures that every financial grant, no matter how large or small, delivers the best possible outcomes within our Rugby communities. Their sustained efforts are also instrumental in driving the Foundation’s strategic mission forward and strengthening Rugby at the grassroots level across Australia.”
Further information on the grants distributed in the 2026 financial year are available to be viewed by financial Foundation Members via the Members Portal. Please contact the office via admin@rugbyclub.com.au if you require the password.