In this time of uncertainty for the Rugby community, The Rugby Club Foundation is pleased to announce that it has delivered 18 financial grants to grassroots Rugby projects across New South Wales.

Now in its third year, the Foundation’s Grants Program contributes directly to the development and implementation of a range of grassroots Rugby initiatives across the state, providing opportunities for male and female players, coaches and officials of all ages, abilities and levels of experience.

Paula Ward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee said:

“The Rugby Club Foundation is committed to increasing its financial support of grassroots Rugby as the Foundation grows and develops. This year we have delivered more than $328,000 in financial grants focused on enabling the delivery of programs to introduce newcomers to this great game and encourage skills development.

“This is the largest amount of funding the Foundation has been able to provide to date and in the current environment is immensely satisfying.”

Despite severe disruptions to community Rugby due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation is committed to supporting its grant partners as they navigate towards a resumption of activities from 1st July.

Angus Bruxner, the Foundation’s Chairman, said:

“Although the game of Rugby is currently facing unprecedented challenges, the Foundation is in a unique position to embrace its standing as an important and resilient guardian of the game.

“When the time comes for Rugby to resume, the Foundation will be pursuing its strategic objective of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ with a continuing passion and commitment directed at strengthening Rugby at the grassroots community level.

“By endorsing and continuing to support this strategic vision, the Members of the Foundation can feel both proud and well satisfied that they are continuing to play an integral role in achieving the beneficial outcomes promoted by the Foundation’s grants strategy.

“The Foundation is grateful to everyone who participated in this latest round of grants, and I congratulate the successful grant recipients. I also thank all Directors, and, more particularly, Paula Ward and her fellow Grants Committee members, Rob Bradley, Stuart Dickinson, Owen Finegan and James Maxwell, for the passion and dedication which they have exhibited in fulfilling their important role in furthering the interests of grassroots Rugby.”

Off the back of the successful grants program, the Foundation will continue to work closely with all its grant partners in expanding this program and delivering positive benefits and outcomes to grassroots Rugby in the future.

Further information on the grants distributed in the 2020 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.