The Rugby Club Foundation is both gratified and proud to announce that, during the financial year ended 30 June 2022, its Grants Program provided more than $500,000 in support of 36 grassroots Rugby endeavours across Australia’s eastern seaboard.

The beneficiaries of the Foundation’s 2021 – 2022 Grants Program include the NSW Junior State Championships, Queensland Rugby Development Tournaments, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s National League, the Western Plains Schools program, Rugby Victoria’s Rebel Shield Schools Competition, Illawarra District Rugby Union U18s program, referees’ development, first aid and safety resources, and assistance for the flood affected Rugby programs and communities on the Far North Coast of NSW.

Since the inception of its Grants Program in 2017, the Foundation has now assisted 116 grassroots Rugby projects with grants totalling more than $1.75 million.

Paula Ward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, said: “Given the performance of the Foundation’s investment fund over the last 12 months, we are delighted to have, once again, been able to increase the amount of grant funding available for investment into grassroots Rugby. The provision of over half a million dollars is a significant milestone for us, and one we are so pleased to have achieved.

“This increased amount has enabled us to continue to invest in the NSW Rugby community as well as expand our reach over the borders. For the first time, we have provided financial support to grassroots Rugby within Victoria, Queensland and the ACT. It is an exciting expansion for the Foundation and one we hope will continue to grow year on year.”

The impact of the Foundation’s support is being widely appreciated within community Rugby. The Board of the Foundation thanks all recipients for their ongoing messages of gratitude and encouragement.

Sydney Junior Rugby Union General Manager Ben Gregory said: “On behalf of the NSW Juniors Board, all the various Zones and Districts within NSW and the external teams participating from interstate, we would like to thank The Rugby Club Foundation for their generous support of the State Championships with this grant.

“These funds will allow all the teams to enter without the added burden of an entry fee which will allow them all to reduce the costs to their players … It is also vitally important for us to be able to use this grant to facilitate a consistent standard of first aid at all of the State Championship venues…The message this sends about our combined commitment to player welfare will be strong and a fantastic vehicle for promoting the junior game and our commitment to safety.

“The same goes for our referee brethren and the ability to make sure our officiating will be of the highest quality over the weekend. Once again showing a wonderful commitment to the junior game.

“I will be broadcasting our appreciation for your generous support far and wide and can’t tell you how fantastic it is to have your support.”

Matt Want, President of Jindabyne Rugby Union Club, said: “On behalf of Jindabyne Rugby Union Club I wish to express our sincere thanks to the entire Rugby Club Foundation.

“This support will have an enormous impact on this club and community over the next 12 months and beyond. The equipment and accreditation training will provide a legacy for many years.”

Victorian Rugby Referees Association President Andrew Schwilk: said “The VRRA is extremely grateful to The Rugby Club Foundation for providing the grant which has enabled us to purchase communications sets to ensure all senior 1st XV matches have full teams of three with operational communications sets. We have also been able to purchase a number of coaches sets to provide even more of our younger and less experienced referees with the best coaching tools possible.

“The match sets will improve the quality of the communications between the referee and ARs and lead to better outcomes for these games, ensuring the players will be provided the best match experience possible.”

Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s CEO said: “Our sport is really growing, the support of The Rugby Club Foundation is a huge factor in this. It is a relationship we truly cherish.”

Angus Bruxner, the Foundation’s Chairman, said: “I thank all Directors of the Foundation for the ongoing commitment and passion they bring to fulfilling their significant role in strengthening Rugby at the grassroots community level.

“Impressed and inspired by the number and variety of applications that were made during this year’s grants process, the Board of the Foundation looks forward to continuing to make decisions which will support grassroots Rugby through ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.”

Further information on the grants distributed in the 2022 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.