NSW Rugby is pleased to announce that its ongoing partnership with The Rugby Club Foundation has been extended for another 12 months.

During the 2022 Rugby season, the Foundation’s financial grants program has supported and enabled 36 grassroots Rugby endeavours across Australia’s eastern seaboard, including, 25 programs and initiatives across New South Wales.

Continuing to deliver on their vision of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game,’ the Foundation has been an exceptional supporter of NSW Rugby since its inception in 2017.

NSWRU CEO Paul Doorn thanked the Foundation for their ongoing support.

“On behalf of NSW Rugby and our community I’d like to thank The Rugby Club Foundation for their continued support of helping to grow our great game,” Doorn said.

“We have seen our programs right across New South Wales grow and benefit from the Foundation’s support.

“Their commitment to investing in the game will ensure that we are able to continue to best nurture grassroots and community rugby union in New South Wales,” he said.

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.

Supporting NSWRU in its grassroots endeavours, from the beach to the bush, to assist players, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents to experience our great game as more accessible, more sustainable and more fun, is core to our objective of Sharing the Spirit of the Game.”

Angus Bruxner, the Foundation’s Chairman, said: “Once again, 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 and implement decisions which will support grassroots Rugby through ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.”