The Rugby Club Foundation is both delighted and proud to announce that, during the financial year ended 30 June 2024, its Grants Program provided more than $500,000 in support of 24 grassroots Rugby endeavours across Australia from its eastern seaboard to Western Australia.

For the third successive year the Foundation has provided more than $500,000 in funding to community Rugby initiatives. Since launching its Grants Program in 2017, the Foundation has now assisted 165 grassroots Rugby projects with grants totalling more than $2.7 million.

The beneficiaries of the Foundation’s Grants Program this year include the NSW Rugby Referees Association, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s National League, Hunter Juniors, Central Coast Rugby Union, NSW Country Rugby Union, Sydney Women’s Rugby Union, NSW Suburban Rugby Union, Lloyd McDermott Development Team, Sydney Junior Rugby Union, and Western Australian Rugby Union Referees Association, in respect of a diverse range of programs including junior player recruitment and retention, volunteer coach education, referees’ development, and first aid and safety resources.

Paula Ward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, said: “We are proud to, yet again, be in the position to grant over half a million dollars to initiatives directly benefiting grassroots Rugby.

“With the continued increase to cost of living impacting discretionary spend for many families, it is often sporting clubs and associations that are most impacted. To be able to provide meaningful financial relief to support the continued growth of grassroots rugby is a source of immense pride for our Board.

We look forward to continuing to see the results of each of the programs and Championships in which we have invested.”

The messages of gratitude and encouragement conveyed to the Foundation by all grant recipients constitute tangible evidence of the fact that the Foundation’s support continues to be widely appreciated within community Rugby.

NSW Rugby Referees President David Marshall said: “Our deepest thanks to all at The Rugby Club Foundation. This grant represents a significant opportunity for the NSWRRA to have a positive impact on the game at all levels in our jurisdiction, juniors to Shute Shield and into representative rugby, as we improve our recruitment/retention and development of our referees. We acknowledge the trust the Foundation has placed in us with these valuable funds and look forward to working together to Share the Spirit of the Game.”

Sydney Junior Rugby Union General Manager Ben Gregory said: “We thank The Rugby Club Foundation for supporting our Minis initiative which aims to not only increase minis numbers but also improve the experience for all participants. There is a lot of excitement within the Sydney Juniors community about this initiative which would not have been launched without the generous support of The Rugby Club Foundation.”

Chris Nay, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, said “The Rugby Club Foundation’s support of Wheelchair Rugby has improved pathways, competitions and opportunities for athletes across the country. We are delighted to continue to partner with the Foundation and value their meaningful involvement in our sport. The Rugby Club Foundation genuinely care, and their impact to Wheelchair Rugby is immeasurable. We are grateful for their ongoing support.”

Angus Bruxner, the Foundation’s Chairman, said: “The Foundation’s annual Grants Program is an integral component of its strategic mission of ‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’.

It is extremely gratifying for the Board and Members of the Foundation to again make such a vital contribution to the grassroots level of Rugby because the tangible benefits flowing from the Grants Program epitomise the Foundation’s primary object and what it means to share the spirit of the game.   

It goes without saying that all grant recipients are deserving of the financial assistance which they are receiving from the Foundation. It is therefore even more gratifying for us to hear the numerous ‘good news’ stories of how these grants have assisted the various elements of community Rugby in pursuing and achieving their objectives. The messages of gratitude accompanying this announcement are testament to the value which the Rugby community places upon the Foundation’s Grants Program.    

I thank Paula Ward as Chair and each member of the Grants Committee for the astute diligence which they have again applied to their consideration of the grant applications received by the Foundation. Indeed, I thank all Directors of the Foundation for the ongoing passion and dedication which they apply towards enhancing Rugby at the grassroots community level. ”

Further information on the grants distributed in the 2024 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.