a legacy of impact beyond the try line
ABOUT
AT THE HEART OF OUR FAMILY IS A COMMITMENT TO ENDURE, TO STAND TALL, TO FACE ADVERSITY WITH HONOUR AND PRIDE.
Our Story
Our Mission
OUR HISTORY
OUR IMPACT
Our governance
The Australian Rugby Foundation is Rugby’s philanthropic arm, dedicated to growing and supporting the game from grassroots to elite level. But more than that, we are the heart of rugby’s extended family, ensuring that every player, coach and supporter has a seat at the rugby table.
Through strategic investment and strong partnerships, we safeguard the future of rugby, providing opportunities for all to engage with the sport we love.
Our Story
A Legacy of Belonging
Rugby isn’t just a sport in Australia – it’s a legacy, passed down through generations. Since our founding, the ARF has played a crucial role in keeping that legacy alive, funding key initiatives that strengthen the game at all levels.
From the first time a child picks up a rugby ball to the moment they step onto the international stage, we are there, championing their journey and ensuring that rugby remains a game for everyone.
FUELING
DREAMS,
CHANGING
LIVES
Our Mission
Strengthening the Rugby Family
We exist to strengthen the future of Australian rugby by funding key initiatives that drive participation, inclusion and excellence. With a strong commitment to the values that bind our rugby family together, we invest in five strategic pillars:
Grassroots Rugby
Rugby’s strength lies in its roots. Every great player starts with a first pass, a first tackle, a first try, a first club. By supporting grassroots rugby, we ensure the next generation of players can access quality coaching, facilities and resources, and the chance to fall in love with the game through the club rugby structure.
From local clubs and schools to regional communities, our family helps make rugby accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Together, we can grow the future of Australian rugby. Because rugby clubs and the people who give their time, resources and expertise are the lifeblood of our family.
Women’s Rugby
Rugby is for everyone. We are dedicated to growing the women’s game, supporting the Wallaroos on their path to success and inspiring the next generation of female players, coaches and leaders.
Through our investment in women’s rugby, we are working to ensure that the game continues to grow and evolve, providing more opportunities for women to make their mark on our sport.
First Nations & Pacific Islands RUGBY
Rugby brings communities together. We strengthen pathways for Indigenous players, ensuring they have access to life changing opportunities and a place to stay in our rugby family.
Our focus on Indigenous rugby ensures that every player, regardless of their background, has the chance to succeed and contribute to the rich diversity of our rugby community.
Rugby Welfare
Our family looks after each other. We prioritise player welfare, safety and wellbeing, on and off the field.
Through ongoing support and care, we ensure that the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of our players is always a top priority, helping them thrive throughout their rugby careers and beyond.
High Performance RUGBY
The future of Australian rugby is built on the dreams of young players. We back the next generation of elite athletes to ensure they have the resources to succeed at the highest level.
By investing in high performance rugby, we provide players with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential, representing Australia on the world stage and inspiring the next wave of rugby talent.
OUR HISTORY
Rugby’s Generations of Grit and Glory
Rugby has been woven into the fabric of Australian life since 1864, when the first recorded match was played in Sydney. For over 160 years, rugby has given us legends, unforgettable moments and a sense of belonging. In 2014, we were proud to establish the ARF to ensure this legacy continues for generations to come.
To learn more about rugby’s history visit Rugby Australia’s history page.
Our Impact
What Can Your Rugby Family Do for You?
Rugby is built on community, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have created real, lasting change. Our family has helped expand junior development programs in regional areas, ensuring that young players have access to world class coaching and competition. We have invested in the Wallaroos, providing the resources they need to compete on the world stage.
We have funded Indigenous rugby programs that have opened doors for young athletes in remote communities. And we have supported mental health and rehabilitation programs, ensuring that every family member has the care they need to thrive, both on and off the field.
OUR GOVERNANCE
The Australian Rugby Foundation Limited (ACN 169 716 607) is a public company limited by guarantee, established in 2014 to act as the philanthropic arm of Australian rugby. The Foundation has a single member, Rugby Australia Ltd, and operates under its own Constitution.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for setting its strategic direction, overseeing its fundraising and grant-making, and ensuring it meets its objects of raising and distributing funds for the benefit of the game and its participants. The Board brings together independent directors and rugby community representatives and is supported by a General Manager.
As a not-for-profit, the Foundation applies all of its income and property toward its objects. Its fundraising program is conducted in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, through which tax-deductible donations to support Foundation projects can be made.
Our Team
REPORTING & FINANCIALS
OUR MEMBER & PARTNERS
REPORTING & FINANCIALS
The Australian Rugby Foundation Limited prepares annual financial statements in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001. As a public company limited by guarantee with a single member, the Foundation is not required to hold an annual general meeting; member resolutions are passed in writing.
The Foundation’s most recent financial statements are available on request. To request a copy, please contact us via the Contact page.
OUR MEMBER & PARTNERS
The Australian Rugby Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of the Rugby Australia group. Its sole member is Rugby Australia Ltd, with which the Foundation works closely to direct funding toward grassroots participation, women’s rugby, First Nations and Pacific communities, high-performance pathways and player welfare.
The Foundation’s fundraising program has been developed in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, through which supporters can make tax-deductible donations to Foundation projects.