The Rugby Foundation of Western Australia is proud to announce the continued support of Labrador Petro-Management (Labrador) as a Supporting Donor of the Foundation in 2026.
Labrador is a specialist consulting firm with extensive experience across local, national and international oil, gas and energy projects. Through its ongoing commitment to the Foundation, Labrador helps fund initiatives that create opportunities and remove barriers to participation across the rugby community, including the Female Performance and Pathways Program and the RugbyWA Boots Project.
Labrador's support reflects a shared vision of creating greater opportunities across the rugby community, supporting participation, development and long-term growth throughout Western Australia.
Through their support of the Female Performance and Pathways Program, Labrador is creating opportunities for female players, coaches, match officials and leaders to develop and progress within the sport. The investment comes at an important time for the women’s game, with RugbyWA recording a 14 per cent increase in senior women’s participation and a 19 per cent increase in junior female participation during the 2025 season.
Labrador’s contribution also supports the ongoing growth of the RugbyWA Boots Project, an initiative that provides rugby boots to junior and senior players facing financial barriers. By helping remove cost as a barrier to participation, the program ensures more players across metropolitan and regional Western Australia can stay on the field and involved in the game. Most recently, the RugbyWA Boots Project was delivered at the Kalamunda Junior Rugby Carnival, with Labrador's support helping expand the initiative's reach as it works towards providing hundreds of boots to players across Western Australia this year.
The Rugby Foundation of Western Australia Chairman Sean Lee said: "We are incredibly grateful for Labrador Petro-Management's ongoing commitment to the Rugby Foundation of Western Australia and the future of our game."
"Their support is helping us create more opportunities for women and girls to thrive in rugby, while also ensuring players facing financial challenges can continue participating through initiatives such as the RugbyWA Boots Project."
"With ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting many families, the Boots Project is more important than ever, and thanks to partners like Labrador we can help remove financial barriers so children and families doing it tough don’t miss out on rugby."
Labrador Petro-Management Managing Director Chris Wilson said: “Labrador is passionate about rugby in Western Australia because it is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. Regardless of your size, shape or background, there is a place for everyone on a rugby field. It is also a truly global game, connecting communities and creating opportunities both locally and internationally.
“To grow the sport, we need to continue supporting participation at the grassroots level. Our decision to partner with the RugbyWA Boots Project is driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference to players and their families. This partnership is not about brand visibility – it is about helping people stay involved in a sport they love.
“Cost-of-living pressures are affecting families and young adults across the community. For some, the cost of a pair of rugby boots can become a barrier to participation and may even force talented players to step away from the game. By providing boots to those who need them most, we can help remove that barrier and ensure more people remain connected to the friendships, support networks and sense of belonging that community sport provides.
“Supporting Female Performance and Pathways is another initiative we are incredibly proud to be involved with. Australia is home to some of the best female rugby talent in the world, yet the women’s game often does not receive the recognition it deserves. Continued investment in pathways and development opportunities is essential to sustaining that success and creating the next generation of players, coaches, officials and leaders in rugby.”
The Rugby Foundation of Western Australia exists to financially support the growth and love of rugby throughout Western Australia. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, the Foundation has invested more than $1.9 million into grassroots rugby over the past seven years, helping create opportunities for players, coaches, officials and volunteers across the state, while connecting past and present members of the rugby community to help shape the future of the game.
To learn more about supporting the Rugby Foundation of Western Australia and helping fund initiatives such as the RugbyWA Boots Project and Female Performance and Pathways Program, visit the Foundation website.
