RugbyWA is thrilled to share that the Public Schools Association (PSA) will affiliate its rugby competition from 2025.
PSA Rugby has become an affiliated member of RugbyWA, following its confirmation by the RugbyWA Board of Directors on March 31, 2025. This affiliation comes after over two decades of dialogue between the two bodies, securing the most beneficial relationship to promote mutual support and promotion of rugby, for the lifelong love of the game for all participants.
This affiliation marks a significant milestone reached in Western Australia, promising the continued growth and alignment of rugby union throughout the state. Proving the unique opportunity to connect students, coaches, teachers and parents to the wider rugby community, the affiliation makes rugby union the first PSA sport to be affiliated to its governing body within Western Australia.
RugbyWA President, John Welborn, said: “We’re thrilled to have PSA affiliate to RugbyWA, which will be an incredible opportunity for the continued growth and development of the game in Western Australia.
“This historic step not only aligns our efforts to grow the game across Western Australia, but also strengthens the connection between school communities and the broader rugby family. We’re proud to formalise this relationship and look forward to supporting the growth and development of rugby for generations to come.”
The affiliation will provide PSA schools and RugbyWA with increased opportunities for collaboration, for the benefit of participating students, ensuring appropriate and safe competition formats. Additionally, PSA Rugby will align with Rugby Australia’s safety and compliance measures, including the use of Rugby Xplorer as a fixturing and reporting tool, coaching education, support and development, dispensation processes and referee appointments.
Principal of Trinity College and Chair of the PSA Rugby Working Group, Darren O’Neill, said: "After the success of the long-standing relationship between our two associations, the PSA looks forward to working in a more formal capacity with RugbyWA to grow the game in the state with increased opportunities and pathways for players. We share in the goal of making participation in Rugby safe, enjoyable, ongoing and rewarding.”
A huge opportunity for junior rugby in WA, RugbyWA sees massive potential for the affiliation with PSA. The participation of PSA students will provide a boost to the junior space, providing further opportunities for the development of the game. The alignment of competition will also see an opportunity for PSA students to be eligible for state representative teams, increasing the standard of game play and securing a diverse player base.
Additionally, RugbyWA will be able to service the schools with in-school clinics and sessions through the School Ambassador Program and Junior Force program, bringing the game for all to more students in both primary and high schools.
RugbyWA General Manager – Rugby, Dane Lazarus, said: “We have a great opportunity to work together with the PSA to help bring rugby to more players, parents, coaches and school administrators especially in the lead up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. RugbyWA will be able to engage new and existing rugby participants across all forms of our game with the aim of helping develop a lifelong connection with the game.
“We’re looking forward to kicking off this partnership, and to continue to unite Western Australians on and off the field.”
RugbyWA is looking forward to continuing its mission to foster a lifelong love and commitment to rugby through PSA’s affiliation, driving passionate involvement in game development and player participation, and encouraging community participation well beyond school walls.
