Rugby as a Driver of More Inclusive Communities

Thu, Jun 25, 2026, 2:06 AM
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by RugbyWA Media

Rugby continues to play an important role in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, regions and experiences across Western Australia, with a growing focus on strengthening inclusion and expanding access across all levels of the game. 

This commitment is reflected in dedicated initiatives such as Women in Rugby Round, as well as the recognition and celebration of NAIDOC Round and NAIDOC Bunbury 7s. These moments are not isolated events, but part of a broader effort to ensure rugby remains open, visible and welcoming to all communities. 

At a grassroots level, participation continues to grow these inclusion-focused periods, with increased engagement from players, families and volunteers who are connecting to the game through both traditional club environments and targeted community activations. This growth reflects the importance of creating clear and accessible entry points into rugby for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Importantly, inclusion is not defined by a single initiative or campaign. It is built through sustained investment in participation pathways that support entry, retention and progression across the game – from junior rugby and school programs through to senior and elite competition.  

As access expands, so too does the role of clubs as community hubs, bringing people together through shared experience, cultural celebration and long-term involvement in the game. 

This ongoing focus on inclusion and participation represents an important opportunity for partners to align with programs that deliver meaningful community impact, support engagement across diverse audiences and contribute to sustained growth in Western Australian rugby.

As Women in Rugby Round is celebrated this weekend, RugbyWA continues to build a game where women belong at every level. With the support of partners such as THE resources HUB, RugbyWA is helping create opportunities for women to participate, lead and thrive through rugby. On 27 June, all women's competitions will come together at Palmyra Rugby Club to celebrate the growth and impact of the women's game across Western Australia. 

Through NAIDOC Round and the NAIDOC Bunbury 7s, RugbyWA also recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These initiatives help strengthen connections between rugby and community while celebrating the diverse cultures that continue to shape the game across Western Australia. Read more here

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