Celebrating excellence on and off the field.
The RugbyWA community gathered just a few days before before the intensity of the RugbyWA Grand Final played out for the annual Awards Breakfast, recognising not just the players who shone on the field this season, but also the dedicated individuals, schools, and clubs who make rugby thrive across Western Australia.
Among the many honours presented, several awards highlighted the powerful role of partnerships and community programs in shaping the game’s future.
The Healthway Champions of Rugby Award celebrates a club that champions healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and inclusivity across the rugby community. This year’s winner, the Ellenbrook Vipers Rugby Union Club, stood out for their holistic approach to health. From earning Good Sports Program Gold Accreditation and replacing deep-fried canteen options with healthier meals, to running a Youth Mental Health Focus Program for players, coaches and parents, the Vipers have shown remarkable commitment to their members’ wellbeing. Their leadership extends beyond the game, with initiatives like Ellenbrook’s We Walk Together event, a Youth Centre, and free, inclusive clinics delivered in partnership with the City of Swan. The Vipers’ efforts reflect the true spirit of the Champions of Rugby Award, building healthier, more connected communities through sport.
This year marked the launch of RugbyWA’s Team Behind the Team initiative, designed to shine a light on the people who make our game possible beyond the sidelines - the coaches, referees, and volunteers who invest countless hours into building strong clubs and connected communities. By recognising these individuals, RugbyWA is not only celebrating their contribution but also reinforcing the vital infrastructure that sustains rugby’s growth across Western Australia. Their leadership and service ensure the game continues to thrive, creating pathways for players and opportunities for communities to engage with the sport at every level. At the Grand Final Awards Breakfast, the inaugural winners were named: Jerard Saunders (Coach of the Year), Benjamin Jones (Match Official of the Year), and Janine Briggs (Volunteer of the Year). Each recipient exemplifies the passion and commitment that underpin rugby in WA, reminding us that strong people behind the scenes build stronger clubs, competitions, and partnerships on the field.
Another highlight was the School Ambassador Program Spirit of Rugby Award, presented to Bertram Primary School. This award reflects the importance of schools in introducing the game to the next generation, with Bertram recognised for their tireless efforts to create pathways for young players and embed rugby values within their community. The program, a new initiative designed to empower teachers with the tools, resources, and exclusive experiences needed to bring rugby into their classrooms and playgrounds, has opened the door for thousands of young Western Australians to experience rugby, many for the first time, with more than 170 schools having joined. Bertram’s recognition and achievement reflects the strength of the program in building long-term pathways into the sport and demonstrates how investing in schools can create lasting community impact.
While player accolades, such as the PG Hampshire Award (Matty Lansdown, Nedlands RUFC), the Sue Roberts Trophy (Nicole Ross, Southern Lions RUFC), and the Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough Challenge Cup MVPs (Matty Lansdown and Teiana Mainwaring), honoured on-field excellence, the morning also served as a celebration of the broader rugby family.
The Awards Breakfast was a reminder that rugby in WA is not only about tries and trophies - it is about community, connection, and the collective effort of players, partners, and volunteers who drive the game forward every season.
