Released on 27 November 2025, the RugbyWA Social Impact Report provides a comprehensive look at how rugby continues to deliver meaningful social, community, and economic benefits across Western Australia. The report captures the scale of RugbyWA’s programs, the reach of its community initiatives, and the impact created through the combined efforts of clubs, partners, donors, and volunteers.
Built in partnership with the Rugby Foundation of Western Australia, the report highlights how philanthropic investment and strategic collaboration are expanding participation, strengthening inclusion, and shaping a sustainable future for the game. Over the past eight years, the Foundation has reinvested more than $1.9 million into grassroots rugby and development programs - directly supporting growth across metropolitan and regional communities.
At its core, the Social Impact Report outlines how rugby extends far beyond competition. It demonstrates the game’s contribution to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - such as good health and wellbeing, gender equality, reducing inequalities, and building strong communities - reinforcing rugby’s role as a vehicle for social impact.
The report captures several standout achievements across the season:
- Strong participation growth, including thousands of young people engaged through programs such as Junior Force, Force 5, and RugbyWA School Holiday Clinics. The Force 5 program alone introduced rugby to more than 7,400 students across Perth and regional WA.
- Record regional engagement, with new clubs, growing junior and senior numbers, and landmark events such as the AFGRI Albany 7s - now the largest 7s tournament in WA history.
- Major steps forward in inclusion, supported by expanded All Abilities programs, disability-inclusive school initiatives, and multi-sport “Sport Beyond Limits” days. Funding also helped the Southern Lions All Abilities team travel to New Zealand, demonstrating the international reach of community-driven inclusion.
- Pathways success, with strong representation at national Schoolgirls and Schoolboys Championships and an increasing number of WA athletes progressing into Western Force and national development systems.
- Investment in coach and referee development, including female-only coaching courses and expanded training opportunities to strengthen leadership across the state.
- New equity-focused community initiatives, including the RugbyWA Boots Project and the Regional Club Subsidies Program, designed to reduce financial barriers and increase access for players across WA.
The Social Impact Report demonstrates the scale of what Western Australian rugby achieves when clubs, partners, and communities work together. It highlights the passion of volunteers, the commitment of educators and coaches, and the role of partners in driving meaningful change through sport.
To access the 2025 Social Impact Report, click here.
