RugbyWA has formalised a new partnership with Defence West through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration designed to strengthen engagement between Western Australia’s rugby and defence communities.
Defence West, the State Government body responsible for implementing Western Australia’s Defence and Defence Industry Strategy, plays a key role in developing the state’s defence ecosystem, supporting naval shipbuilding, defence innovation, and pathways for veterans.
The partnership recognises the shared values that underpin both rugby and defence - teamwork, discipline, resilience, and community spirit - and creates opportunities to bring these worlds closer together.
Through the MoU, RugbyWA and Defence West will work collaboratively to leverage the universal nature of rugby, a sport played in over 130 countries and embraced by armed forces worldwide, to strengthen relationships between industry partners and personnel. The collaboration will focus on initiatives that promote community integration for visiting personnel, support for current and retired defence members, and opportunities for armed forces teams to participate in Western Australian tournaments.
By aligning with Defence West, RugbyWA aims to highlight Western Australia as a globally connected rugby identity - one that reflects both the spirit of international sport and the strength of the state’s defence community. This partnership not only reinforces rugby’s capacity to build connection and wellbeing across diverse groups but also enhances the sense of belonging and camaraderie that exists within both sectors.
The MoU also represents a forward-looking approach to community engagement and industry collaboration, supporting shared experiences that benefit players, personnel, and families alike. It provides a foundation for joint initiatives that showcase Western Australia as a state where sport and industry work hand-in-hand to create positive social impact.
As RugbyWA continues to grow the game across the state, this partnership reflects the organisation’s commitment to building meaningful relationships with industry leaders and community partners that share a vision for connection, development, and opportunity.
Through partnerships like this, RugbyWA continues to position Western Australia as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and international engagement - both on and off the field.
