The West Australian Referees Rugby Union Association, Cottesloe Rugby Union Club, and Associates Rugby Union Club will share a total of $15,000 in funding to support grassroots rugby initiatives across the state. The funding will contribute to enhanced radio equipment for referees, female changeroom upgrades at Cottesloe, and infrastructure improvements for players and visitors at Associates.
The announcement follows the successful delivery of the Foundation’s 2024/25 Grants Program, which saw two Western Australian clubs - Southern Lions Rugby Union Club, through its All Abilities program, and Perth Rams Rugby Union Club, through a coach education initiative - receive a combined $7,500 in funding to further strengthen grassroots rugby participation and development across the state.
Rugby Foundation of WA Chair Sean Lee said: "As part of our purpose to support the wider rugby community, the Rugby Foundation of WA is honoured to award these three grants to our community.
“Our Grants Program is designed to deliver meaningful, long-term impact by investing in initiatives that strengthen inclusion, support player welfare, and drive sustainable growth across the game.
"These projects reflect our commitment to creating more accessible and welcoming environments, building capability within clubs and officials, and ensuring rugby in Western Australia continues to thrive at every level - from grassroots participation through to high performance."
Western Australian Rugby Union Referee Association – Communication Equipment Upgrades
The West Australian Rugby Union Referees Association will use its grant funding to enhance the development and support of match officials through upgraded communication equipment. The initiative will expand access to one-way radio communication kits, enabling Referee Match Officials Developers (MODs) to better observe, assess, and guide referees in real time.
The project complements a broader suite of initiatives being implemented by the Association to strengthen education and mentoring programs, including the formalisation of its MOD structure and the introduction of dedicated development roles.
By investing in the capability of referees and their support networks, the initiative will improve the quality of officiating, enhance player experience, and contribute to the long-term growth and professionalism of rugby in Western Australia.
WARURA President Peter Miller said “WARURA would like to thank the Foundation for their support. This funding will strengthen how we develop and support match officials across WA. Improved communication technology will enhance real-time mentoring and feedback, helping build the next generation of quality referees for our game”.
Cottesloe Rugby Union Club – Female Changeroom upgrades
Cottesloe Rugby Union Club will utilise its grant funding to enhance its female changeroom facilities, supporting a more inclusive and functional environment for players. The $5,000 contribution from the Rugby Foundation of WA will fund essential upgrades. These improvements form part of a broader club-led project, with additional upgrades – such as new flooring better suited to rugby use, upgraded storage and laundry facilities, and privacy enhancements – being delivered through club funding and in-kind support.
The project represents a meaningful step toward improving the experience for female participants at Cottesloe, aligning with the Foundation’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, while ensuring facilities keep pace with the continued growth of the women’s game.
Cottesloe Rugby Club Junior President Tiernane Byrnes said “Cottesloe RUC sincerely thanks the Foundation for the contribution to improving the female changerooms at our clubhouse. The grant has allowed Cottesloe to improve the facilities for our ever increasing number of female members. The grants will support that effort by providing a female-specific and secure space for our SheGulls to change and receive physiotherapy”.
Associates Rugby Union Club – Infrastructure upgrades
Associates Rugby Union Club will direct its grant funding toward the installation of improved shelter for players, team staff, and supporters during home and away fixtures. The project is focused on providing safer, more comfortable conditions on game day, reinforcing the club’s duty of care to its broader community. By enhancing protection from the elements – particularly sun exposure – the initiative also promotes greater awareness of health risks such as skin cancer, aligning with wider community health priorities in Australia.
The upgrades will contribute to improved player welfare and overall match-day experience, while supporting participation and engagement across all levels of the club.
Associates Sponsorship Coordinator Glenda Martinick said: “Soaks is delighted to have received a grant from the Rugby Foundation to purchase new gazebos, which will provide much‑needed shade and shelter for players and officials.
“This support is greatly appreciated at a time when every dollar coming into the Club makes a meaningful difference to its success on and off the field.”
The next grant application window will open in July 2026.
For more information on the Grants Program or how to get involved with the Foundation, please contact foundation@rugbywa.com.au
