In Term 1, we achieved remarkable success in engaging schools, successfully introducing rugby to 7580 students across both secondary and primary schools. Utilizing both "Junior Force" and "Get In Rugby Schools" programs, we had a great time engaging these schools and students about our amazing game. 

Over the past term and months, we have witnessed massive development within the women's development space, especially with our support of the Igass Winter Sports Carnival. This event provided us with the opportunity to demonstrate to more WA girls why rugby is the fastest-growing women's sport in the world, and we look forward to developing this further in the future.  

Last month, the development team meticulously planned and executed a successful holiday clinic, attended by up to 90 rugby players across WA aged 8-13. Participants had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of their Western Force heroes. Over the course of the three days, players honed their core skills essential to becoming a Western Force player. Additionally, they had the chance to compare their fitness test scores against those of renowned athletes like Harry Potter and local hero Marley Pearce. The clinic also provided insight into the detailed processes and routines followed by the Force coaching and playing team on a daily basis, including a tour of the Force's facilities and opportunities to interact with players and coaching staff, asking questions and gaining valuable insights.

In this first reporting back from the Club Programs side we have been very active in the Perth Metro community around running "Come and Try” rugby days at 12 of the Junior Clubs leading up to the start of the Junior Rugby Season. 

Participating Clubs: Perth Bayswater, Joondalup Brothers, Swan Suburbs, Palmyra, Kalamunda, Ellenbrook Vipers, Mandurah Pirates, Arks, Southern Lions, Perth Irish, Associates, Rockingham 

In these sessions we had done a few drills and games alongside the Western Force Men and Women joining in on these sessions. Throughout the period we had around 600 participants, with many of them being first-time participants. These kids were given the chance to play Tri-Tag, our new non-contact flagship game of rugby, which created a lot of excitement once the rules were established. 

The biggest highlight would be for me to hear back from the clubs in feedback with new participants having signed up for the training/playing season after such sessions. 

We look to visit the following clubs at their junior practice sessions throughout the season: 

1. Wanneroo 
2. Cottesloe 
3. Curtin Uni 
4. UWA 
5. Wests Scarborough 
6. Kwinana Wolves 
7. North Coast 
8. Nedlands 

Our Get into Rugby Club Hubs have kicked off for Curtin Uni (Edinburgh Oval) as well as with Associates (Allen Park), these sessions were geared around a uniquely tailored 4-6 week program teaching the FUNdamentals of rugby to 5-11 year old's and then they were given the chance to showcase their new skills at the end of the session through the game of Tri-Tag. This game of Tri-Tag allows boys and girls to integrate on the field with no physical barriers between them. We have scrums, lineouts and rucks which prepare new learners of the game with an understanding of structured play. 

We are looking at kicking off 3 more Club Hubs at: 

1. Ellenbrook (Woodlake Sports Ground) NORTH 
2. Perth Bayswater (Pat O'Hara Reserve) CENTRAL 
3. Joondalup Brothers (HBF Arena Fields) NORTH 

Please feel free to get in touch and see how we can assist one another in growing the game at your club. Email me on nick.cumings@rugbywa.com.au 

Western Force Cup  

Term 1

In Term 1, we had 11 schools compete across a Northern Gala Day (Wanneroo Rugby Club) and a Southern Gala Day (Thornlie SHS). Aranmore took out the trophy across all age groups, in the 8/9’s, 10/11’s boys and 8/9 girls. 

Term 2

Term 2’s Western Force Cup Gala Days will be kicking off on May 21^st (North) and May 23^rd (South) with 16 schools looking to participate across Perth. The top 8 schools will battle it out for the trophy at UWA Sports Park on June 19^th. 

Schools 

• Aranmore CC 
• Thornlie SHS 
• CBC 
• Churchland’s 
• John XXIII 
• La Salle College 
• Ridgeview SC 
• Mother Teresa CC 
• Kings College 
• Aveley SC 
• Bullsbrook SHS 
• Joseph Banks SC 
• Christchurch  
• Swan View HS 
• Coastal Lakes College 

PSA  

Scotch College Festival of Rugby

Scotch College hosted their preseason Festival of Rugby on Thursday, April 11, 2024, where we saw 5 school teams playing 15-aside before the PSA competition kicks off.  

We have upcoming gala days in Term 3 and 4 - if you would like your school to be apart of these or want any additional information, please contact me at Nephi.Baker@rugbywa.com.au 

The All Abilities rugby season has begun! Southern Lions and Perth Bayswater are holding weekly training sessions, while Wanneroo RUFC is organizing a "Come Try All Abilities Rugby" event on May 9th. Excitingly the All Abilities teams demonstrated their skills during halftime at the Western Force vs Crusaders match on April 20^th, nothing could wipe the smile off their faces. 

During the month, RugbyWA has integrated All Abilities rugby into external programs led by the WA Disability Association and Reclink Australia, bringing rugby to fresh faces statewide. Additionally, we've been regularly visiting Koorana Education Support Centre to deliver Get Into Rugby All Abilities sessions to more than 60 students each week. The students enthusiastically engage in the activities, and the joy evident on their faces is invaluable. Returning to Koorana for the second year has been immensely gratifying; witnessing the students' growing confidence and skill levels has been truly remarkable. 

RugbyWA ran our very first Rugby Beyond Limits program hosting 12 players alongside our holiday program. Working closely with Calm & Connected Occupational Therapist Tom Onions to deliver a skill development program for players with all abilities. The program saw players build new skills around tackling and ball handling, with the special appearance from Western Force player Atu Moli. The Rugby Beyond Limits program will run during the school holidays of each semester, so keep an eye out!