Rugby League
Rugby League is an all-inclusive sport and there are opportunities for veterans and the whole family
Rugby League has programs for juniors, youth, those with physical disabilities, men, women, social, universities, school, primary, college, learning disability, masters, touch, tag, sky try, and wheelchair.
There are many opportunities within the sport of Rugby League including refereeing, sports trainer, coach, volunteer as well as playing, and we can help you find a veteran-friendly club in your area.
Wheelchair Rugby League is a highly inclusive adaptive version of the sport. There are wheelchair competitions right around Australia, providing an opportunity for friends and family to play sport with disabled loved ones with opportunities to represent your State and Country on the international stages.
Ready to get into Rugby League?
“You can’t underestimate the healing impact of sport – it got me out on the weekends, as I followed the kids to their sport after being freshly discharged, it expanded my scope of friends, creating connections in the community & helped me evolve back into a human after being a soldier for so long. You are creating common ground with people, whereas when I was in the army you are always hanging with your army mates, so when you leave the army you don’t have anything to talk about. You’ve got to find that common ground and sport was a bridge to create that new team environment – because you are part of a club, a team and you find a new core of friends.”
Local
partners
Partnering with Invictus Australia, the NRL developed the ‘Battlefields to FootyFields’ (B2F) program to encourage and support veterans to join the rugby league refereeing and sports trainer ranks.
Through the Battlefields to FootyFields program, veterans are trained to become accredited referees & sport trainers and are supported throughout their journey – from officiating local club matches to higher honours. There are also opportunities for veterans with physical impairments to join the program as mentors.
To keep up to date with upcoming events and connect with your area’s Defence community join your local Facebook group.
Want to know more?
More Partners
Last year, Maddie took on the Queenstown Marathon and made every step count by raising funds and awareness for Invictus Australia`s work. 💛🖤
"Sport and physical activity played a huge role for me when I transitioned out of Defence, providing a sense of purpose and contributing to positive mental health. I wanted to take the opportunity to help fellow veterans access sporting and other wellbeing activities by raising funds for Invictus Australia."
Maddie’s efforts have made a real impact—helping more veterans access the power of sport and community on their wellbeing journey.
Feeling inspired? Follow in Maddie’s footsteps and fundraise, your way via our fundraising hub (link in bio)
Sport has always been a major part of Army veteran Sue Osborn`s life.
Whether it be through surf lifesaving, touch football or rugby union, keeping active was a big priority for Sue both before and during her service. Injuries to her ankles, knees, lower-back, right shoulder and neck meant Sue had to pull back from the sports she loved, causing her to lose her spark.
For Sue, competing for Team Australia at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 reignited her passion for sport, giving her a purpose and reason to train once again. Hear from Sue, and her wife Renee, on what this experience means to them.
#SharedJourney #InvictusGames #veteransupport #veteransport
Whether you run, jog, walk or roll your way to the finish line, there’s something powerful about lacing up for a fun run. Events like the @city2surf aren’t just about the distance, they’re about the sense of community, the endorphin rush and the feeling of accomplishment when you cross the line.
This year, we’re inviting you to go that one step further by fundraising for Invictus Australia as you take part. In doing so, you’ll be helping us support the health and wellbeing of our defence community through the power of sport.
Ready to move for more than just a medal? Register for the City2Surf via the link in bio join Team Veteran and run with a purpose this year.
If you`re part of the Wounded, Injured, or Ill (WII) community and part of the `We Are Invictus` app, keep an eye out for the chance to have your registration for the City2Surf supported by the Invictus Games Foundation. @weareinvictusgames