Rugby Union

Rugby is a global game for all ages, genders, sizes and backgrounds with many varying formats for all veterans to enjoy. 

Rubgy Union

From non-contact sevens, fifteen-a-side to elite and social competition, getting involved in rugby delivers significant social and health benefits.  
 
Being a team sport, rugby is a great social activity and is beneficial physically and mentally. Aside from playing, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in rugby, from volunteering for professional sides, administrative roles in local clubs, officiating, coaching and many more.  

Wheelchair Rubgy

Wheelchair rugby is an intense, physical team sport for male and female competitors, and a popular Invictus Games inclusion. Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball-sized court and teams are formed by four players and up to eight substitutes.  
 
A volleyball is used and it can be carried, dribbled, or passed in any way except by kicking. The ball must be bounced at least once every 10 seconds. Competitors score goals by carrying the ball over the opponent’s goal line. 
 
Team Australia are the reigning Wheelchair Rugby champions and are looking to build on this momentum in future Invictus Games.  

Ready to get into Rugby union?


“We’re a vehicle to help people. Rugby’s important but not as important as helping our members. We want people to know they’ve got somewhere else to go.”
Mark Newman
Navy Veteran and member of The Sydney Combined Forces Rugby Football Club 

‘We’re trying to close that gap when someone discharges and enters full civilian life.” 

James Manderson
Navy Veteran and member of The Sydney Combined Forces Rugby Football Club 



Local
partners

Partnering with Invictus Australia, the team at Rugby 1st are encouraging veterans and families to join the vibrant community of Australian rugby clubs.   
 
The Rugby 1st ‘Veteran Friendly Club’ program has clubs from up and down the east coast of Australia signed on to welcome veterans and their families into their communities. The underpinning principles of the program are: culture, capability, community and compassion. Participating clubs have appointed Veteran Liaison Officers and are promoting initiatives such as free entry for veterans on game day and other ways of getting veterans intimately involved in club-life.   
 
Through the ‘Veteran Friendly Club’ program, there are lots of opportunities to get involved in all facets of the sport, ranging from playing and coaching to administration and support.  

“We know there’s huge interest out there and that rugby clubs can’t wait to welcome veterans and their families into their communities. We believe that together we can make an important contribution in the transition from service to civilian life and in supporting the men and women who serve our country.”

Angus Stewart
Rugby 1st Director 

Want to know more?


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