Australian Rugby Foundation

Earlier this month, we welcomed 130 guests to an exclusive evening in support of the National Tight Five Program at the in Brisbane.

Joined by a panel of incoming Head Coach Les Kiss, Wallaby #843 and Director of High Performance Peter Horne, guests heard why investing in Australia’s next generation of props, hookers and locks is critical to building long-term success on the international stage.

With more than 600 combined Wallabies Test Caps in the room, the evening brought together passionate supporters united by a shared commitment to the future of our game.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. We look forward to building on this momentum in Brisbane for years to come.

The Australian Rugby Foundation is welcoming Steve Flook to its Board of Directors.

A former Randwick Rugby player and highly respected business leader, Steve brings more than 40 years of experience across the hospitality, retail and franchise sectors.

His career has included senior leadership roles with Carlton & United Breweries, where he led the sales ex*****on of the Foster's Olympic program for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, as well as two decades as a successful McDonald's franchisee, employing more than 1,800 people across a network of restaurants.

Based in Queensland, Steve also brings a valuable perspective from one of Australia's strongest rugby markets, further strengthening the Foundation's national reach and connection to rugby communities nationwide.

A lifelong rugby supporter, Steve's connection to the game continues through his family, including his son, Wallaby #972 Joshua Flook, and through his ongoing involvement in the game across Australia.

We look forward to the experience, perspective and passion Steve will bring as we continue working to strengthen the future of Australian rugby.

The Foundation recently supported the 2026 Cranbrook Rugby Lunch, celebrating rugby and the people helping shape its future.

It was fantastic to hear from Australian Women's Sevens star Maddison Levi and Australia U20 Head Coach Chris Whitaker, while we shared the work of the Australian Rugby Foundation and Rugby Future Fund with the Cranbrook rugby community.

Thank you to Cranbrook School for hosting a wonderful event.

Congratulations to the Australia A Women’s Sevens team on an undefeated campaign at the Pirika Mosiri Sevens Tournament in Japan!

The Foundation funded this tour as part of our commitment to strengthening Women's Rugby and building the depth needed for long-term success on the international stage.

Bravo to all the players and staff on a fantastic achievement.

Almost two-thirds of Australia's Junior World Championship squad have been supported through the Foundation's Youth Retention Contract program, with 19 current and former recipients selected, including captain Tom Robinson.

Congratulations to the squad and best of luck in Georgia. 🏉

From Southern Lions Rugby Club in Perth to Australian U16s representation, Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage continues to progress through the Western Force pathway system.

A two-year Youth Retention Contract (YRC) player, Bareek has captained the Western Force U16s and is one of 48 players supported in 2026 to retain and develop emerging rugby talent across Australia.

YRCs provide targeted support during key development years, helping players continue their progression through elite pathways.

Developing elite front row players takes time, support and strong development environments.

Waratahs Academy prop Hasani Bloomfield is one of 48 players supported through the Australian Rugby Foundation’s Youth Retention Contract (YRC) program in 2026. A three-year YRC player, Hasani has represented Australian U18s while continuing his progression through the NSW pathway system, following his development at Hills Junior Rugby Club and The King’s School.

The Foundation is proud to support initiatives helping strengthen the future depth of Australian rugby.

Integrity plays a critical role in creating safe, respectful and inclusive rugby environments at every level of the game.

As part of our Rugby Welfare strategic pillar, the Foundation proudly funded Rugby Australia’s Integrity Short Video Series, helping reinforce standards around behaviour, safeguarding and reporting.

Distributed nationally, the series supports clubs, players, parents and volunteers with clearer guidance across key focus areas, including child safeguarding, reporting concerns, online conduct and match official abuse.

Creating a stronger game starts with creating safer and more respectful environments for everyone involved.

The Australian Rugby Foundation is proud to support initiatives helping increase First Nations participation, access and visibility across the game.

Thanks to the support of Yara Co, emerging players have been provided the opportunity to immerse themselves within Rugby Australia’s national Sevens environments through the First Nations National 7s Immersion Program.

The initiative helps provide exposure to elite training, high performance development and national rugby pathways for emerging First Nations athletes.

Building depth in Women’s Rugby means creating opportunities before players reach the top of the game.

Congratulations to the Australia A Women’s Sevens squad selected to compete at the Pirika 7s in Japan, combining national Sevens representatives with emerging players who excelled in the 2026 Next Gen 7s series.

Investment in the Australia A Women’s program forms part of the Foundation's commitment to strengthening Women’s Rugby and creating meaningful development opportunities for emerging athletes.

We wish the players and staff all the very best for the tournament.