Get into Rugby

Get Into Rugby – Schools (WA)
Role: Program Co-Lead & Strategic Growth Partner
Organisation: RugbyWA in collaboration with Rugby Australia & Mark Gasnier

Get Into Rugby – Schools is Rugby Australia's national program designed to introduce primary and secondary students to rugby in a safe, inclusive, and non-contact format. In Western Australia, I played a pivotal role in bringing this program to life, working closely with Mark Gasnier (Rugby Australia), local educators, and RugbyWA’s participation team to localise, deliver, and scale the initiative from the ground up.

🔹 My Contributions:
Led WA program activation, tailoring the national model to suit WA school infrastructure, term cycles, and cultural context.

Co-designed teacher and coordinator support tools, including delivery manuals, safety protocols, and “plug-and-play” lesson plans.

Built relationships with principals, PE departments, and school clusters, positioning rugby as a values-aligned, curriculum-compatible activity.

Delivered training for new coaches and teachers to ensure consistency and participant safety.

Worked with Mark Gasnier and RA to secure equipment kits, promotional materials, and activation support for schools statewide.

Strategically integrated the program into the broader Schools Growth Plan (including TriTag, All Abilities, and Ambassador Programs).

🔹 Delivery & Impact:
Rolled out in 150+ primary and secondary schools across WA within the first year.

Introduced over 10,000 students to the game through engaging, structured, and safe sessions.

Created sustainable interest with repeat uptake from schools in following terms and years.

Strengthened brand awareness and positive sentiment toward rugby among educators, parents, and new communities.

Led to increased transition from schools to junior rugby clubs and community programs.

🔹 Legacy & Strategic Value:
Established Get Into Rugby – Schools as the entry point for RugbyWA’s long-term school-to-club pipeline.

Positioned RugbyWA as an innovative, school-first NGB partner.

Enabled early-stage talent ID and relationship building with future players, parents, and coaches.

Contributed to a 25% uplift in junior registrations in pilot zones within the first year.

Embedded WA into the national growth narrative and secured long-term support from Rugby Australia.

✅ Key Achievements:
Launched Get Into Rugby – Schools in WA in partnership with Rugby Australia

Reached 10,000+ students in 150+ schools through safe, fun rugby formats

Empowered teachers and coaches with structured tools and training

Strengthened WA’s school engagement and junior participation funnel

Drove school-to-club transition and statewide brand awareness