Welcome to

The Rugby Club of Victoria

The home for lovers of Rugby Union in Victoria

Our story

Rugby is the world's most popular contact sport.

But in the birthplace of Aussie Rules, lovers of the game they play in heaven are well and truly outnumbered.

The Rugby Club of Victoria was founded to provide a home for rugby players, supporters and fans, a place where we can come together and share our love of the game.

Independent of the Melbourne Rebels, Rugby Victoria, and Rugby Australia, we are actively involved with all organisations, including local rugby clubs, to help facilitate the growth and enjoyment of rugby in our state.

Initiatives we support

We raise funds and allocate them to the best ideas for growing rugby in Victoria. Club members meet annually to consider applications from the rugby community, with every member eligible to vote on what initiative to support, meaning we all play an active role in helping grow the game.

Donate to grow rugby

If you have an idea that needs money or resources - people, skills, introductions - contact us to discuss the application process. We are actively looking for ideas no matter how big or small! Preference is given to ideas with Statewide potential, we wouldn't usually support ideas of benefit to one club or school.

Some of the fantastic initiatives we've proudly supported to grow rugby in Victoria to date:

Academy Movement Melton Secondary College

Establish a rugby academy

We helped fund the establishment of Academy Movement's rugby academy at Melton Secondary College

Start a junior rugby club

We helped fund the re-establishment of Maroondah Rugby Club's juniors program

Start a comp for Government schools

We helped fund the establishment of the Rebels Shield, a chance for boys and girls to play rugby for their school

Grow junior rugby in regional Victoria

We helped Shepparton Rugby Club grow their junior program and create a template for other regional clubs to follow

Establish a juniors competition for wheelchair rugby

We helped establish Australia's first juniors competition for wheelchair rugby

Help grow referee numbers

We helped the VRRA attract and retain new referees

Help establish a regional rugby club

We helped fund the establishment of a new regional rugby club in Swan Hill, focused on providing a second home for PALM visa workers.

Podcast

The Spirit in Rugby Union

In this fascinating podcast series you'll hear the inspirational stories of famous and not-so-famous people, people from all walks of life and from all round the world and the role that rugby and the game's distinct values have played in shaping their lives and achievements.

The Spirit in Rugby Union, produced by The Rugby Club of Victoria, seeks to grow an awareness and love of this great game, take it to new audiences and connect with the existing worldwide rugby community.

Patron

Gordon Bray AM

The Rugby Club of Victoria is honoured to have 'The Voice of Rugby', Gordon Bray AM as Patron.

Gordon's name is synonymous with International Rugby broadcasting, having called more than 450 test matches and all nine Rugby World Cups. He is a sports journalist of over 40 years standing and as a best selling author, has penned titles including, 'The Australian Rugby Companion' and 'From the Ruck'.

Gordon's remarkable calling career has defined key moments in rugby folklore, coining expressions such as 'The Brighton Miracle', Japan's 2015 defeat of the Springboks and 'The Stairway to Rugby Heaven', Johnny Wilkinson's drop goal to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup, as well as his always entertaining player descriptions including 'The Taranaki Pig Farmer' (All Blacks Captain Dave Loveridge) and 'The Manawatu Meat Worker' (for another All Black, Mark Shaw).

In 2000 Gordon was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his services to rugby through refereeing and television broadcasting and in 2005 was recognised for his services to the community and for broadcasting and promotion of Rugby, by being made a Member of the Order of Australia.