The state of Rugby in Victoria has never been healthier according to participation data released by the Victorian Rugby Union (VRU) and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) on Monday afternoon.
Participation in the state has increased 38 per cent in 2016, to 15,829 participants, through 15-a-side Rugby, Sevens Rugby, VIVA 7s and Game-On primary school development program.
Highlighted by a 22 per cent growth in Junior Rugby and the establishment of two new Rugby Clubs in 2016, Racing Rugby Club of Melbourne and VS Barbarians.
“2016 was a very exciting year for Rugby Union in Victoria with significant increase in participation numbers, higher quality Rugby and excellent representative performances through juniors, schools, women and senior programs,” VRU president Tom North said his Annual Report President’s Report.
Along with a growth in participation, the state enjoyed unprecedented success at a national and international level.
History was made when Victoria’s first two home-grown players Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota made their Super Rugby debuts for the Melbourne Rebels against the Reds (Rd3) and Crusaders (Rd16) respectively.
The pair, along with Jordan Uelese, Ikapote Tupai and Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano represented the Australian U20s team at the 2016 World Rugby U20s Championship in Manchester, England.
Josh Coward was selected in the Australian Seven’s program; Sunia Finefiuaki, Hunter Paisami, Hinkley Halo-Vaovasa and Cullum Kent were picked for the Australian Schoolboys and Australian Barbarians; and Oneata Schwalger was selected in the Australian Wallaroos.
Domestically, Victoria recorded its first ever U20s victory over New South Wales when the Rebels U20s scored a 39-26 win en route to the inaugural grand final of the 2016 Super 20s Championship.
While the Victorian U18’s Schoolboys finished fourth at the National Schoolboys Championships after they defeated Queensland 1 for the first time in the pool stage of the competition.
Victorian Rugby’s impact on the national stage has already received a boost in 2017 with a record six locally contracted Rebels with Uelese, Tuimalealiifano, Tupai and Fereti Sa’aga joining Tuipulotu and Leota.
Meanwhile, the premier Dewar Shield continues to provide a stepping stone with Murray Douglas the latest to make his Super Rugby debut after he impressed in the local competition.
The Melbourne Rebels return from the bye to host the Brumbies at AAMI Park on Saturday 15 April from 7.45pm (AEST).
