Momentum is growing in the development of Victoria’s new home of rugby, with a critical component locked in today by the Victorian state government.
Designs of the Victorian State Rugby Centre of Excellence have today been released, showcasing the world class Rugby facilities at La Trobe University.
The State Rugby Centre of Excellence will provide Victoria with vital infrastructure to support the ongoing development of local Victorian talented player pathways and community impact programs.
World-class high-performance rugby training and education facilities will include a new home for the semi-professional Melbourne Rebels Super-W program, all underage Victorian representative teams, academies, and the Rugby Victoria Pasifika Program.
The Centre of Excellence will include three Rugby fields, high performance gymnasium, recovery facilitates, medical facilities, analysis room, change rooms, match day amenities, grandstand seating, administration spaces, and education and training facilities.
“This project delivers major benefits for rugby, football, the university and the local community – and it will create 600 jobs during construction.”, explained Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula.
Melbourne Rebels Chair and Rugby Victoria Director Paul Docherty said today’s announcement by Minister Pakula highlights the critical importance of this project at La Trobe University as a significant part of Rugby Union’s future growth in Victoria.
“Once complete this world class facility will enable young Victorian men and women to progress to the rugby world stage and importantly see Victoria play a critical role in Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
“The support of the Victorian Government, led by Minister Pakula and Minister Spence, is enormously appreciated by the entire Rugby community and will drive the continued growth of the sport for generations to come,” Docherty said.
Rugby Victoria President Neil Hay echoed the Chairman’s sentiments.
“We are excited by the State Government’s commitment to a dedicated home for the global game in Victoria; It is an historic moment that will forever change the game for Rugby, participants and community in Victoria,” said Hay.
“We are thrilled to commence construction works in April. And we look forward to providing the community with regular updates.”
Construction works will commence in April 2022 with the facility completed by August 2023. All three playing fields will be operational by February 2024.
