This week, from 18th–24th May, Rugby Victoria is celebrating National Volunteer Week.
National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers who keep community clubs running. Their support is felt on game day, at training, behind the scenes, during the off-season, and in the countless early mornings and late nights that make community sport possible.
Across Australia in 2025, nearly 15,000 non-playing participants were registered with Rugby clubs, including volunteers, coaches and match officials. This equates to approximately one registered non-playing participant for every six players. The number of volunteers continues to grow nationally, and this positive trend is also evident in Victoria.
In 2025, Rugby Victoria had nearly 800 registered non-playing participants, with numbers on track to increase by almost 20 per cent in the 2026 season. As a sport that relies heavily on volunteers, the impact club volunteers have on Rugby in Victoria has never been more significant.
We would like to give special recognition to
- Robert Maddalena (Eltham RUFC)
- David Hawkins (Endeavour Hills RUFC)
- Andre Van Der Schee (Footscray RUC)
- Stavros Iakovidis (Melbourne RC), and
- Paul Gascoigne (Moorabbin Rugby Club)
Each of whom has been registered as a volunteer with their club for more than 20 years. We also acknowledge the many other long-serving volunteers who continue to make an extraordinary contribution to their clubs and communities.
Throughout the week, Rugby Victoria will be highlighting volunteers on social media, and staff and directors will be visiting clubs to personally thank volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the sport.
If there is a volunteer at your club you would like to recognise through the week, please email sean.walker@rugby.com.au with a photo and a short description (100 words or fewer) outlining their contribution.
To all the volunteers in the Rugby Victoria Community – thank you for your contribution to your club and the game in Victoria.
