Rugby Australia (RA) and Rugby Victoria (RV) have reaffirmed their commitment to investing in enhanced development opportunities for young rugby talent in Victoria, with a strong emphasis on engagement within the state school system.
As part of this initiative, RA is making a significant investment into Victoria’s player development pathway. Key components include the expansion of the U16 Super Rugby program and the continued support of the Junior Academy programs for U16–U18 boys. These programs aim to provide more structured, competitive, and accessible development opportunities for aspiring players across the state.
A central feature of the partnership is the collaboration with two leading state schools—Fountain Gate Secondary College and The Grange P-12 College—to identify and nurture rugby talent from diverse communities.
“This partnership provides a clear and tangible opportunity for state school students to pursue high-performance rugby without leaving Victoria,” said Braydon Peterson, Academy Manager at Rugby Victoria. “Through aligned coaching, integrated development frameworks, and increased touchpoints, we’re building a genuine pathway from grassroots to elite.”
RA National Pathways Manager, Nic Henderson, emphasised the broader strategic importance of the partnership. “We’re serious about giving the best Victorian talent every opportunity to succeed,” Henderson said. “A strong pathway in Victoria strengthens Australian rugby, and connecting with state schools is key to unearthing and developing that talent.”
