RugbyWA Reports Record Growth and Strategic Pivot at 2026 AGM

RugbyWA (Western Australian Rugby Union Ltd) has unveiled an update on its trajectory at the Annual General Meeting held on 29 April 2026.

The organisation reported record-breaking financial growth and a formal transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee, a structural shift designed to professionalise governance as Western Australia becomes the fastest-growing rugby region in the country.

The adoption of the 2025 Annual Report highlighted a 26% increase in revenue to $5.3 million, enabling a massive 43% surge in investment into community development, education, and pathway programs compared to the previous year.

Record Participation and Membership

Chair John Welborn confirmed that the focus on community connection has yielded tangible results, with WA leading the nation in growth for both the men’s and women’s game.

• Membership Growth: Total members rose 9% to 14,413.
• Program Success: The expansion of the Force 5 School Program, Try Tag, and Rugby 7s was cited as the primary driver behind the participation surge.
• Targeted Outreach: Western Australia currently supports a network of 25,000 participants across 30 clubs and 200 schools.

“Home of Rugby” and Strategic Infrastructure

A central pillar of the meeting was the progress update on the Home of Rugby in WA. This project is intended to provide a unified high-performance base for the professional Western Force and a central hub for the state’s grassroots community.

Welborn noted that the next decade would be “transformational,” bolstered by upcoming global events:

• 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup: Australia is set to host the tournament, with Perth playing a key role as a host city.
• Western Force & Tattarang: A recent MOU signed with Tattarang in early 2026 seeks to deepen the collaboration between the community governing body and the professional franchise.
• Multi-Code Landscape: The entry of the Perth Bears NRL side in 2027 was acknowledged as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow the overall “rugby brand” in the state.

Board Appointments and Governance Reform

The AGM marked several key leadership confirmations to drive the ambitious agenda:

• John Welborn: Re-elected as chair for a two-year term and inducted as a Life Member for his 40-year contribution to the sport.
• Josh Aislabie: Re-elected as president for a further two-year term.
• Francis Williams: Elected as a director, bringing deep expertise from the Wanneroo Rugby Union Club.
• Shaun Hardcastle: Expected to be appointed to fill a casual vacancy on the Board at the upcoming 14 May meeting.

Financial and Operational Health

RugbyWA reported a surplus of $92,000 for the 2025 financial year, reflecting a disciplined approach to operational spending. The re-appointment of Moore Australia as auditor for 2026 ensures continued financial rigour.

The move to Western Australian Rugby Union Ltd. includes the adoption of a new constitution, with a Constitutional Review Working Group established to explore further reforms ahead of the 2027 AGM.

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