RugbyWA officially launched the 2026 season at BrewDog Perth on Wednesday evening, setting the tone for the year ahead with a strong focus on connection, collaboration, and shared opportunity.
The event welcomed partners, stakeholders, club members, and Government representatives showcasing the collective effort behind the continued growth of rugby in Western Australia.
Guests heard from RugbyWA Chairman John Welborn and RubyWA CEO Simon Taylor, who spoke on the vision for 2026, emphasising game-wide growth and the importance of community. Their insights set a clear and optimistic tone for the season ahead.
Guests also tuned in to an informative Q&A panel with SEDA Vice Principal Silv Lombardi and SEDA Partnerships Manager David Lindsay. The discussion offered valuable insight into how rugby continues to create meaningful opportunities beyond the field for aspiring students in the SEDA College Sport Development Program.
The launch provided an opportunity to preview a number of key events on the 2026 calendar, including the Fortescue Premier Grade Men’s and Women’s Competitions kicking off in two weeks on 11th April, followed by the Junior Competition on 2nd May, and the milestone Western Force 20th Season Past Player Luncheon on 29th May. A full list of our upcoming events can be viewed here.
With an exciting season ahead, the event created space for meaningful networking and conversation, strengthening relationships across the RugbyWA ecosystem, and reinforcing a shared commitment to the future of rugby as a game for anyone, anywhere.
RugbyWA would like to extend a huge thank you to our major sponsors — Fortescue, Insurance Commission of Western Australia, Healthway, Western Force, and Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.
Thank you to Australian Venues Co. for supporting us and hosting this special event at BrewDog Perth.
As the 2026 season approaches, RugbyWA looks forward to working alongside its partners, stakeholders, and the wider rugby community to deliver a strong, impactful season and continue driving the growth of rugby across the state.
