Round 3 of the 2026 Senior Men’s Competition will carry special significance as the annual ANZAC Round is observed on ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April. Across Western Australia, clubs will pause to recognise the meaning of the day, honouring those who have served while coming together as a rugby community built on respect and unity.
At Perth Bayswater, ANZAC Day will be marked during the club’s first home game of the season, with a full afternoon of rugby and community activity beginning with matches against Wests Scarborough from 1:00pm. A formal ANZAC Day service will be held at 3:45pm in collaboration with the Bassendean RSL, providing players, members, and supporters the chance to stand together in remembrance. Off the field, music, kids’ activities, food specials, and a social club atmosphere will make the day welcoming for families and the wider community.
Southern Lions will also mark ANZAC Round with Fortescue Premier Grade players wearing a specially designed 2026 ANZAC jersey, featuring Australian and New Zealand military emblems. Following the round, the jerseys will be auctioned to help fund a new scrum machine for the club, with proceeds from one jersey donated to support Ryan Grant and his journey to the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games. The day will be a full club occasion, starting with junior pre-season matches from 9:00am, followed by Belt Up Colts and Reserve Grade kicking off from 1:00pm, along with a Ngaru Pou Cultural Arts performance and kids’ entertainment.
The day will also see former Southern Lions Belt Up Colts player Matthew Haylett walk the match ball out to start the game. Matthew was involved in a serious incident last year and was told he may never walk again. With strong support from the club and rugby community throughout his recovery, his involvement is a powerful reminder of resilience and what the rugby family stands for. Last year, the club auctioned the number 14 ANZAC jersey in support of Matthew and his family.
Further south, the Bunbury Junior Bulls will continue a growing tradition by hosting their ANZAC Day pre-season carnival for the third year running. Junior teams from Busselton-Dunsborough Dungbeetles, Mandurah Pirates, and South West Spirit will take part in a day that brings rugby and remembrance together, including a special ceremony involving the New Zealand Army Corps and a haka performed as part of the proceedings. The ceremony is set to start at 10am, with games kicking off from 10:30am.
RugbyWA pays its respects to all service men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, past and present, and all who have lost their lives on the frontlines. Lest we forget.
