RugbyWA has partnered with Elan Energy Matrix (Elan) to deliver SustainABall, a new community-focused initiative designed to extend the life of rugby equipment and promote more sustainable practices across the game in Western Australia.
Elan is a Perth-based tyre recycling and rubber resource recovery company, developing innovative waste-to-resource solutions across Western Australia. Specialising in the recovery and processing of end-of-life tyres, Elan intends to transform rubber scrap into three high-value outputs: energy-efficient carbon, light oil, and quality milled steel. With established operational capacity and a strong focus on sustainability and circular-economy practices, the company continues to play a key role in reducing waste while supporting environmentally responsible manufacturing and export opportunities.
The SustainABall program will see RugbyWA introduce a ball exchange initiative, allowing players and families to return worn rugby balls at selected RugbyWA exchange days. In return, participants will receive a replacement community or backyard rugby ball, helping keep equipment in circulation and supporting grassroots participation.
Through the initiative, RugbyWA aims to promote responsible equipment management, reuse, and sustainable end-of-life thinking within community rugby. Elan will support RugbyWA by contributing circular-economy expertise to help shape future sustainability pathways for sporting equipment.
RugbyWA Chief Executive Officer, Simon Taylor, said: “SustainABall is about taking a practical step towards reducing waste while engaging our rugby community in meaningful environmental action."
"The SustainABall program reflects RugbyWA's commitment to embedding sustainability into the game at all levels. By partnering with Elan, we’re giving players and clubs a simple way to recycle old equipment responsibly, while reinforcing that sustainability can be a shared responsibility across sport, industry and the wider community.”
Elan Managing Director, Ian Bellinge, said: “SustainABall is a great example of how innovative recycling solutions can be integrated into community sport. By giving end-of-life rugby balls a second purpose through responsible recycling, this program supports circular-economy principles while helping reduce waste. We’re proud to work with RugbyWA on an initiative that delivers tangible environmental benefits and engages the community in sustainable action.”
RugbyWA will take the SustainABall program to market ahead of the 2026 season, working with clubs and the broader rugby community to deliver the initiative statewide.
