The match is also charity round, recognising the tremendous work of NSW Rugby’s charity partners batyr and The Kids Cancer Project.
For NSW Rugby, the announcement of the Positive Rugby Foundation heralds a new avenue of funding for the game in the State.
NSW Rugby and NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said this is an important division of the organisation.
“The Foundation is important for NSW Rugby to demonstrate our leadership and highlight the importance of being financially self-reliant while at the same time growing the game in NSW, investing in community programmes and supporting the health and wellbeing of our community ,” Hore said.
“Rugby has not quite grasped the opportunities to raise funds through non-traditional avenues. We see the creation of the Foundation as a fantastic chance for us to explore fundraising opportunities through a range of different ways, including Government, Philanthropic, Corporate and Private,” he added.
The aim of the Foundation is to generate additional income to fund community rugby activities. The key areas for funds to be invested in include Country and Regional development, Elite Youth Development, Indigenous Programmes and initiatives, Schools and Juniors, Western Sydney Development and Women’s Rugby.
“We are entering an exciting era for the game in NSW and the Foundation is an important part of that. Community rugby is at the heart of our game and the key areas for funding we have identified are critical to the ongoing development of the sport,” Hore said.
Meanwhile, charity round will highlight the work of batyr and The Kids Cancer Project (TKCP).
TKCP CEO and former Wallabies player Owen Finegan said his organisation was delighted to be associated with NSW Rugby to help raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
“I became passionate about this cause after seeing first-hand how the disease affected the child of fellow Wallaby alumni, David Giffin. There’s nothing more heart-warming than watching kids help other kids, and that’s what Crazy Hair & Sock Day is all about,” Finegan said.
“It’s great to have a bit of fun while fundraising, despite the serious nature of kids’ cancer. Many people aren’t aware that the causes of childhood cancer are unknown, that there is no prevention and that research is the only way to improve treatments and survival. I’m proud that my Rugby Union community is joining with me in the campaign for this cause.”
batyr CEO Jon Davies said his organisation was excited to continue the partnership with the NSW Waratahs. batyr is leading the way in the education of, and support for, Australia’s youth around mental health.
“We've had a wonderful long standing relationship with the Tahs, starting 5 years ago with prop Paddy Ryan coming on board as a batyr Ambassador. Being the new CEO at batyr, it's great to be able to jump into a well-established relationship and build on this in 2018,” Davies said.
“batyr are all about smashing the stigma around mental health and empowering young people to reach out for support, and it's partnerships like this that are so important in helping to shift the conversation so mental health is no longer the elephant in the room.”
“Rugby in NSW has a big focus on community as do we at batyr, and we look forward to working closely with NSW Waratahs to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of communities across NSW.”
Follow this link for more information about the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation.
The NSW Waratahs return to Brookvale Oval on Saturday 5 May to face the Blues in a Charity Round clash. Save a few dollars and avoid queues by pre-purchasing your tickets now – head to www.ticketmaster.com.au/waratahs to secure your seat!
