NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) brought together representatives from across the game for the 2025 State of the Union Workshop.
The first annual forum of its kind served as an important touchpoint to strengthen alignment between NSWRU and its affiliates, ensuring that all levels of rugby in NSW continue to work towards a shared vision for the game’s future.
Building a Connected Rugby Community
The workshop opened with addresses from NSWRU Chairman and CEO Peter Murphy, who reflected on the organisation’s progress and reaffirmed the shared goal of unity across the rugby landscape. The session outlined key initiatives for 2026 and beyond, with a strong focus on collaboration between affiliates to celebrate collective strengths while addressing challenges together.
“Rugby in NSW thrives when we move forward as one,” said Murphy. “This workshop is about ensuring that our affiliates, from Juniors to Country, Suburban to Women’s, Referees to Schools, are connected and aligned. Together, we can build a sustainable, exciting future for the game.”
Exploring the Future of the Game
A key highlight of the afternoon was a series of breakout discussions, designed to encourage open dialogue and creative thinking across three core themes:
- Great Competition Experiences, focused on how competition structures can drive club development and balance tradition with innovation.
- Growth & Engagement explored strategies to unite efforts across Western Sydney, Women’s Rugby, and Match Officials to strengthen participation and engagement.
- Sustainable Future examined how commercial, community, and communication strategies can work together to create a thriving and resilient future for rugby in NSW.
Each group brought together a cross-section of the rugby community, from club administrators and referees to affiliate leaders and board members, creating a dynamic forum of shared perspectives and practical ideas.
One Vision, One Goal
Presentations from each breakout session revealed strong common themes - collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Whether through competition reform, community engagement, or commercial partnerships, every discussion reinforced a unified goal: to grow the game and ensure that rugby continues to inspire the next generation.
With the Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 on the horizon, participants also reflected on the once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage these global events for lasting community impact. Aligning efforts across all affiliates will be crucial in turning that opportunity into tangible outcomes for clubs and participants across the state.
Looking Ahead
As the workshop concluded with a shared commitment to collaboration, NSW Rugby Union reaffirmed its dedication to connecting every part of the rugby ecosystem, ensuring that from grassroots to the elite, everyone is working towards one goal: a stronger, more united future for rugby in New South Wales.
To find out more about NSW Rugby Union’s Strategic Plan head to,
