The NSW Minister for Sport, The Hon. Alister Henskens SC MP has today officially opened the NSW Rugby Union Centre of Excellence.
The facility was made possible thanks to $20 million in funding through the NSW Government’s Centres of Excellence Program and is located at the University of New South Wales David Phillips Sports Complex – continuing the long-term partnership between NSWRU and the University of NSW at Daceyville.
The Centre of Excellence will have a huge impact on rugby development in NSW, with world-class facilities featuring a multipurpose space allowing NSWRU to run its men’s and women’s high-performance and pathway programs.
The facility will be the home of rugby in NSW and a central ‘hub’ for the game at all levels – with everything from training facilities to function spaces, meeting areas, and shared offices.
The Centre of Excellence is the envy of Australian sports teams, featuring a brand new international standard rugby field, 500m2 gym facility, medical facilities, team theatrette, analysis room, recovery spaces (hot and cold pools and sauna), and administration spaces.
National Master Builder of the Year in 2016 and 2019, Kane Construction, delivered the build for NSWRU in incredibly difficult circumstances, in a year of record rainfall.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the new $20 million centre would play a central role in fostering growth in the game, from the grassroots right through to elite men and women’s rugby.
“This investment by the NSW Government is part of our $1 billion community sports infrastructure boom which is delivering the best grassroots facilities, while ensuring sports teams such as the Waratahs, can compete for titles for years to come,” Mr. Henskens said.
“A key component of the project is the dedicated multi-purpose community facilities that enable NSW Rugby to expand their grassroots sport programs, initiatives, and engagement.”
NSWRU CEO Paul Doorn said the Centre of Excellence will be a game changer for rugby in NSW.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for its generous financial assistance and our partners at the University of NSW for their help throughout this process,” Mr. Doorn said.
“This state-of-the-art facility will benefit the Waratahs and rugby across New South Wales for many years to come and heralds a new era for Rugby in NSW.
“The centre of excellence will improve both male and female pathways and help retain the best and brightest prospects in rugby.
“This new facility combined with our return to our brand-new home at Allianz Stadium demonstrates the sky truly is the limit for the Waratahs and NSW Rugby.”
