About Us
The Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) is the official philanthropic arm of Rugby Australia, established in 2014 to support and grow the game at every level. The Foundation invests in programs and initiatives that create opportunities for the Rugby Family nationwide, helping to secure the long-term sustainability of Australian rugby.
The ARF’s strategic focus spans five pillars:
- Grassroots Rugby
- Women’s Rugby
- First Nations & Pacific Islands Rugby
- Rugby Welfare
- High Performance Rugby
The ARF generates funds through philanthropic giving (tax-deductible via our partner, the Australian Sports Foundation), supporter events, targeted fundraising initiatives, and the Rugby Future Fund — a long-term investment fund managed by leading Australian and global fund managers who donate their fees to the ARF. A portion of the fund's assets supports the Foundation each year, creating stable and ongoing funding for Australian rugby.
These generous contributions enable critical programs, such as youth retention contracts and grassroots grants, that support players, clubs, and communities in every state and territory.