Australian Rugby Union, NSW Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs today joined NSW Sports Minister, Gabrielle Upton in launching the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Rugby Union Group.
The bi-partisan group will provide a platform for Members of Parliament to support and actively engage with Rugby in NSW.
Australian Rugby Union CEO, Bill Pulver said the NSW Government’s backing of Rugby had been tremendous.
“NSW has been instrumental in the development of Rugby in Australia and remains an important stakeholder in our game.
“I’m looking forward to working with the NSW Government more closely on this fabulous new initiative and associated projects, such as the development of the Australian Rugby Development Centre at TG Millner, which was announced in August this year,” Mr Pulver said.
“As we move towards 2014, we’ll continue to work in partnership with the NSW Government, NSW Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs to continue to provide fun, safe, accessible and inclusive programs and community facilities that will enable people of all ages and abilities to participate in Rugby,” Mr Pulver said.
NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Gabrielle Upton, said she was thrilled to help launch the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Rugby Union Group ahead of the Qantas Wallabies Grand Slam Tour and the NSW Waratahs 2014 Super Rugby Season.
“Rugby is a great team sport that can be played in a variety of formats by men and women, boys and girls of all ages,” Ms Upton said.
“This bi-partisan group will provide Parliamentarians with the opportunity to become more actively involved with Rugby, both at a State level and in their electorates, and in doing so, spread the word about the benefits of participation in sport and recreation on a regular basis.”
MAIN PHOTO: L-R: NSW Waratahs, Mitch Chapman and Tala Gray, ARU CEO Bill Pulver, NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Gabrielle Upton MP, Qantas Women’s Sevens players, Tiana Penitani and Maddi Elliot, President of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Rugby Union Group Stephen Bromhead MP, NSW Waratahs, Jono Lance and Cam Crawford.
