Queensland Rugby recognised for developing opportunities for all Queenslanders to participate in Rugby

Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) was last night awarded the ‘Inclusive Services Award’ at the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled association’s annual awards. 

The award is in recognition of QRU’s efforts to ensure that the game of Rugby is inclusive for all Queenslanders. 

In 2015, QRU introduced the Junior Rugby Disability Policy that allows for children with a disability to participate in Rugby in an age group one year below their actual age. This opportunity allows children to remain involved in the game at a level that better suits their abilities. 

The award also recognises Queensland Rugby’s involvement in the establishment of the Modified Rugby Program, which QRU established in partnership with the Gingercloud Foundation, providing children who learn and perceive differently with the chance to participate in Rugby. 

The Modified Rugby Program ran as pilot program at Brothers in 2014 and 2015 saw the program expand to include teams at Wests, Easts and GPS Rugby clubs. The expansion was greatly assisted by the St.George Foundation, who made a $50,000 donation towards the program at the beginning of 2015. 

The program involves having older players on-field with the participants of the program as player mentors, who help provide assistance, coaching and encouragement during the game which also has modified rules. 

QRU has also introduced staff awareness training within the game development department, which sees staff undertake annual training in indigenous, multicultural and disability awareness to assist them with forming better relationships and better understanding within the communities they deliver to. 

Queensland Rugby’s General Manager, Operations, Rob Donaghue, said that the award was great recognition of the efforts of QRU’s staff. 

“To receive the award for inclusive services is a great achievement for Queensland Rugby Union. Its testament to our commitment to ensure that Rugby is a sport for every Queenslander,” Donaghue said. 

“It’s also great reward for our hard working staff who have put a lot of time, planning and resources into ensuring that we can provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to participate in Rugby.”