- Memorandum of Understanding signed between Defence West and Rugby WA
- Partnership leverages rugby's community reach to promote defence industry awareness and engagement
- Collaboration to support veterans, workforce development, and international engagement aligned with AUKUS
The Western Australian Government, through Defence West, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rugby WA to foster collaboration between the defence industry and the rugby community.
The MoU reflects a shared commitment to promote engagement, build community connections, and support workforce development through sports diplomacy.
Rugby WA's extensive reach - including 33 community clubs, school programs engaging over 88,000 students, and strong ties to international defence rugby networks - presents a unique opportunity to connect Western Australians with the defence sector.
The partnership will explore joint initiatives such as rugby events involving defence industry personnel, shared access to facilities, training programs, and sponsorship opportunities.
It also aligns with major milestones like the Rugby World Cup 2027, which will open in Perth and showcase WA on a global stage.
Rugby has deep roots in Australia and the United Kingdom and is growing in popularity in the United States. The sport embodies teamwork, respect, and resilience, which mirror the ethos of AUKUS.
The MoU was signed at the Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference and International Maritime Exposition (INDOPAC 2025) in Sydney on Tuesday.
It is the biggest defence event in the Indo-Pacific region, with Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia leading a delegation of 42 WA businesses to showcase their unique capabilities on the global stage.
As stated by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:
"This MoU is a powerful example of how sport can be used to build bridges between communities and industries.
"Rugby WA's strong grassroots presence and international defence connections make it an ideal partner to promote awareness of WA's defence industry.
"Through this collaboration, we're creating new pathways for veterans, supporting workforce development, and strengthening WA's role in the AUKUS partnership."
