Rugby Union is a sport for all, and it will soon be even more accessible in the region with Inverell Rugby Club receiving a huge off-season boost.
Nationals Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, has visited the club to reveal it's been successful in securing $73,656 from the NSW Government's Infrastructure Grants Program - Clubgrants Category 3 Fund to upgrade the lighting at fields 1 and 2.
Mr Moylan was pleased to deliver the funding to the club and said it will support the wide variety of rugby programs on offer.
"Rugby union across the Northern Tablelands has seen a resurgence in recent years with an influx of juniors and female players," Mr Moylan said.
"With that, there has been an increase in the number of competitions including the Central North Friday night juniors.
"Having better lighting will only benefit those players with an increased capacity to host training and games later into the evenings.
"It is great to be able to deliver $73,656 to assist with getting people of all ages out on to the field and being active."
Inverell Rugby Club junior committee member Laura Simpson said being able to access the fields for longer periods provides them with more options for training and playing.
"This funding is a game-changer for the Inverell Rugby Club and our wider community," she said.
"Inverell is now proudly fielding both boys' and girls' teams across all youth age groups – a reflection of the incredible growth and enthusiasm for rugby in our region.
"With a rapidly expanding membership, including over 220 members across juniors, women's, and senior grades, having access to quality, well-lit facilities means we can make better use of our grounds throughout the winter months.
"The new lights will also allow us to bring more games home to Inverell, hosting nearby towns for the youth competition on Friday nights, giving local families and supporters the opportunity to come together and enjoy rugby under the lights.
"This project represents a big step forward in making rugby more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for the future of our region.
"We're extremely grateful for the support that's helping us continue to grow the game in Inverell."
