Primary school students across the Clarence Valley will soon have the opportunity to participate in a new Rugby 7s competition thanks to a $15,000 grant awarded to the Yamba Buccaneers Rugby Club through the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Grant Program 2025/26.
State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson says the funding will support the establishment of the Clarence Valley Rugby 7s Schools' Competition, providing boys and girls in Years 3 to 6 with the opportunity to play in a structured and inclusive environment.
The competition, which is set to commence in Term 3 this year, will feature Under 10 and Under 12 divisions, with local primary schools competing across the region. The program will be delivered in partnership with NSW Rugby and will include coaching support, free registration for participants, and rotating venues to maximise accessibility for schools and families.
Mr Williamson congratulated the Yamba Buccaneers on securing the funding, saying it's a fantastic investment in grassroots sport and in the future of Rugby across the Clarence Valley.
"The program will encourage more young people to get active, develop new skills and build friendships, while creating a clear pathway into local club rugby.
"It is particularly pleasing to see a strong focus on increasing participation among girls, First Nations students, and young people in regional communities."
Yamba Buccaneers Club President Adrian Miller said the funding is a fantastic outcome for rugby in the Clarence Valley.
"We've long recognised a gap between kids being introduced to the sport at school and finding their way into a club environment. The Clarence Valley Rugby 7s Schools' Competition gives us the chance to bridge that gap – to get kids out on the field, develop their skills and show them there's a place for them in Rugby.
"We're especially proud of the focus on girls and First Nations participation, and we're looking forward to working with NSW Rugby and local schools to make this an annual competition in our local sporting calendar."
The Clarence Valley Rugby 7s Schools' Competition is intended to become a permanent fixture on the local school sporting calendar, with participants encouraged to transition into local club programs from the 2027 season and beyond.
