How we work
Who We Are
ChildFund Rugby is a dedicated Sport for Development team, committed to harnessing the power of rugby to drive positive social impact.
Our goal is to work with the rugby ecosystem to maximise the transformative power of sport as a tool for development, particularly for children and youth in vulnerable situations.
ChildFund Rugby is led by ChildFund Australia on behalf of the ChildFund Alliance – a global network of 11 organisations working with partners in more than 70 countries, impacting nearly 30 million children in vulnerable situations.
Partnerships as the driver of lasting impact
ChildFund Rugby collaborates with rugby partners globally to provide children and young people with opportunities to play, learn and lead.
Through integrated rugby and life skills learning, young people in vulnerable situations develop critical social and emotional skills, which help them achieve personal goals, build empathy, manage emotions, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Our partnership model
Our approach is grounded in partnership. We collaborate deeply with rugby unions and communities, drawing on their strengths to ensure relevance and long-term success.
Champions partner-led collaboration
We back local expertise and leadership every step of the way.
Elevates youth leadership
Creating real opportunities for young people to lead, on and off the field.
Delivers lasting impact
With results that are visible, measurable, and rooted in community change.
Builds capacity
Supporting partners to grow stronger, more sustainable systems over time.
Connects local to global
Linking grassroots insights to global platforms for broader influence.
Our vision
ChildFund Rugby envisions a more inclusive, equitable, and safer world – powered by rugby.
Our MISSION
Through transformative partnerships, we harness the values of rugby to equip young people with life skills and leadership opportunities, while strengthening the global rugby ecosystem to achieve sustainable change.
Core learning initiatives
Pass It back
Using rugby and life skills to empower vulnerable youth with social-emotional tools, fostering positive change and resilience within their communities.
Grassroots to global
Connecting young rugby leaders to address participation barriers and boost inclusion, particularly for women, through forums and community-driven projects.
Union boost
Empowering rugby partners with tailored support in governance, inclusion, safeguarding, finance, fundraising, communications, engagement, and leadership development.