Rugby Grant Brings 7s Competition to Clarence Valley Kids

Primary school students across New South Wales' Clarence Valley are getting a new way to play rugby, thanks to a grant that's turning a World Cup legacy into local opportunity.

The Yamba Buccaneers Rugby Club just received $15,000 through the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Grant Program to create the Clarence Valley Rugby 7s Schools' Competition. Starting in Term 3 this year, the program will give boys and girls in Years 3 to 6 their first taste of structured rugby in a completely free, inclusive environment.

The competition features Under 10 and Under 12 divisions, with local primary schools competing across the region. Venues will rotate to make it easier for families to attend, and NSW Rugby will provide coaching support to ensure every student gets quality instruction.

Yamba Buccaneers Club President Adrian Miller says the program fills a crucial gap. "We've long recognised a gap between kids being introduced to the sport at school and finding their way into a club environment," he explains. The new competition creates that bridge, showing young players there's a place for them in rugby beyond their school yard.

The program puts special emphasis on reaching girls and First Nations students, two groups historically underrepresented in rugby. By making registration free and bringing the competition to different schools, organizers are removing barriers that might keep interested kids on the sidelines.

The Ripple Effect

This grant does more than start one season of games. It plants seeds for long-term growth in regional rugby by creating a clear pathway from playground to club level.

Students who discover rugby through the schools competition will be encouraged to join local club programs starting in 2027. That means the Buccaneers and other Clarence Valley clubs could see their youth ranks grow substantially, strengthening the sport's future in the region.

State MP Richie Williamson notes the program's broader benefits extend beyond rugby skills. "The program will encourage more young people to get active, develop new skills and build friendships," he says. Those connections and healthy habits can last a lifetime.

The organizers plan to make this an annual fixture on the local sporting calendar, turning a one-time grant into sustained opportunity for Clarence Valley kids.

Hundreds of primary students will soon have the chance to try rugby in a welcoming, structured setting where everyone belongs.