Melbourne Chargers looking to the future as Bingham Cup approaches.
Recently, Rugby Australia Senior Club Development Manager, Sean Walker, sat down with Melbourne Chargers Rugby Club President, Matthew Littlejohn, to discuss the club’s significant participation growth, commitment to inclusion, and ambitions for the future as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Bingham Cup and Amanda Mark Cup.
In this discussion, Matthew shares insights into how the Melbourne Chargers foster an inclusive club culture, attract and retain participants, manage partnerships, and navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with rapid growth.
Tell me about the Melbourne Chargers ?
The Melbourne Chargers are Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ inclusive rugby club. Inclusion sits at the heart of everything we do, creating a safe and welcoming environment where people can play rugby regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, experience, or background.
What is the spectrum of experience and Rugby knowledge of players at the Chargers?
The Chargers have players from all stages of the rugby journey. Some picked up a rugby ball for the very first time this year, while others have recently celebrated their 100th game for the club. Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of experience level, is a key part of the Chargers’ ethos.
How does the club provide an inclusive environment for its members?
Our player liaison officers, who are members of the playing squad, play a critical role in supporting new players and helping foster an inclusive and welcoming culture. We intentionally showcase a diverse range of players across our social media platforms and continually reinforce the message that rugby is a game for everyone.
We also regularly share personal stories from our members—whether that’s experiences of feeling excluded growing up, returning to rugby after overcoming challenges, or simply expressing gratitude for the support they have found within the club. These stories demonstrate how we bring our Chargers values to life every day.
Can you touch on the relationship the Chargers have with the Melbourne Unicorns?
The Melbourne Unicorns are our parent club and have been incredibly supportive of the Chargers' journey. They have allowed us to establish our own identity and operate our own squad while still making us feel part of a larger club and rugby family.
Sharing facilities, events, and experiences with the Unicorns has helped break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and strengthen relationships across both teams, ultimately creating a stronger and more connected club community.
The club has seen phenomenal participation growth in 2026. How has the club strategically worked to recruit and retain participants?
The Chargers run a dedicated recruitment campaign each year, beginning in January and building momentum throughout the summer Pride festival season. Prospective players can register their interest online, while targeted social media campaigns help increase our visibility and reach new audiences.
At the beginning of March, we host a Come and Try Day where new participants can learn basic skills, meet current players, and experience the club culture firsthand. The event coincides with the start of pre-season training, providing a natural entry point into the club.
Retention is equally important. Our player liaison officers regularly check in with new members to ensure they feel supported and are enjoying their rugby experience. We also encourage social connection through regular post-training gatherings, helping players build friendships and a sense of belonging.
One of our most successful retention strategies is capturing photos and content featuring new players early in their journey. When someone can see themselves as part of the team and identify as a rugby player, they are much more likely to stay engaged.
What is the biggest challenge the club faces at present?
Managing rapid growth is currently our biggest challenge. Over the past two years, we have grown from struggling to field a single team to regularly having three full squads and a growing pathways program.
With 60 to 80 players attending training sessions each week, we face challenges around coaching capacity, team management resources, game-day logistics, volunteer workload, and maintaining strong club culture. Growth also comes with increased financial demands, making fundraising and securing new revenue streams a key priority.
As we move through Rugby’s "Golden Decade", what do you think the Chargers will look like in ten years' time?
In ten years, we hope the Chargers will be recognised as a leader within Australia’s inclusive rugby community and as a strong competitor within our domestic competitions. We want to continue developing players and creating pathways that allow individuals to progress through higher levels of rugby.
What are some of the club’s recent highlights?
Winning the Pride Round fixture and lifting the Pride Cup for the first time was a significant milestone for the club, our supporters, and the broader community.
We also recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of our historic Bingham Cup victory and are now preparing to send the largest Chargers squad ever assembled to compete at the 2026 Bingham Cup in Brisbane.
Tell us about the upcoming Bingham Cup and Amanda Mark Cup, and the Chargers’ involvement.
The Bingham Cup is the premier international tournament for queer and inclusive men’s rugby teams, while the Amanda Mark Cup serves as the equivalent competition for women’s teams.
This year’s tournaments will be held in Brisbane, marking the first time in more than a decade that these events have been hosted in Australia. More than 60 teams from around the world are expected to travel to Brisbane for a week-long celebration of rugby, inclusion, and community.
The Chargers are preparing to take their largest-ever contingent to the Bingham Cup, with plans to enter three teams across multiple competition divisions. The club is also actively seeking support and funding opportunities to field a women’s team at the Amanda Mark Cup.
Achieving that goal would represent a major milestone for the Chargers and establish the club as one of the largest and most inclusive rugby programs in the world.
To learn more about the Melbourne Chargers, visit their website.
