Volunteers are the backbone of every rugby club. From coaches and managers to BBQ coordinators and presidents, your club’s ability to recruit, retain, and support volunteers directly impacts your performance, participation, and culture.

Rugby Australia is commited to supporting our rugby clubs by creating a Club Volunteer Framework designed to recruit, retain, and recognise the people who make your club run. The Club Volunteer Framework is built around four actions that form a complete volunteer lifecycle — from first contact to long-term retention.

Volunteer Management Plan for Clubs - A strong volunteer management plan helps your club operate consistently, reduce burnout, and ensure a great experience for everyone involved. Below are handy resources to assist you develop a volunteer action plan.

Rugby Australia, in collaboration with our member unions, is proud to launch the National Volunteer Action Plan 2026–2029.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of grassroots rugby, driving the community game in clubs across the country. This plan sets out a clear pathway to promote, empower, align and unify volunteering - creating the right environment, training and support for those who give their time to the game.

With major events on the horizon, including the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, this initiative ensures clubs are equipped with a strong, sustainable volunteer base for the future.

This is the opportunity to build a lasting legacy for Rugby in Australia.