NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program 2025/26 - Category 1

Before you apply, please read the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Grant Program 2025/26 Guidelines and related materials available on the fund website to make sure you understand all relevant requirements.

The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program (‘the Program’) is an initiative of the NSW Government, NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU), ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union (ACT&SNSWRU) and Rugby Australia (RA) as a result of NSW hosting Men’s Rugby World Cup matches in New South Wales in October and November 2027. The Program is administered by the Office of Sport in the lead up to and post the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.  

The Program aims to improve Rugby facilities and support infrastructure, increase participation opportunities, and improve player pathways. It will support Rugby in all Rugby Australia and World Rugby game formats, at all levels through the construction or upgrade of community facilities, participation initiatives, leadership and development programs. These improvements will create a tournament legacy ensuring all of NSW is positively impacted from hosting the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.  

Key Objectives  

The objectives align with Rugby Australia’s strategy and NSW Rugby Union and ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union’s strategy to - increase inclusion and boost participation in Rugby Union, specifically for under-represented groups, including women and girls, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, First Nations peoples and LGBTQIA+ people. 

Please note this application form is for Category 1 - Infrastructure applications ONLY. If your project falls under Category 2 - Participation, please do not proceed with this form, and open a Category 2 application form.

The Office has the discretion to deem projects submitted under the incorrect category ineligible.

Category 1 – Infrastructure  

Category 1 is limited to:  

• Projects that request grants between $25,000 and $150,000 

• Projects involving the construction of new or upgrade of existing infrastructure 

• Projects that can be completed by June 2028 

• Projects that are typically more complex and may involve multiple phases of planning and execution 

• One (1) grant application per organisation 

Category 1 projects should:  

• Commence by June 2026 

• Have landowner consent to construct the scope of works described in the application 

• Have development approval from the appropriate authority 

• Provide a minimum of 25% of the total project cost as a financial co-contribution 

• Provide a contingency of at least 5%, and up to 20% of the total project cost

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

• submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Department expressly reserves its right to accept or reject this application at its discretion;
• it must bear the costs of preparing and submitting this application and the Department does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
• it has read the Funding Guidelines for the Program and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

By submitting this application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

• if this project application is successful, the relevant details of the project will be made public, including details such as the names of the organisation (Applicant) and any partnering organisation (state government agency or non-government organisation), project title, project description, location, anticipated time for completion and amount awarded;
• the Department will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any information received in or in respect of this application which is clearly marked ‘Commercial-in-confidence’ or ‘Confidential’ is treated as confidential, however, such documents will remain subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act); and
• in some circumstances the Department may release information contained in this application form and other relevant information in relation to this application in response to a request lodged under the GIPA Act or otherwise as required or permitted by law.

You have chosen the application for Category 1 - Infrastructure.

• Provides grants from $25,000 up to $150,000 per project. 
• Applications in this category require a financial co-contribution of 25% of the total project cost.
• Have landowner consent to construct the scope of works described in the application
• Have development approval from the appropriate authority
• Provide a contingency of at least 5%, and up to 20% of total project cost 

Category 1 applications close 1pm, Monday 16 February 2026.

Projects must commence by June 2026 and be completed by June 2028.