Built on the success of the regional tournament in 2025, Rugby Victoria is excited to announce the launch of the Victorian Junior Rugby Championship (VJRC) — a premier elite talent development program designed to provide the state’s most promising young rugby players with the opportunity to train, develop, and compete at the highest level in Victoria.
Beginning in March 2026, the six-week program will bring together the top junior boys and girls from across the state for elite coaching, skill refinement, and game preparation. The program will culminate in an April school holiday round-robin competition, where each regional academy will compete for the title of Victorian Junior Rugby Champion.
Throughout the program, players will engage in centralised, state-run development sessions at the Rugby Victoria Centre of Excellence at La Trobe University. Sessions will include position-specific skill development, technical and tactical coaching, and strength and conditioning support — all aimed at accelerating player growth in a high-performance environment.
“The VJRC is a major step forward for talent development in Victoria,” said Braydon Peterson, Rugby Victoria Elite Pathways Manager. “This program will give our emerging players the exposure, coaching and competitive experience they need to take the next step in their rugby journey.”
Selected players will be able to represent their regions;
North – WoorowoorWest – BeekEast – TreangSouth – Waring
The Championship will also act as a key selection pathway for:
Rugby Victoria U17 State TeamVictorian Schoolboys U18 TeamVictorian Schoolgirls U16 & U18 Sevens TeamsSuper Rugby U16 Talent ID later in the year
Eligibility
Boys
U18: Born 2008, 2009, 2010U15: Born 2011, 2012
Girls
U18: Born 2008, 2009U16: Born 2010, 2011, 2012
U13 Boys and Girls programs will run in September 2026.
Register Your Interest
More details will be announced early in the new year.
To stay up to date and receive registration information, please complete the Expression of Interest form below: