Primary school students across the Clarence Valley will soon have the chance to experience competitive Rugby 7s thanks to a $15,000 grant awarded to the Yamba Buccaneers Rugby Club through the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Grant Program 2025/26. The funding will establish a new schools competition designed to introduce more young people to the sport and strengthen local participation pathways.
The Clarence Valley Rugby 7s Schools’ Competition will begin in Term 3, welcoming boys and girls in Years 3 to 6. The competition will feature Under 10 and Under 12 divisions, with local primary schools competing at rotating venues across the region to make participation accessible for students and families.
Delivered in partnership with NSW Rugby, the program will provide coaching support and free registration for participants, helping remove barriers to involvement while encouraging children to develop new sporting skills in a fun and inclusive environment.
Clarence MP Richie Williamson welcomed the funding, describing it as an important investment in grassroots sport and the future of Rugby in the region.
He said the initiative would encourage children to become more active, build confidence and friendships, and create a clear pathway from school sport into local rugby clubs. Mr Williamson also highlighted the program’s commitment to increasing participation among girls, First Nations students and young people living in regional communities.
Yamba Buccaneers Rugby Club President Adrian Miller said the competition would help bridge the gap between school participation and club rugby, giving young players the opportunity to develop their skills while discovering a place within the local rugby community.
He said the club was particularly proud of the strong focus on inclusion and hoped the competition would become an annual fixture on the Clarence Valley sporting calendar. Organisers also expect participants to transition into local club programs from the 2027 season and beyond, creating a sustainable pathway for future generations of players.
