Built on the success of the regional tournament in 2025, Rugby Victoria is excited to announce the launch of the\u00a0Victorian Junior Rugby Championship (VJRC)\u00a0\u2014 a premier elite talent development program designed to provide the state\u2019s most promising young rugby players with the opportunity to train, develop, and compete at the highest level in Victoria.<\/p>\n
Beginning in\u00a0March 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\u00a0round-robin competition, where each regional academy will compete for the title of\u00a0Victorian Junior Rugby Champion.<\/p>\n
Throughout the program, players will engage in centralised, state-run development sessions at the\u00a0Rugby Victoria Centre of Excellence at La Trobe University. Sessions will include position-specific skill development, technical and tactical coaching, and strength and conditioning support \u2014 all aimed at accelerating player growth in a high-performance environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe VJRC is a major step forward for talent development in Victoria,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Braydon Peterson, Rugby Victoria Elite Pathways Manager.\u00a0\u201cThis program will give our emerging players the exposure, coaching and competitive experience they need to take the next step in their rugby journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Selected players will be able to represent their regions;<\/p>\n
North – WoorowoorWest – BeekEast – TreangSouth – Waring<\/p>\n
The Championship will also act as a key\u00a0selection pathway\u00a0for:<\/p>\n
Rugby Victoria U17 State TeamVictorian Schoolboys U18 TeamVictorian Schoolgirls U16 & U18 Sevens TeamsSuper Rugby U16 Talent ID\u00a0later in the year<\/p>\n
Eligibility<\/p>\n
Boys<\/p>\n
U18: Born 2008, 2009, 2010U15: Born 2011, 2012<\/p>\n
Girls<\/p>\n
U18: Born 2008, 2009U16: Born 2010, 2011, 2012<\/p>\n
U13 Boys and Girls programs will run in September 2026.<\/p>\n
Register Your Interest<\/p>\n
More details will be announced early in the new year.
\nTo stay up to date and receive registration information, please complete the Expression of Interest form below:<\/p>\n