NSW Rugby announces game changer for kids’ cancer

NSW Rugby announces game changer for kids’ cancer

Childhood cancer will be no match against community efforts of statewide rugby clubs.

On Saturday 5 May, the Vodafone Super Rugby match at Brookvale will launch NSW's Positive Rugby Foundation, the first of its kind for rugby in the State.

The match is also the charity round, recognising the tremendous work of NSW Rugby’s charity partners batyr and The Kids’ Cancer Project.

For NSW Rugby, the announcement of the Positive Rugby Foundation heralds a new avenue of funding for the game in the State.

NSW Rugby and NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore commented on the significance of the new division for the organisation.

"The Foundation is important for NSW Rugby to demonstrate our leadership and highlight the importance of being financially self-reliant while at the same time growing the game in NSW, investing in community programmes and supporting the health and wellbeing of our community,” Hore said.

"We see the creation of the Foundation as a fantastic chance for us to explore fundraising opportunities through a range of different ways, including Government, Philanthropic, Corporate and Private,” he added.

"Community rugby is at the heart of our game and the key areas for funding we have identified are critical to the ongoing development of the sport,” Hore said.

Meanwhile, the charity round will highlight the work of The Kids’ Cancer Project.

Former Wallabies player and CEO of The Kids’ Cancer Project Owen Finegan said the charity was delighted to be associated with NSW Rugby to help raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.

"I became passionate about this cause after seeing first-hand how the disease affected the child of fellow Wallaby alumni, David Giffin,” said Finegan.

As part of NSW Rugby’s partnership with The Kids’ Cancer Project, rugby union clubs around the State will be encouraged to take part in a Crazy Hair & Sock Day 27 – 29 July 2018 with the aim of raising funds for scientific research to help children diagnosed with cancer.

"There's nothing more heart-warming than watching kids help other kids, and that's what Crazy Hair & Sock Day is all about,” Finegan said.

"It's great to have a bit of fun while fundraising, despite the serious nature of kids’ cancer. Many people aren’t aware that the causes of childhood cancer are unknown, that there is no prevention and that research is the only way to improve treatments and survival. I’m proud that my Rugby Union community is joining with me in the campaign for this cause."

Discover how your sports club can get involved with a Crazy Hair & Sock Day.