About Us
The Tasmanian Rugby Union (TRU) is the governing body for rugby union in Tasmania, responsible for the growth, development and administration of the game across the state. Working alongside Rugby Australia, our clubs, schools and volunteers, we deliver competitions, participation programs and representative pathways that support rugby at every level.
From junior and community rugby through to state teams competing nationally, TRU is committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the game. We support clubs to build strong, sustainable environments, expand opportunities for women and girls, and develop players, coaches and match officials.
Our focus is simple. Strengthening clubs, growing participation and building a sustainable future for rugby in Tasmania.
Community Rugby
The Tasmanian rugby pathway begins in local clubs and schools across the state. Junior players develop their skills through club competitions, school programs and participation initiatives delivered by Tasmanian Rugby Union development staff and volunteers. These environments focus on building fundamental rugby skills, teamwork and a lifelong connection to the game. Players are encouraged to enjoy the sport, develop confidence and gradually prepare for higher levels of competition.
State Selection
As players progress, opportunities exist to trial for Tasmanian State Representative teams across both junior and senior programs. Junior selections include Under 16 and Under 18 teams for boys and girls, bringing together the most promising young players from across the state to train and compete in a representative high performance environment.
At the senior level, Tasmania also selects Senior Men’s and Women’s representative teams, providing a pathway for leading club players to represent the state and compete against other Australian unions.
National Championships
Each year, Tasmania sends Under 16 and Under 18 Boys and Girls teams to compete at the Australian Junior Rugby Championships (AJRS). This national tournament brings together the best emerging rugby talent from across the country and provides Tasmanian players with the opportunity to test themselves at the highest junior level.
In 2026 the AJRS will be held at Kawana Sports Precinct on the Sunshine Coast, where Tasmania will again be represented by teams in all four junior divisions.
At the senior level, the Tasmanian Senior Men’s team competes annually in the Australian Rugby Shield (ARS), a national representative competition featuring emerging rugby regions and developing unions. In 2026 the Tasmanian Senior Women’s team will participate in the Australian Rugby Shield for the first time, marking an important milestone in the continued growth of women’s rugby in Tasmania.
Future Pathways
These representative programs form a critical part of the broader Rugby Australia development pathway. Participation at national championships exposes Tasmanian players to elite coaching, talent identification opportunities and the standards required to progress within Australian rugby. For many players, these programs provide the opportunity to move from local club rugby in Tasmania to national representative honours, while also strengthening the depth and quality of rugby within the state.