NSW Rugby Partners with Legion to Grow Women & Girls Rugby
NSW Rugby Union and California Legion are proud to announce a landmark partnership aimed at strengthening international connections, expanding playing opportunities, and developing the next generation of female rugby talent.
The agreement unites two respected rugby organisations with a shared vision: to elevate women’s and girls’ participation, enhance high-performance pathways, and connect young athletes through world-class international experiences.
As part of the partnership, NSW Junior Rugby Union will lead its inaugural U16 Girls Development Tour to San Deigo, Orange County and Los Angeles this this April.
The tour will culminate in a featured double header at Torero Stadium on Saturday, April 4, 2026, when the Legion U16s take on the NSW U16s, followed by the California Legion’s blockbuster match against last year’s MLR Champions, the New England Free Jacks form 4pm.
Selected athletes from NSW club programs will take part in an intensive week-long schedule including elite training sessions, competitive fixtures against, coaching workshops, and cultural exchange activities.
The initiative was championed locally by Amanda Sonneborn and Darren Gardner, both who has strong ties to the game in the region, highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
“At the professional level, rugby has thrived through global collaboration at the club and the high-performance level – it is one of the game’s great strengths around solidarity." said Sonneborn. “This partnership builds on that foundation by championing rugby’s values at every level, particularly in the youth women's game here in California.
“This tour is about creating lasting memories, said Gardner. “Our goal is to advance youth women’s rugby, as well as opening meaningful pathways for Australian and U.S. women in both sport and education. Bringing together young athletes from Australia and the U.S. creates local and international opportunities that extend well beyond the field.”
The NSWRU and California Legion partnership builds on the strong foundation laid by the Legion Community Foundation, which is supporting this initiative while also continuing the legacy of the Legion Academy through its U16 and U18 high-performance programs.
The Legion Community Foundation is further extending this impact by delivering community outreach in underserved areas, expanding coach education opportunities, and helping drive rugby’s growth at the high school and collegiate levels.
NSW Rugby Union Female Participation Manager Linda Hutton said the initiative reflects a strong commitment to meaningful development pathways.
“This partnership with California Legion reinforces our vision to grow women’s and girls’ rugby across both regions. Access to international competition builds confidence, skill, and aspiration — and inspires more girls in NSW to get involved in the game.”
NSW Rugby Union CEO Peter Murphy described the agreement as an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
“This collaboration with California Legion represents a major step forward for women’s and girls’ rugby in NSW. Creating international opportunities is critical to developing future stars and keeping young women engaged in the sport.
We’re proud to provide experiences that broaden horizons, build resilience, and showcase the strength of female rugby on the world stage.”
California Legion CEO and former NSW Waratahs captain Adam Freier also welcomed the partnership.
“We are thrilled to partner with NSW Rugby Union and welcome these aspiring young athletes to Southern California.
“Together, NSW Rugby Union and California Legion look forward to building a stronger, more connected future for women’s rugby - both on and off the field, and we look forward to more collaborative efforts in the future, at every level.”
The April 2026 tour marks the first step in a broader multi-year strategy to expand opportunities for women and girls in both countries. Future initiatives are expected to include reciprocal tours, coaching exchanges, and aligned player development programs.
To register your interest for the match the Legion U16s match and training program, please contact Chris Anderson at chirs@legion.rugby
NSW U16s Schedule of Southern California
Game 1 NSW Waratahs Girls San Deigo Legion Girls on Saturday 4th April
Game 2 'Legion 7’s Cup' Belmont Shore + Shockwave Rugby Academy (Queensland) + NSW Waratahs Girls on Tuesday 7th April
Game 3 NSW Waratahs v Belmont Shore + LA invitational players on Thursday 9th April.
