Cultural Awareness
Cultural Leadership Programs
Rugby League embraces diversity and inclusion, celebrating a rich mix or cultural backgrounds and beliefs. A strong connection to culture sets up strong foundations for our players.
Nigel Vagana- NRL Welfare and Education Manager
Using Cultural Empowerment and Education, this program aims to further develop identified Regional, Indigenous and Pasifika Cultural leaders amongst the NRL playing group.
These players will learn a range of cultural and historical tools for being cultural ambassadors in their respective Clubs, Communities and throughout the Game.
The NRLs Cultural Leadership Program is designed to draw on their existing strengths and to provide deeper perspectives on history, society and culture through talking sessions, discussions, workshops, new initiatives and other engaging activities
Players will receive a greater understanding of both the traditional environment of their cultural/ethnic background and of the contemporary sporting environment that they live in.
Players will also have the opportunity to discuss and develop solutions for any existing cultural challenges.
NRL / ARL policies relating to the Indigenous community
In 2010, the NRL launched the All Stars concept as the centrepiece of Rugby League’s commitment to Indigenous Australia – an event that promotes harmony across all cultures whilst also celebrating the game’s best athletes.
This year 12.25% of NRL players have Indigenous heritage, compared to the general population national average of less than 3%.
In 2008, Rugby League became the first sport to announce a formal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
