Australian Rugby Union Information

The Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) has continued its growth internationally with the launch of the ARF Japan Chapter today in partnership with the Australian Embassy Japan and Crown Resorts through the Crown Foundation. Joining as an official partner of the ARF, Crown offers a unique partnership between the two global organisations. The Partnership with the Australian Embassy Japan continues the ARF's positive engagement with Embassies and High Commissions around the world as part of the Australian Government's Sports Diplomacy Strategy. The ARF was established this year as the national foundation for Rugby in Australia with the goal of driving greater investment in Rugby from the grassroots to the elite and engaging with Australian Rugby's supporters around the globe. Japan was a natural selection for the ARF with the nation set to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup - the first time the tournament will be held in Asia. Australian Rugby Union Board Member, Brett Robinson, said the launch was an exciting new chapter for the ARF. "Japan is one of Australia's largest trading partners and the economic and political links we share are well understood - sport is a natural extension of this strong relationship," Mr Robinson said. "Sport has always helped to define Australia's national ethos and it should also be fundamental in our efforts to better promote our nation and our values and motivations as we endeavour to build closer partnerships with our neighbours. "Rugby is a growing passion for the Japanese people and the partnership between ARU and JRU will only continue to grow. With the Rugby World Cup in 2019, ARU will look to commence discussions with their JRU counterparts about a potential Qantas Wallabies Test match in Japan in 2018." The ARF now has a presence in a number of Australia's major export and direct foreign investment markets including London and Tokyo and will expand next year to establish Chapters in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Paris. Australian Ambassador to Japan, Mr Bruce Miller, welcomed ...