The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) is pleased to announce the organisation has received national recognition as an inclusive sport after being awarded Bronze Tier Status at the annual Pride in Sport Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night (23 April).
NSWRL’s successful PSI Foundation Submission to the national Pride in Sport Index, cemented its status as a leading inclusive sport, and the organisation will continue this momentum with a PSI Advanced Submission in 2025.
NSWRL’s Pride in Sport journey began in 2021, when the organisation became a member of Pride in Sport, showcasing its commitment and dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said the Bronze accreditation was a strong endorsement of the partnership with Pride in Sport and recognition of the work being done by the organisation to further its inclusive practices so that everyone feels welcome.
“We are thrilled to announce our Bronze Tier Status in the Pride In Sport Index, which is a testament to our commitment to providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment for all people, including those of diverse sexualities and genders," Trodden said.
“Being an inclusive sport not only reflects our core values, it also reflects the diversity of our local communities.
“This milestone signifies we are on the right path to fostering a culture where every individual can thrive, and I look forward to NSWRL ensuring that Rugby League truly is the game for all.
"The NSWRL has a zero-tolerance to any form of bullying, harassment or vilification towards people with diverse sexualities and genders. This includes forms of homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.”
Trodden also congratulated Queensland Rugby League (QRL) on their Bronze Tier recognition, and the National Rugby League (NRL) on achieving Silver Status at the eighth annual staging of the Pride in Sport Awards, highlighting the significant game-wide commitment to inclusion.
In 2023 the NSWRL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Framework was endorsed by the NSWRL Board and recognised in the 2024-26 New State Strategic Plan.
NSWRL has delivered a number of key initiatives in its DEI/ LGBTQ+ Pride Action Plan in achieving Bronze Tier status, including delivering Pride in Sport LGBTQ+ Awareness education sessions to all NSWRL staff and an Empowering Allies workshop, with five staff appointed as Ally Ambassadors.
Other achievements include the release of a Sexual Vilification Fact Sheet, a dedicated website Inclusion information and resources section
(https://www.nswrl.com.au/community/pride-in-sport/), participation by Pride in Sport in the annual NSWRL Inclusion Gala Day, and ongoing work under the DEI Framework as key actions supporting LGBTQ+ Pride inclusion.
Pride in Sport National Program Manager Beau Newell said: "We congratulate NSW Rugby League for achieving Bronze Tier status in this year’s Pride in Sport Index.
“This achievement demonstrates the ongoing dedication of NSW Rugby League towards greater inclusion and wellbeing for all associated with this major sports code including LGBTQ+ players, volunteers, fans and all who contribute to and love the code.
“By reaching this level of achievement NSW Rugby League demonstrates its commitment to celebrate and embrace diversity.
“NSW Rugby League is helping to create a more inclusive environment for not only its fans, players, volunteers, and staff, but also for all.”
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