Inaugural Rugby Future Fund launched by Australian Rugby Foundation

The Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) has launched a first-of-its-kind Rugby Future Fund (RFF) - the first sports future fund of this construct anywhere in the world.

The RFF is targeting a $100 million raise through 2025 and with 1% of the gross assets going to the ARF annually to help fund programs across rugby's community, women's and high performance pathways.

The RFF provides wholesale investors the opportunity to access a group of prominent fund managers, grow their personal investment portfolios while simultaneously investing across all aspects of the game.

The Australian and global fund managers behind the RFF have agreed to forgo their management and performance fees to improve investor returns and make a genuine impact on the growth of rugby at all levels.

Brian O'Sullivan, Chair of the RFF Investment Committee noted "this is all about investing with purpose. The fund managers have created a platform where investors are getting a great deal for themselves and, at the same time, are helping to financially support the game they love.”

In summary:

• The RFF provides easy access to a curated portfolio of leading Australian and global fund managers; predominantly Australian equity-based strategies,

• Investors can choose the pillar of rugby they support by ticking a box on the application form: women's, community or high performance pathways,

• The offer in its current form is open to wholesale sophisticated investors only, with plans to expand to retail investors in the future,

• Underlying managers have agreed to forgo part or all management & performance fees,

• The ARF's mandate is to "promote investment into Australian rugby across all aspects of the game".

A key feature of the RFF is the option for investors to decide which area of the game they would like to support: community, women's or high performance pathways. Funding will be distributed via the ARF, the national fundraising body for RA dedicated to growing rugby at all levels across the country.

Ben Scott, Chair of the ARF added "the RFF is a wonderful initiative that aligns with our charter of supporting rugby in Australia and increasing investment across all aspects of the game.

"Rugby has always played a positive role in our society. It unites and inspires Australians and the community underpinning the game is incredibly passionate and hard working.

"The ARF is proud to support them through the RFF which sits alongside other initiatives driving positive outcomes for our game powered by visionary philanthropy and corporate partnerships."

The ARF would like to thank the following fund managers for their extraordinary support of the RFF:

• Tom Millner, Director and Portfolio Manager, Contact Asset Management

• Phil King, Chief Investment Officer, Regal Funds

• Mathew Kidman, Principal, Centennial Asset Management

• Douglas Tynan, Chief Investment Officer, Global Concentrated Quality

• Geoff Wilson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Wilson Asset Management

• Luke Cummings, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Harvest Lane Asset Management

• Michael Skinner, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Blackwattle

• Christopher Joye, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Coolabah Capital Investments,

• Dr David Allen, Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of Research, Plato Investment Management.

Geoff Wilson, the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Wilson Asset Management, described the RFF as a "win-win-win" adding "the best fund managers equal great returns. Donated fees equal a good result for investors. And support for the game is a great win for the millions around Australia who love rugby.

"I'm proud to be part of an innovative initiative that stands to help investors and the great game of rugby union, which has given me so much joy through the years."

For more information about the Rugby Future Fund, 

Image. The Australian Rugby Foundation has launched the Rugby Future Fund, designed to deliver money back into the game. Credit: Rugby Australia. Photo: Seika Hara/RA Media