About the Melbourne Chargers

The Melbourne Chargers are Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ inclusive rugby club. Established in 2009, our goal is to build an inclusive rugby community where everyone can play in a safe and supportive environment.

We know team sport can be a challenging space, especially for the LGBTIQA+ community. For some, they may never have felt comfortable participating, while others may have left the game after negative experiences. The Chargers are a team where everyone is welcome.

The Chargers are members of the International Gay Rugby (IGR) community, a global organisation that provides opportunities for people to participate in inclusive rugby and works to eliminate homophobia and transphobia in rugby.  

Our Values

Our members share our values and commitment to fair play, equality and diversity in sport. Everything we do is guided by our five values:

• Inclusive: We welcome everyone with an interest in rugby regardless of age, fitness level, gender identity or sexuality.
• Active: We promote fitness, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles in our communities.
• Encouraging: We provide a supportive environment for newcomers to learn rugby.
• Competitive: We strive to win. The scoreboard is important, but it isn't everything.
• Mateship: We are the place for great friendships on and off the field.

Our Host Club

The Chargers have operated as a team within the Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club (the Unicorns) since 2012. As part of the Unicorns, we work closely with the wider club on all aspects of our local Victorian rugby competitions, with the Unicorns fielding teams across the full range of graded rugby: The Dewar Shield, Premiership, Lindroth Cup (women’s), Colts (under-21s) and Masters (over-35s). The Unicorns also participate in the National Wheelchair Rugby competition.

To be eligible to play graded rugby as part of the Chargers, you will be required to pay a membership and subscription fee to the Unicorns. This covers insurance and access to facilities and services as part of the wider club, and also gives you the opportunity to play across teams within the club as part of your rugby development.

Governance and Legal Entity

The Melbourne Chargers R.U.F.C Inc. is an incorporated association in Victoria under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. Our registration number is A0053600R. The Club is governed by a set of model roles which outline our purpose, membership system, discipline and dispute procedures, governance and financial controls; and reporting obligations.

Members can request a copy of the Association Rules from the Secretary at any time or access them through our website or TeamApp.

Annual General Meeting

The club holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October to undertake governance functions like reviewing our financial performance and adopting the Annual Report.

The Chargers’ committee is also elected at this meeting. To participate in the AGM you must be a financial member of the club.

If you have questions about the administration or governance of the club, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary at secretary@melbournechargers.org.