NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) has continued to advance its reputation as an inclusive sport after being awarded Gold Tier Status for the second successive year at the annual Pride in Sport Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night (14 April).
It is the third time in as many years the NSWRL has received national recognition for being inclusive after it was awarded Bronze Tier Status in 2024 and Gold in 2025.
The NSWRL presented a PSI Advanced Submission as part of the evidence-based assessment that measures governance, leadership, policy, culture, education, and visibility in advancing the inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders within a sporting organisation.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden was proud of the organisation’s back-to-back Gold Tier Status achievement and said it was a reflection of the strong partnership with Pride in Sport and the NSWRL’s commitment to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.
“Our vision is for Rugby League in New South Wales to be recognised as ‘The Game for All’ and this award demonstrates that we are serious about ensuring a safe and welcoming environment exists for all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators, including those of diverse sexualities and genders,” Trodden said.
“While there is still a lot of work to do in the broader Rugby League community, the Gold Tier Status is recognition and reward for the work we have done over the past few years to lay a really solid foundation through a strong internal focus on polices, processes, education and awareness with our staff.
“The NSWRL has a zero-tolerance policy to any form of bullying, harassment or vilification towards people of diverse sexualities and genders. This includes forms of homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.”
Trodden congratulated the National Rugby League (NRL) for achieving Silver Tier status and Queensland Rugby League (QRL) on their Bronze Tier status at the 10th annual staging of the Pride in Sport Awards, highlighting the game’s overall commitment to inclusion.
The NSWRL’s Inclusion Framework was endorsed by the NSWRL Board in 2023 and recognised in the 2024-26 New State Strategic Plan.
The highlights for 2025 included:
- NSWRL facilitated a workshop and Focus group meetings for statewide Inclusion Champions;
- Senior leaders participated in a panel discussion advocating for inclusion in workplace;
- 91 per cent of NSWRL staff surveyed (Pride In Sport Index) understand why the organisation puts effort into LGBTQ+ education and awareness;
- Six NSWRL staff took on Active Allies roles, advocating for inclusion across the business and the community; as well as attending workshops, seminars and summits;
- NSWRL staff and representatives undertook a range of education activities and workshops including LGBTQ+ Awareness, LGBTQ+ Integrity in Sport Training, and Trans and Gender Diverse Awareness.
Click here for more information on Pride in Sport.
