The National Rugby League (NRL) has today launched the game’s inaugural Multicultural Round, celebrating the different cultures which make up the rugby league community.
Round 3 of the NRL Telstra Premiership and Round 5 of the NRLW Telstra Women’s Premiership will be the first Multicultural Round which joins other Themed Rounds celebrated annually by the NRL.
The theme of Multicultural Round is “Stronger Together” celebrating how rugby league brings diverse communities and cultures together.
The NRL and NRLW playing group is made up of diverse family backgrounds, including;
- 161 NRL Players have who have a parent born overseas
- 77 NRL Players who are born overseas
- 35 NRLW players have a parent born overseas
- 34 NRLW Players are born overseas
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM said it was important to celebrate the role rugby league has played in uniting cultures.
“Rugby League helps people assimilate and understand and respect each others’ cultural backgrounds,’’ he said.
“I know that because as a young kid from migrant parents I found it extremely difficult to fit in. It was playing rugby league that allowed me to assimilate and be accepted. It helped me to become an Aussie and I will always be grateful to the game.
“I’m really proud that our players lead the way in celebrating and representing their heritage. Our players and fans are from so many different cultural backgrounds and Multicultural Round is a chance for us to celebrate the way rugby league brings people together.
“I’m very confident that this round will grow into one of the highlight rounds of our season.”
Each NRL and NRLW game across the rounds will celebrate the multiculturalism that makes up the rugby league community and provide players with the opportunity to celebrate their cultures during the week.
