About Us

Hearts in Rugby Union is a charity that is all about assisting players who have suffered a life-changing injury during a rugby game. Rugby is a wonderful game played by people who enjoy the spirit of mateship and fair play.

Unfortunately, some players through a freak accident have their lives changed forever. Life-changing injuries place a physical, emotional, and financial strain on the player for the rest of their lives.

We aim to ensure those permanently injured players who are suffering financial hardship receive the best possible support throughout their lives.

The purpose of Hearts in Rugby Union Foundation Australia is expressed in the phrase:  “Helping Rugby Help Its Own”

Hearts in Rugby Union was founded in 2007, after the Directors had become aware of the need for assistance through a friend, Rocky Mileto. Rocky suffered a spinal injury during a rugby game in 1996 and has subsequently rebuilt his life and been an inspiration to many other injured rugby players.

The reality was that many countries with strong rugby communities (including the United Kingdom, New Zealand & South Africa) had recognised the ongoing need to assist their injured rugby players. Independent charitable organisations have long been established in each of these countries. However, injured Australian players lacked any such direct support of their own.

This prompted the directors to join Rocky in establishing Hearts in Rugby Union, to assist other Australian injured players in financial need who have necessitous requirements which will assist and improve their day-to-day activities.

In 2021 Hearts in Rugby Union employed Wallaby 698 Richard Tombs as General Manager. Richard suffered a spinal injury in 2018 whilst playing O/35s soccer & is a great sounding board for current and especially new Wheelies as they work through the incredible challenges confronted in early years.

Hearts in Rugby Union is very fortunate to have our founder Rocky Mileto, our Patron John Eales, and Ambassadors Simon Poidevin & Adam Freier who, along with many others in the rugby community are people of the highest calibre.