An exciting new partnership between Invictus Australia and the Sydney Roosters will create meaningful opportunities for veterans to connect with – and contribute to – the Roosters community, while celebrating the strength and determination that unite both athletes and the defence community.
The collaboration brings together two organisations committed to championing resilience, community and the power of sport to transform lives.
Through the partnership, Invictus Australia and the Sydney Roosters have identified a range of unique opportunities to work together to connect and inspire their respective communities.
Matchday initiatives, community programs and club events will offer opportunities for veterans and their families to engage with the Roosters, fostering connection, belonging and participation at every level of the Club.
Recognising the many parallels between sporting and defence environments, the partnership also creates space for meaningful knowledge sharing. Both organisations will explore opportunities for collaboration across areas such as recruitment and induction, retention and professional development, injury rehabilitation and transition, drawing on the lived experience of veterans and the high-performance insights of elite sport.
This exchange will identify learnings and recommendations that strengthen both organisations and enhance the support available to the Sydney Roosters and Invictus Australia communities.
Powerful storytelling will sit at the heart of the partnership, highlighting the role both organisations play in supporting the defence community and showcasing the profound impact sport can have on wellbeing, identity and connection.
Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung OAM, said
“This partnership feels like a natural progression of a relationship that has been building for many years.
“The Roosters have a proud and genuine history of honouring those who have served, and Invictus Australia has been fortunate to collaborate with the club on several initiatives that have already made a difference to veterans and their families.
“Formalising this partnership allows us to build on that shared foundation and create even greater opportunities for connection, contribution and wellbeing.
“Together, we can shine a light on the resilience of the defence community, share stories that inspire, and open new pathways for veterans to engage with sport and with the Roosters family.”
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly, said:
“Sport has a unique ability to unite people, creating enduring traditions and lifelong connections that extend far beyond the field.
“Our connection with the defence community runs deep, with at least 93 former Roosters players who served in the two World Wars, a number of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Through our partnership with Invictus Australia, we are proud to honour that legacy and strengthen our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
“Importantly, this collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for veterans and their families to engage with our Club, feel part of the Roosters family, and continue making a positive and lasting contribution to our communities.”
Background to the Invictus Australia and Sydney Roosters partnership:
Invictus Australia is the national charity dedicated to connecting current and former serving veterans and their families with sport opportunities to proactively support their health and wellbeing. Over the years, Invictus Australia and the Sydney Roosters have collaborated on initiatives to engage the veteran community through Rugby League.
From the Club’s earliest days, many players left to serve their country - a legacy that continues to shape the values and culture of the Sydney Roosters.
In total, 93 players are recorded as having served during times of conflict, with many returning to the game and others making the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.
Today, the Club continues to honour and commemorate those who have served, both within the organisation and across the broader community. This commitment is reflected through visible and enduring tributes at the Club's home, including the Wall of Honour, where past and present players who have served are recognised with a red poppy on their individual tile, preserving their legacy and celebrating their incredible service to our country.
The Sydney Roosters also proudly wear the Bondi Blue jersey to honour veterans, alongside longstanding traditions such as the annual ANZAC Day match. Together, these tributes demonstrate a genuine and ongoing connection to the defence community and reflect the respect for service that is deeply embedded in the Sydney Roosters' culture.
Similarly, Invictus Australia harnesses the power of sport to help the defence community find purpose and connection. With a growing footprint year on year, the demand for support through sport continues to rise, underscoring the importance of partnerships like this.
With this strong and authentic connection to the former and current serving Veteran community, this partnership will celebrate the Club's proud history of service and create understanding of the resilience and strength that define those who serve, while seeking mutually beneficial opportunities to educate, inspire and positively impact audiences through joint initiatives.
