Rugby union in Victoria

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Rugby union in Victoria is the sport of rugby played and watched in the state of Victoria, Australia. The game arrived in the 19th century but was a small pastime for many years, especially behind the more popular Australian rules football. After rugby turned professional in the mid-1990s, the sport grew and attracted more players and clubs.

Governing and representation
- Governing body: Rugby Victoria (formerly the Victorian Rugby Union until 2017)
- State team: Melbourne Rebels, who have represented Victoria in Super Rugby since 2011
- The sport in Victoria now covers multiple formats, including traditional 15-a-side rugby, Sevens, and development programs for schools

Participation and clubs
- Registered players: 11,792 (2022)
- Clubs: about 26 across the state
- Club competition: the Dewar Shield is the top grade, bringing together the leading clubs

Records and highlights
- One of the major crowd attractions was a Bledisloe Cup match at the MCG in 1997, which drew 90,119 spectators
- Victoria has produced many top players who have gone on to represent Australia (Wallabies) and compete in Super Rugby and other professional leagues

History and events
- Melbourne hosted part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, with large crowds for key matches
- Melbourne also hosted rugby sevens during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, with all matches sold out
- In 2014, Victoria was part of the National Rugby Championship, with Melbourne Rising representing the state
- A notable collaboration in 2011 created the Rebel Rising program, a joint effort between Rugby Victoria and the Melbourne Rebels to develop players and pathways

Overall, rugby union in Victoria has a long history, a growing base of players, and a clear place in the national rugby landscape through its clubs, development programs, and the Melbourne Rebels.