About the Melbourne Chargers

The Melbourne Chargers is Victoria’s gay and inclusive rugby club. We were established in 2009 to create a rugby team where gay men could learn rugby in an accepting environment and where players who had left the sport because of their sexuality could play openly.

In our more than 10 years’ history, we’ve welcomed straight, bisexual, queer and transgender men among our players. If you’re interested in rugby, you’re welcome at the Chargers.

We aim to contribute to the promotion and development of the sport of rugby union and to provide new and diverse social opportunities for everyone interested in rugby union, irrespective of their sexuality or gender identity.

The Melbourne Chargers is a member of International Gay Rugby, a global organisation that provides opportunities for people to participate in welcoming, inclusive rugby clubs that are primarily LGBTQ+/LGBTQ+ friendly and works to eliminate homophobia and transphobia in rugby.

Our Values

Our members share our values and commitment to fair play, equality and diversity in sport. Everything we do is guided by our five values:

• Inclusive: We welcome everyone with an interest in rugby regardless of age, fitness level, gender identity or sexuality.
• Active: We promote fitness, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles in our communities.
• Encouraging: We provide a supportive environment for newcomers to learn rugby.
• Competitive: We strive to win. The scoreboard is important, but it isn't everything.
• Mateship: We are the place for great friendships on and off the field.

Membership

You need to become a paid-up member of the Chargers to play, train and participate in other club activities. As a member, you agree to align your behaviours with our values and actively participate in the club. You also agree to comply with any rules and policies of the club.

The annual cost of membership is $30 which contributes to general operating costs of the Chargers.

Membership also gives you a say in how our club is governed through voting rights at our Annual General Meeting.

The Chargers membership begins on 1 October each year and ends on 30 September the following year. This aligns with the ordinary Victorian rugby season.
You can join online at http://melbournechargers.org/membership/. Memberships automatically renew on 1 October each year unless you opt for manual renewal.

Our Host Club

The Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club (known as ‘the Unicorns’) has been the home and host club of the Chargers since 2012. Established in 1926, it is one of the oldest rugby clubs in Victoria. The Club’s home ground is at Orrong-Romanis Reserve in Prahran, with the clubhouse directly across the road at 580 Orrong Road.

The Unicorns field competitive teams across several grades, including in the Dewar Shield, Premiership Grades, Lindroth Cup (women’s), Colts (under-21s), and Masters (over 35s). The Unicorns is also one of two Victorian foundation clubs of the National Wheelchair Rugby competition.  

To play for the Melbourne Chargers in the Victorian competition you must join the Unicorns and pay membership subs. The cost of this varies each year, but in 2022 it is $423.30.

While the cost of this membership is expensive, it pays for:

• Limited medical insurance for training and matches
• First aid and physiotherapy at competitions
• First aid and medic services at training
• Access to facilities and equipment
• Training kit including shorts, socks and training jersey or club polo. 

You will be informed as the season progresses when those fees are due and how to pay. The Chargers does provide some financial assistance to members who may not be able to meet the cost of the Unicorns as a single payment through the Warwick Ramsden Player Support Fund.

The Chargers has a very productive and constructive relationship with the Melbourne Unicorns. We participate in social functions and the annual presentation night.

You should like the Unicorns’ Facebook page to ensure you stay up to date on host club events.

Governance and Legal Entity

The Melbourne Chargers R.U.F.C Inc. is an incorporated association in Victoria under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. Our registration number is A0053600R. The Club is governed by a set of model roles which outline our purpose, membership system, discipline and dispute procedures, governance and financial controls; and reporting obligations.

Members can request a copy of the Association Rules from the Secretary at any time or access them through our website or TeamApp.

Annual General Meeting

The club holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October to undertake critical governance functions like reviewing our financial performance and adopting the Annual Report.

The Chargers’ committee is also elected at this meeting. To participate in the AGM you must be a financial member of the club.

If you have questions about the administration or governance of the club, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary at secretary@melbournechargers.org.