The pandemic has shifted Australian rugby, causing it to focus on the aspects of the sport that matter the most, including fellowship, player engagement, and rugby’s ability to foster communities. All of these are hallmarks of grassroots rugby. Today we speak with Queensland Reds’ General Manager for Community Rugby, Gaven Head, about his role in promoting on-the-ground rugby. We open our conversation by chatting about how tackling COVID challenges has allowed him to accelerate the changes that he’s wanted to make. After sharing his team’s successes in maintaining participation rates, Gaven talks about how grants have empowered local rugby communities, leading to more players and coaches taking to the field. Considering his 2006 consulting work with Rugby Australia, we ask him if his recommendations were implemented. His answers touch on the executive turnover at that time, along with the sport’s general struggles with recruiting and retaining a customer base. We then discuss the incredible diversity of community rugby, the resilience of smaller clubs, and how rugby organisations and grant-funded programs are trying to align rugby with the grassroots game. A key initiative, we talk about how Queensland is raising mental health awareness before diving into Gaven’s take on the support that community rugby needs right now. Tune in to hear more about how Gavin is tackling the challenges of community rugby. Key Points From This Episode:Exploring Gaven’s role in promoting Queensland community rugby.Gaven shares some of his successes, including high participation despite the pandemic. Hear about Gaven’s ‘roadshow,’ and how he’s engaging with the areas he serves. How Rugby Australia’s emerging grants program is getting more players onto the field.Judging the 2006 recommendations that Gaven made while consulting for Rugby Australia.Why community rugby seems to have been neglected for such a long time. Defining the incredibly diverse spectrum that makes up community rugby.Creating an atmosphere of fellowship and enjoyment in local games.Why rugby culture is realigning the sport with a focus on grassroots games and support.Raising mental health awareness and helping clubs develop mental health strategies.  Gaven discusses changes to the Rookies2Reds program.What community rugby is Queensland needs right now. How you can ensure that schools and clubs can work together as a community unit.Models that allow local rugby communities to adapt to regional strategies.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Gavin Head on LinkedInQueensland Rugby UnionSunnybank RugbyRugby AustraliaThe Emerging Schools Rugby FoundationIn Touch with Mental Health Rookies2Reds ProgramShute Shield Cup 

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