The Australian Army Rugby Union (AARU) was formed in 1931 through the need to better promote and market Rugby Union within the Army. The formation of AARU also provided the vehicle for very talented Army players to gain state and national recognition whilst remaining in the Australian Army.

AARU is a member of the Australian Services Rugby Union, which is an affiliate of the Australian Rugby Union. The AARU has a national and international playing program, which provides ideal exposure and marketing opportunities for corporations.

AARU fields both men’s and women’s senior teams, which are selected from serving members of the Army. Most AARU players compete in Army Unit competitions during the week and most with civilian clubs on weekends.

All players, when representing the Australian Army, are amateur and benefit equally from sponsorship. Australian Army Rugby Union is a non-profit organisation, which seeks to turn back monies it receives into the development of Rugby through out the Australian Army.

The AARU Women’s Team was first formed in 1997 and has competed every year against their Interservice opponents. Female rugby within the Army has seen increased participation over the past few years, with members of our Army Women’s side being skilled and fortunate enough in the past to gain selection for the Australian Wallaroo’s.

Players normally congregate once a year to compete in the Australian Services National Interservice Carnival. In addition to this carnival and as part of the Development program for the AARU, teams aim to tour every two to three years. The AARU Mens’s team last toured France and Germany on 2008 and the AARU Women’s team toured Singapore in 2004.