Backed by a $31 million investment from the Victorian Government, the new Victorian Rugby Centre of Excellence at La Trobe University Sports Park will provide a home for Rugby Victoria to base its administration, sport development programs and high-performance training.

Rugby Victoria President Neil Hay was thrilled with the progress of the project.

"The early works are well underway, and we look forward to commencing the main works in the new year. This world class facility will be a game changer for rugby in Victoria," he said.

The Centre of Excellence will also benefit community sport, with local clubs having access the state-of-the-art facilities for development programs, while training for volunteers, administrators, referees and coaches will be conducted at the centre.

It will also be the new home for the Melbourne Rebels Super W team, supporting the development of emerging players and providing a training centre match day field for State representative teams.

Players will have two dedicated rugby fields – one with a grandstand, and a shared field incorporating a rugby field and AFL oval.

The development is a boost for La Trobe University’s sports education credentials as well, with the new centre to be available for students’ learning and research activities.

It’s part of the Victorian Government’s $101 million investment into the sporting precinct, which also includes the Home of the Matildas, and is supporting around 600 jobs during construction.

Eighteen major sports infrastructure investments are now underway across the state, with more than $738 million in active projects invested by the Victorian Government ensuring Victoria remains the sporting capital of Australia, attracting national and international events to our top tier facilities.