The action-packed weekend of rugby came complete with a two-day multicultural festival incorporating cultural food stalls, Polynesian dancers, as well as storytelling and community activations.

Over the weekend, Casey Fields welcomed more than 37 teams of junior boys, girls, senior men and women’s divisions all competing for international honours in this fast-growing Olympic sport.

Melbourne rugby 7’s favourites Melbourne Rising went down to Fiji Drua in a top game for the National Rugby Championship at Casey Fields.

But Rugby 7’s fans were able to celebrate the Wallabies win over Uruguay on the big screen at the festival live site.  

The Victorian Government’s $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program supports organisations to deliver sporting events that are national or international in focus, or have regional significance and are recognised by a relevant sporting body.

More than 650 events have been funded through the Significant Sporting Events Program and more than half of those events were held in regional Victoria, boosting local jobs and economies.

The events bring competitors, officials and supporters to our communities, stimulate the local economy, and inspire more people to stay active and healthy through sport.

The funding is part of the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation, and to encourage all Victorians to get out there and get active.