When the Ellenbrook Vipers Rugby Club step onto the field, they make a statement about themselves without saying a word. Their jerseys feature the sacred Waugal (snake), designed by Yamatji Noongar artist Godfrena Gilla. The design reflects their values: respect, resilience and results and the belief that they represent something more than the game.
The club has come a long way. It started with a handful of players, borrowed equipment and no facilities. Today, it runs programs for children aged 2 to 13, fields eight teams and operates a thriving, healthy kiosk. More importantly, the Vipers have fostered a culture where players see mental health as equally important as physical strength. That focus led them to being named ‘Champions of Rugby’ in 2025, an initiative funded by Healthway and delivered by RugbyWA. The club received $5,000 to reinvest into health and wellbeing initiatives.
When President Janine Briggs enrolled her son at the club, she was looking for a culture that wasn’t just about winning.
“We were welcomed straight away. We found like-minded people who wanted the kids to grow on and off the field, where every individual mattered and they weren’t just a number,” Janine said.
As the club grew, so did its support network. Volunteers looked at ways they could better support young people both on and off the field, creating roles to help strengthen that focus.
As players entered their teenage years, the club recognised new challenges. Working alongside RugbyWA, the club participated in Mental Health Leadership workshops for senior team members and players. These sessions helped start conversations about resilience, wellbeing, accountability and supporting one another. The following season, the club’s under-16 team built on this through a player-led “Call to Arms” initiative, focusing on these values on and off the field.
The club has made a deliberate decision not to have a bar or serve alcohol to create the healthiest possible environment and that will continue as it prepares to launch a senior social team. The club also changed how it supports players’ physical health. Its kiosk now serves affordable, homecooked
meals, a healthier alternative to the fast food nearby.
Families can eat together or take meals home after training.
Coach Zarna Munro, 19, has been with the club since she was seven years old. She is passionate about both the game and the Vipers.
“I tried a bunch of different sports, but I fell in love with rugby,” Zarna said.
“The Ellenbrook Vipers felt more like a family, where the club cares more about the players than winning.”
Zarna now works for RugbyWA and coaches the Vipers under-13s girls’ team.
My biggest focus is getting to know the girls and making sure they’re comfortable and supported. They know they can talk to me about anything. It’s a great environment. We’ll develop strong rugby players, but they’ll gain so much more. I’m so proud to help nurture the next generation.
