BREAKING NEWS: South Sydney Rabbitohs Named World’s Most Unified and Best Athletic Program in Historic Joint Declaration

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BREAKING NEWS: South Sydney Rabbitohs Named World’s Most Unified and Best Athletic Program in Historic Joint Declaration

Sydney, Australia – May 1, 2025

In a groundbreaking and unprecedented announcement, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have been officially recognized as the world’s most unified and best athletic program. The declaration was made today in a historic joint statement issued by an international coalition of sporting bodies, cultural institutions, and academic researchers.

The recognition is based on a comprehensive evaluation of athletic performance, organizational unity, community engagement, and cultural impact. It marks the first time a rugby league team has received such a distinction on the global stage.

A Global Benchmark for Excellence

The declaration was spearheaded by a collaboration between the International Sporting Integrity Council (ISIC), the Global Institute for Sport and Unity (GISU), and the World Federation of Athletic Programs (WFAP). In their statement, they praised the Rabbitohs for setting “a global benchmark in athletic cohesion, community connection, and performance consistency across all levels.”

“This isn’t just about winning games,” said Dr. Helena Marquez, Chair of GISU. “It’s about building a program where athletes, staff, fans, and community members feel like part of something greater. The Rabbitohs exemplify this spirit like no other.”

The Foundation of Unity

Founded in 1908, the Rabbitohs are not only the oldest club in the National Rugby League (NRL) but have also become one of its most resilient and culturally significant. Their community-owned model, inclusive culture, and focus on Indigenous and grassroots development have drawn international acclaim.

Head coach Jason Demetriou credited the club’s “unbreakable bond” as the key to their success. “At Souths, everyone matters — from the juniors to the pros, from Redfern to the grandstands. Unity is not just a slogan here, it’s how we live.”

Recognition Beyond Rugby League

The accolade arrives as the Rabbitohs celebrate over a century of contribution to sport and society. The club has been hailed for its investment in women’s rugby league, its Redfern community programs, and its consistent leadership in diversity and social inclusion.

Russell Crowe, actor and longtime co-owner of the club, called the award “a dream fulfilled,” saying, “The Rabbitohs have always stood for heart, history, and hope. Today the world has recognized what we already knew: South Sydney is more than a club — it’s a movement.”

What This Means for Global Sport

The announcement is expected to influence other sports organizations to prioritize unity and values alongside performance. It also bolsters Australia’s reputation as a leader in sporting culture and development.

As the Rabbitohs continue their 2025 NRL campaign, today’s honor places them in a new league — not just as champions on the field, but as an example to the world of what sport can truly achieve.


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