David James partners with Utilita for Switch Before Pitch campaign
6 years ago
Australia Ricky Stuart has had a decorated career as both a rugby league player and coach, transitioning from an esteemed athlete to a respected figure in the sport and community. After achieving three premierships with the Canberra Raiders as a player, he has gone on to coach multiple NRL clubs and national teams, while also establishing 'The Ricky Stuart Foundation' to support families affected by autism.
The Canberra Raiders, under Ricky Stuart's coaching, signed a five-year partnership with Under Armour to supply on-field, training, and headwear apparel starting with the 2026 NRL season. This partnership is facilitated through Under Armour's joint venture with ISC Sport.
Ricky John Stuart was born on January 7, 1967, in Queanbeyan, New South Wales. He initially played rugby union, representing the Wallabies on a tour of Argentina in 1987. In 1988, Stuart switched to rugby league, joining the Canberra Raiders. He quickly established himself as a key player, winning three premierships with the Raiders in 1989, 1990, and 1994. During his playing career, Stuart represented New South Wales 14 times and Australia in nine Test matches, earning the Clive Churchill Medal in 1990 and the Rothmans Medal and Dally M Player of the Year in 1993. His time with the Raiders concluded at the end of the 1998 season after surpassing 200 games for the club, followed by two seasons with the Canterbury Bulldogs before retiring as a player in 2000.
Stuart transitioned into coaching in 2001, immediately leading the Bulldogs Jersey Flegg team to a premiership. His success continued in the National Rugby League (NRL), where he won a premiership with the Sydney Roosters in his inaugural season as head coach in 2002. He coached the Roosters until 2006, guiding them to three consecutive Grand Finals from 2002 to 2004. Subsequently, he coached the Cronulla Sharks from 2007 to 2010 and the Parramatta Eels in 2013, before returning to the Canberra Raiders as head coach in 2014, a position he currently holds. As a coach, Stuart has also worked at representative levels, coaching the NSW Blues in three State of Origin series, including a series win in 2005, and the Australian Kangaroos from 2006 to 2008.
Beyond his professional sporting endeavors, Stuart is a dedicated philanthropist. In 2011, he established “The Ricky Stuart Foundation” to raise awareness and funds for families dealing with autism, a cause inspired by his daughter’s diagnosis. The foundation has successfully opened two respite centers in Canberra, Ricky Stuart House in Chifley and a second house in Cook, providing crucial support for children and teenagers affected by autism. In recognition of his contributions to rugby league and the community, Stuart was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in July 2018 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In 2025, he guided the Canberra Raiders to their first Minor Premiership since 1990 and was awarded the Dally M Coach of the Year.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
