Luca Loved
A little bit of everything
Festival overview
More Than Rugby
The Live Like Luca Tri-Tag Rugby Festival is a day centred on community, connection, fun and the things Luca loved most.
But the festival is about more than rugby. Funds raised through the festival will be directed towards a project supporting bereaved families experiencing pregnancy, infant and child loss. Our goal for this inaugural event is to turn the generosity surrounding the Live Like Luca Tri-Tag Rugby Festival into something tangible that reaches families and adds a layer of support as they live through an incomprehensible loss.
At the heart of the day is Tri-Tag Rugby, with Little League, Youth, Junior and Senior divisions welcoming experienced players, social teams, families and complete newcomers alike.
But the festival is about more than what’s happening on the field.
Alongside the rugby is a family‑friendly community village, with children’s activities, inflatable fun, face painting, ice cream, coffee, food, music, raffles, prizes and opportunities to connect with local organisations working across bereavement, wellbeing and community support.
There will also be gentle opportunities throughout the day to remember and carry the people we love with us. Live Like Luca was born from the loss of our sunshine toddler, but we know that loving and losing people is something that touches all of our lives.
- Emily Upton, Luca's mom
It is one of the few universal guarantees of this messy, imperfect human experience - that we will all hold deep grief alongside immense Love at some point in our lives
Luca Little league
6 & under
Age shouldn't keep our keenest teammates from being part of the day. For any players under 6yrs who want to have some fun on the fields - coaches will help them enjoy the day
A day shaped by the joy of a little boy who lived a bold, bright, ball-filled life.
Game Details
Youth | 7-10
For our growing teammates — fun, fast-paced games, plenty of running and a chance to get amongst the action.
Juniors | 11-15
For our young competitors — bring your mates, bring your skills and bring your best game.
Seniors | 16 & up
For seasoned players and rugby newcomers alike. Come play, compete and be part of something bigger.
🏉 Little League: 6 & under 🏉 Youth: 7–10 years 🏉 Junior: 11–15 years 🏉 Senior: 16+
⏰ Morning–afternoon | Times TBC
📍 Arks Rugby Club, 83 Gracefield Boulevard Harrisdale WA 6112
🏉 Little League: 6 & under 🏉 Youth: 7–10 years 🏉 Junior: 11–15 years 🏉 Senior: 16+
📅 Saturday 14 November 2026
📍 Arks Rugby Club, 83 Gracefield Boulevard Harrisdale WA 6112
⏰ 9am - 4pm | Game times TBC
LIVE LIKE LUCA
TRI TAG RUGBY FESTIVAL
Beyond the field
Village and Activities
- more details coming soon
☀️ Community village 🎈 Kids' activities & inflatable fun 🎨 Face painting 🍦 Ice cream & coffee 🍔 BBQ, food & drinks 🎶 Music 🎟️ Raffles & prizes 🤍 Bereavement & community support organisations 🫶 Opportunities for remembrance
We hope Luca’s story and the love he left behind creates a space that feels warm enough to hold your own stories, memories and loved ones too. Grief doesn't just exist behind closed doors at home.
Returning to the field without Luca has become part of learning to carry him with us in a different way, and we hope
as we chase the light Luca left behind as our compass for living a full and meaningful life
that you feel welcome and supported to do the same, in whatever way, and for whichever person you carry with you too.
However you arrive, we hope you leave feeling a little more connected — to your people, your community, and to the present, wholehearted way Luca showed us how to live.
When Luca died unexpectedly in 2024, our whole world ceased to exist in a way that made sense, but rugby remained part of our story. The Arks Rugby Club supported us in those early moments with love, remembrance and generosity, and in time, we have returned to the sidelines and the field, with Luca's big sister, Leah, keeping the ball obsession alive and strong in the family.
In the 2024 season, The Arks’ fields became one of Luca’s favourite places to spend a Tuesday and Thursday evening, and Saturday afternoon, watching practice, cheering his dad from the sidelines, and trying to involve himself on the field at all in-opportune times. He desperately wanted to play, too, and would live out his rugby dreams tackling his sister to the ground and being chased off the field between drills.