Danila Lochrin focused on re-energising rugby in the Northern Territory

NT Rugby’s new general manager says nothing is off limits as she and her team seek to put union back in the limelight. Read what she has in mind here.

Faces of NTRU 2025 (L to R) Chris Bedford, Danila Lochrin and Junior Po-Ching. Picture: Darcy Jennings

After a year in the wilderness without a boots on the ground general manager, the NTRU finally has direction with its new leader Danila Lochrin.

Lochrin has taken over the top job at the governing body after leading Equestrian NT for the past five years and has worked with TIO for 15 years.

The Territorian is fervent to get rugby back to its former glory with increased participation and competitiveness atop her agenda, but acknowledged this is not an ‘overnight fix’.

“To increase participation is a goal in any sport but particularly relevant to rugby in the Territory,” Lochrin said.

“I noticed a lot of our clubs in Darwin have only a B-grade side, and don’t have enough to field an A-grade side, same with the women's.

“It’s not an overnight fix, it might take two to three years but I want to see in the senior competition every team has enough for a full A/B and women’s outfit.”

Lochrin isn’t just focused on the Darwin centric teams and wants an uptick in the Territory’s rural areas as well.

Katherine is an area in particular that she’s focused on following the Rucking Roos forfeiting of their B-grade semi-final.

New NTRU general manager Danila Lochrin. Picture: Darcy Jennings

Lochrin is also excited about the return of rugby in Alice Springs with the competition back up and running after being dormant the past 12-months.

“I want to understand what’s going on in Katherine and how we can help them grow and successfully participate in the competition in Darwin,” she said.

“I also want to see how we can improve the game in Central Australia.”

Lochrin is committed to trialling and tinkering with the way the NTRU runs itself.

Shortened seasons and weekday games are in the thought basket with consultation from all member clubs sought after for the betterment of the sport.

“In terms of the layout, we will address the fixtures and so on in the near future, but nothing is off the table,” she said.

“Especially competing with Aussie Rules at the same time of year, how can we make the sport as accessible as possible for everybody?

“We’ve surveyed all our participating clubs off the back of the 2024-25 season and are getting all of their thoughts and feelings to help us craft what the 2026 season and beyond will look like.”

NT Rugby Union welcome new chief executive

An experienced Territory sports administrator has been unveiled as the new NT Rugby Union general manager following an exhaustive search.

Danila Lochrin has taken over the top job at the governing body after leading Equestrian NT for the past five years.

The proud Territorian was named the 2023 NT Sports Awards Volunteer of the Year and has strong ties to NT government sport and recreation through her time with Equestrian NT and Equestrian Australia.

She’s also a well-known face around the NT Rugby community, and particularly the Swampdogs Rugby Union Club, through her two sons.

She will officially begin working with NT Rugby on April 14.

Danila Lochrin named the new NT Rugby general manager.

Ms Lochrin said she was proud to have the opportunity and bring her experiences to the role ahead of what promises to be a big year for the sporting body.

“I’m a proud Territorian and honoured for the opportunity to help write an exciting new chapter of NT Rugby,” she said.

“We’re coming off one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory and there’s plenty to come in 2025 with our junior representative program, the Darwin Masters 10s and a revamped Hottest 7s in the World.”

NT Rugby thanked Rugby Australia for its assistance during the recruitment process, particularly Matt Kaye who took on the role as caretaker chief executive during the recently finished 2024-25 season.

NT Rugby board president Garry Russell said the board was excited to welcome Ms Lochrin to the role.

“We’re excited to welcome Danila to the NT Rugby family. She’s an experienced sports administrator with strong ties to the Territory and its rugby community,” he said.

Originally published as Danila Lochrin focused on re-energising rugby in the Northern Territory