Australia's elite rugby players will support awareness campaigns for ovarian cancer as part of a new community initiative.

The move drew praise from federal sports minister Kate Ellis, who said it showed that not all footballers set bad examples to the rest of the community.

"Our sporting champions are incredibly powerful role models and it's fantastic when we see initiatives to show that sports people are giving back and doing their bit to make our community a better place," she said.

In an apparent reference to recent allegations of sexual assault and other antisocial behaviour against Brisbane Broncos rugby league players, Ms Ellis said: "We all focus so much on those few that set bad examples and who don't utilise the powerful position that they hold within our community.

"When there are outrageous cases of inappropriate behaviour then obviously that is going to be a story but equally I think it's a story when we have these national heroes who put in their own time and effort to make our community a better place.

"It's fantastic ... to shine a light on those who do harness this power and who do such extraordinary work within our community."

Australia's 130 professional rugby players have set up the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) Foundation, to coordinate players' support of charities, including Ovarian Cancer Australia, the Smith Family and the Australian Conservation Foundation.

In launching the foundation, Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock said it would help to focus the charitable efforts many rugby players are already making.

"We believe that by reaching out into the community as a group, great things can happen," Mortlock said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP